The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a request for applications (RFA) for the “Off Hours Freight Delivery Pilot Project,” which is directed at reducing congestion in small and medium-sized urban areas. A total of $450,000 in funding is available, with a maximum award of $150,000 with a 50 percent cost share.
Working with the Environmental Protection Agency, the pilot will look at how truck deliveries made outside of peak and rush hours - when there is less traffic on the highways—can save time and money for freight carriers, improve air quality and create more sustainable and livable cities. The FHWA anticipates the funding will be used to help businesses retool their operations to accommodate shipments during off hours and distributors reconfigure routes and supply chains. While transportation agencies are eligible to apply for the grants, FHWA encourages them to partner with businesses involved in freight movement.
Projects are intended to improve freight flows and have positive impacts on air quality, environmental justice, sustainability and livability or urban areas. FHWA has engaged contractor support to assist awardees with a webpage and print publications to facilitate outreach to public and private sector stakeholders to implement the program. Applications are due July 13, 2012, and questions about the RFA must be submitted by June 28, 2012 to Eric Robinson (202.366.5507, eric.robinson@dot.gov) or Carl Rodriguez (202.366.4240, carl.rodriguez@dot.gov). The solicitation is posted at www.grants.gov. For the RFA, visit www.nado.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/off-peak-delivery-RFA.pdf.
