Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP)
🏛 DOT Federal Highway Administration
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for states with low population density or smaller populations that have significant bridge repair needs. Eligible states must have either a population density below 115 people per square mile OR a population under 1.1 million. They must also have less than 26% of bridges in good condition OR 4.9% or more in poor condition. Based on these criteria, 20 states qualify: Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Projects must be administered by state transportation departments.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
This NOFO will award up to $350 million in FY 2026 funding via cost reimbursable grants.
The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds.
Eligible States (See Additional Eligibility information below) with greater than 14 percent of total bridges classified in poor condition are to receive no less than $32.5 million, provided the State submits eligible application(s) with a total value that meets or exceeds $32.5 million. There is no minimum award amount for States that do not meet this condition.
No State shall be awarded more than $55 million.
Under FY 2026 CHBP, the Federal share of the cost is in accordance with 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 120. See Section B for more details. Applicants that do not provide at least the minimum non-Federal cost share will be classified as ineligible.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NOFO application form
- Project narrative and bridge condition assessment
- Budget and cost-share commitment documentation
- Environmental clearance documentation
- State DOT administration certification
Program contact
- 👤 DOT Federal Highway Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202-366-4004
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 20.267 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.267). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2026 est. | $250,000,000 |
FAQ
Which states can apply for this grant?
Only 20 eligible states can apply, determined by population density, total population, and bridge condition data. Check if your state is listed in the eligibility section.
What is the deadline and how much funding is available?
The deadline is July 27, 2026. Up to $350 million total is available, with a maximum of $55 million per state.
What can the grant funds be used for?
Funds support competitive highway bridge repair and improvement projects. Projects must be administered by state departments of transportation.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, applicants must provide at least the minimum non-Federal cost share per 23 U.S.C. § 120. Applications without required matching funds will be ineligible.
Are there incentives for states with worse bridge conditions?
States with over 14% of bridges in poor condition receive a minimum of $32.5 million if they submit qualifying applications meeting that threshold amount.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your state is eligible before investing time in the application—only 20 states qualify.
- Review bridge condition data (National Bridge Inventory as of June 2024) to understand your state's competitive position.
- Confirm your required cost-sharing percentage under 23 U.S.C. § 120 before developing your budget.
- Prioritize high-impact bridge projects that address poor-condition structures identified in recent inventories.
- Allow sufficient time to coordinate with your state DOT and secure matching funds commitment before the July 27 deadline.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications from ineligible states will be rejected immediately. Failing to include required non-Federal cost share will result in ineligibility. Projects not administered by state DOTs do not qualify.
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