Funding Opportunities
Below are resources cities can use for funding sources. If you have any resources you’d like to see added to this list, please let us know.
Bridge Funding Opportunity
Are you looking for bridge funding? Iowa DOT is putting together a Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) application for FFY2026. They are looking for city bridges to include in this application. City bridges will be bundled into a contract with other nearby city, county, and/or Iowa DOT bridges. Click here for more details.
UPRR and NS Control Application STB Filing Decision Update
Iowa DOT provided an update regarding the amended application submitted by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and Norfolk Southern (NS) to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Click here for a one‑page informational document summarizing recent updates and offering guidance on how to access the official filings and/or become a party of interest in the proceeding.
Urban Forestry Development Grant
Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a pass-through partner for the Urban Forestry Development grants for communities.
The Urban Forestry Development Grant provides reimbursable grants to complete projects such as creating community forestry plans, building urban food forests, hosting educational programming, and workforce development through forestry internships. The grant is a two-year program allowing for projects to take place starting in the fall of 2026 through spring of 2028. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts between $10,000 and $50,000 per applicant.
The Urban Forestry Development grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to improve management, care, and public engagement with trees growing in parks, natural areas, and along public rights-of-way. Grants will also support projects in Iowa communities through investments in community-identified urban forestry needs, advancing environmental or health benefits.
Eligibility is determined by the assessment tool. The application and requirements, including the assessment tool, are available online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbangrants. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on August 17, 2026. Award recipients will be notified by August 31, 2026. Contact Chip Murrow at chip.murrow@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-822-1031 for questions about the application, reimbursement and rules. Contact Laurie Dams at lauren.dams@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-782-6414 for application assistance or to set up a site visit.
USDOT Funding Resources and Opportunities
The USDOT Discretionary Grants Dashboard provides communities with an overview of discretionary grant opportunities that can help meet their transportation infrastructure needs. The Dashboard also includes Federal grant programs outside of DOT that may be of particular interest to rural communities. The below list spotlights just a few of the currently open funding opportunities – visit the Grants Dashboard to find more or check out the calendar of open and upcoming grant opportunities!
Funding through the Iowa DOT
- The Iowa DOT has a wonderful resource full of information regarding state and federal programs providing transportation funding to local governments and other entities. Click here to explore the Iowa DOT’s Funding Guide.
- The Iowa DOT, Modal Transportation Bureau would like to remind cities and counties of the beneficial cost-sharing rail programs available for the repair of at-grade crossing surfaces and upgrading active warning devices at railroad crossings.
- State funded Highway-Railroad Crossing Surface Repair Program
- Federally funded Highway-Railroad Crossing Safety Program, (upgrading of signals, lights, and gates). * Note: The IIJA Bill, passed in 2021 changed the funding for this program from 90% federal funds / 10% local match to 100% federally funded.
- The Local Systems Bureau of the Iowa DOT has developed a website dealing with information describing the various programs within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA provides federal funding for bridges, streets, and other projects. The link is: https://iowadot.gov/local_systems/IIJA-Information. The website also provides guidance on the use of SWAP funds and the processes to undertake as the SWAP program evolves and federally funded projects are developed.