Federal Highway Administration Seeks Input on New Grant Programs for Pedestrian Safety and Bridge Repair

You might care about this because the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, is asking for your thoughts on two new grant programs. These programs are designed to improve safety and infrastructure across the country. One program is called the Stopping Threats on Pedestrians, or STOP, Grant Program. It aims to prevent accidents by funding physical barriers like bollards in crowded areas. The other is the Type 3 Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation, or BIT3, Grant Program. This program will help replace or fix specific county-owned bridges that cross water structures managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The FHWA wants to collect information from potential applicants for these grants. Before they can do this, they need approval from the Office of Management and Budget. This notice is part of a required process under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The FHWA is publishing this to let the public know about their plans and to get comments on the process for collecting application information. They are offering $5 million for STOP grants and $25 million for BIT3 grants for fiscal year 2026. Both programs offer 100 percent federal funding, meaning local governments do not need to contribute their own money. Your feedback on how they collect this information is important. You have until July 20, 2026, to submit your comments. This document is particularly interesting because it announces the creation of highly specific federal grant programs aimed at critical safety and infrastructure needs. The STOP Grant Program directly addresses the growing concern of vehicle-ramming incidents and pedestrian safety in public spaces. Funding 100 percent of the cost for bollard installation means a huge burden is lifted from local governments, making these essential safety upgrades more achievable. Similarly, the BIT3 Grant Program targets a very particular set of bridges: county-owned structures over USBR water conveyances. These bridges are often overlooked but are crucial for water delivery and local transportation. The 100 percent federal share for these projects means that essential repairs can happen without straining limited county budgets. This notice also highlights the transparency of the federal government. By inviting public comments on the information collection process, the FHWA allows citizens and affected entities to influence how government programs are administered. This helps ensure the application process is as clear and efficient as possible for future applicants. Many different groups will find this document very interesting. Local government entities and State Departments of Transportation should pay close attention, especially if they have high-pedestrian areas or specific bridges needing repair. Urban planners and city administrators who are responsible for public safety will want to know about the STOP Grant Program. Organizations focused on pedestrian safety and public space design will also find this relevant. For the BIT3 Grant Program, county governments, particularly those in states with Bureau of Reclamation facilities, are key audiences. Bridge engineers, public works departments, and infrastructure contractors might also be interested in the opportunities these grants present. Anyone involved in writing grants for public sector projects will want to review this notice to understand the requirements and timelines. Finally, members of the public who care about how their tax dollars are spent, or who live in communities that could benefit from safer public spaces and better bridges, should also find this information valuable.