Summary: A round-up of recent State and Federal grant announcements and deadlines.
The Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 13 call-for-projects was announced on July 1, 2026. The application deadline is Mon., Nov. 2, 2026. To apply for HSIP funds, an agency must have completed its Board- or Council-approved Local Road Safety Plan, Systemic Safety Analysis Report or Vision Zero Action Plan within the last five years.
A minimum benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 5.0 is required to submit, however the BCR cutoff for applications funded this cycle will adjust upward based on the applications submitted and will likely be much higher. In the past two cycles, the minimum BCR was 18.
For the funding set-asides category, a BCR is not needed. There are five funding set-asides along with their per agency limits:
• Guardrail Upgrades ($1.125M)
• Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements ($360,000)
• Lane Departure Prevention ($360,000)
• Bike Safety Improvements ($360,000)
• Set-aside for Tribes ($360,000)
Caltrans will prioritize set-aside awards for agencies that did not have any projects awarded or those awarded in the past two cycles, and agencies that have had more fatal & severe injury (F+SI) crashes according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
US DOT’s Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Competitive Grant Program will provide funding to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity and infrastructure return on investment. This grant funds smart transportation technologies that make transportation easier, safer, and more efficient. Funding can be used for projects such as smart traffic signals, real-time traveler information, transit technology improvements, connected vehicle systems, emergency response tools, smart parking solutions, and other innovative technologies that help reduce congestion and improve the overall transportation network. Applicants need to show how they will operate and maintain the technology over time, work with public and private partners, and build on existing transportation investments.
Eligible applicants include State/local governments, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations; multijurisdictional groups, research institutions/academic institutions (Fresno State Transportation Institute may be seeking support/partnership for an application). Local Match is 20%.
Action: Information. The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.