In a significant move toward sustainable infrastructure, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has unveiled a $2 billion grant program dedicated to advancing low-carbon materials in transportation construction. With a focus on reducing embodied greenhouse gas emissions, the program targets materials like concrete, glass, asphalt mix, and steel.
A substantial portion of the funds, amounting to $1.2 billion, is allocated to State Departments of Transportation through a Request for Applications (RFA). This streamlined approach aims to kickstart projects that incorporate low-carbon materials, providing reimbursement or incentives to states for eligible activities. FHWA’s goal is to accelerate the integration of sustainable materials like concrete into ongoing and future infrastructure projects.
FHWA’s initiative isn’t limited to state entities; an additional $800 million will be made available to non-state applicants, such as metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, and Federal agencies. Collaboration between states and other stakeholders is encouraged to maximize the impact of low-carbon initiatives, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable transportation infrastructure. Concrete, as a fundamental component of many construction projects, stands to benefit significantly from this concerted effort to reduce environmental impact across the transportation sector.
The Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program, established under the Inflation Reduction Act, represents a crucial step toward a greener future for transportation infrastructure. By incentivizing the adoption of low-carbon materials and facilitating their integration into construction projects, FHWA aims to drive innovation and promote environmentally friendly practices across the industry. Concrete, along with other materials, will play a pivotal role in reshaping infrastructure development to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainability.
Read more here: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/lowcarbon/