The PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program is a new grant opportunity available through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration. PROTECT stands for Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation.

This new program funds projects addressing the climate resilience of transportation systems, including improving highways, public transportation, ports and intercity passenger rail. Selected projects will use innovative and collaborative approaches to risk reduction through the use of nature-based solutions, including conservation, restoration or construction of shade trees, native vegetation, bioswales, marshes, wetlands, breakwaters, reefs and dunes. These methods will help reduce heat impacts, flood risks, erosion and wave damage while also creating habitat, filtering pollutants and providing recreational benefits. 

Projects selected under this program should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts and vulnerabilities. They should support the continued operation or rapid recovery of crucial local, regional or national surface transportation facilities.

Projects in the PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program have the potential to demonstrate innovation and best practices that state and local governments in other parts of the country can consider replicating.

Eligible entities include states, local governments and tribes. Federal land management agencies may apply jointly with a state. 

All eligible entities, regardless of size, location and experience administering Federal funding awards, are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 18, 2023 at 10:59 p.m. CT.

Learn more and apply on the grants.gov website.