Capital Assistance – Major Expansions (MAJ) + Major State of Good Repair (MAJ-SGR) – FY28
🏛 Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
✓ Free, no account · Source: Virginia state grants portal · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Virginia public transportation agencies seeking capital funding for major transit projects. Eligible applicants include regional and local public transit authorities operating bus, rail, or other public transportation systems within Virginia. Projects must cost $3 million or more and focus on either expanding/improving transit services and facilities (MAJ) or replacing entire existing facilities in good repair (MAJ-SGR). Projects must align with Virginia's public transportation plans and demonstrate clear public need.
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Program description
The Capital Assistance grant program supports public transportation capital projects necessary to maintain, improve, or expand public transportation services.The The MERIT Capital Assistance – Major Expansion (MAJ)/Major State of Good Repair (MAJ-SGR) Funding Opportunity should supports the following types of projects. MERIT Capital Assistance – Major Expansion (MAJ) includes: projects that add, expand, or improve transit services or facilities with a total cost of $3 million or more. MERIT Capital Assistance – Major State of Good Repair (MAJ-SGR) includes projects that aim to replace an entire existing facility with a total cost of $3 million or more.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Capital project description and scope
- Ridership demand study or demand projections
- Alignment with regional/statewide transit plans
- Project budget and cost estimates
- Long-term operational funding plan
- Environmental documentation (if required)
- Local government or board resolutions of support
Program contact
- 👤 Daniel Sonenklar
- 📧 daniel.sonenklar@drpt.virginia.gov
- 📞 (804) 489-0925
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Virginia public transportation agencies and regional transit authorities can apply. Contact the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for specific entity eligibility requirements.
What types of projects are eligible?
Major expansions that add or improve transit services/facilities ($3M+) or projects replacing entire facilities ($3M+).
Is there a deadline?
The deadline is December 1, 2026. Check the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation website for any updates or rolling application periods.
Do I need local funding to match?
No local cost-sharing is required for this grant, though your project narrative should still demonstrate financial feasibility and local support.
How competitive is this funding?
This is highly competitive. Projects demonstrating clear ridership demand, operational sustainability, and alignment with regional transit plans are stronger candidates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your project meets the $3 million minimum cost threshold before developing a full application.
- Provide detailed ridership projections and demand studies showing why this expansion or replacement is necessary.
- Connect your project to Virginia's statewide transit plans and local long-range transportation plans.
- Document long-term operational funding commitments so the project remains sustainable after completion.
- Start the application process early—capital planning requires substantial technical documentation and coordination with state agency staff.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating project costs and falling below the $3M threshold. Submitting weak demand studies or ridership projections that don't justify the expansion. Failing to secure or document long-term operational funding commitments after capital project completion.
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