Second Chance for Pollinator Grants on Roadsides

You might care about this because the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is offering a second chance to apply for grants. This grant program helps create and protect habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies along roadsides and highway rights-of-way. These grants are part of the Pollinator-Friendly Practices of Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Discretionary Grant Program. This notice is for Round 2 of funding for Fiscal Year 2023. Up to $1.8 million is still available. State departments of transportation, Indian Tribes, and Federal Land Management Agencies can apply. To qualify, applicants must have a plan detailing their pollinator-friendly practices. The grant covers 100 percent of project costs, up to $150,000 per award. The FHWA is publishing this notice to get public comments on this information collection. They did not receive enough eligible applications to award all funds in the first round. This new notice helps distribute the remaining money. Comments on this information collection are due by May 11, 2026. What makes this notice particularly interesting is that it represents a clear opportunity for specific organizations to receive federal funding for environmental conservation. Many federal grant programs are highly competitive. This notice specifically states that the FHWA did not receive enough eligible applications in the first round. This suggests a higher chance of success for those who apply now. The program itself focuses on a unique and important area: pollinator habitats along roadsides. These areas are often neglected but can play a key role in supporting local ecosystems. Providing 100 percent funding for projects up to $150,000 is also quite generous. This removes a common barrier for smaller agencies or tribes who might struggle to meet matching fund requirements. It shows a strong federal interest in supporting pollinator health. This is important for agriculture and the environment overall. State departments of transportation should definitely pay attention to this funding opportunity. They manage many of the roadsides and highway areas where these projects would take place. Indian Tribes are also directly named as eligible applicants. This is a chance for them to secure funding for environmental projects on or near their lands. Federal Land Management Agencies, such as those overseeing national parks or forests with adjacent roadways, are also key recipients. Beyond these direct applicants, environmental organizations and conservation groups will find this program very relevant. They might partner with eligible entities or advocate for such projects. People working in ecological restoration, wildlife management, or sustainable land use will also find the program details helpful. This funding could jumpstart many local projects aimed at helping pollinators thrive.