Hello TFG Blog Readers – in the world of transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that it had received 568 applications for funding in the 5th Round of the “Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery” (TIGER) Grant Program that were due on June 3. Although DOT touted that the 568 applications for some $9 billion worth of requested funding were evidence of continued strong demand for TIGER grants, there are other figures which may show a waning interest in the program. For example, 568 applications is the lowest number of applications ever received since the program began in 2009. Further, since the amount of available funding for TIGER stabilized at around $500 million in the TIGER III Round, applications have been on a downward track: 828 applications for TIGER III, 703 applications for TIGER IV and 568 applications for TIGER V.
Some observers point to a very tight timeframe for obligating the funds this round (all preconstruction activities must be complete by June 30, 2014) for the decline in applications and others cite the complex nature of the application with its requirement for a formal benefit-cost analysis for most applicants. Awards for TIGER V are expected to be announced this fall.
Some observers point to a very tight timeframe for obligating the funds this round (all preconstruction activities must be complete by June 30, 2014) for the decline in applications and others cite the complex nature of the application with its requirement for a formal benefit-cost analysis for most applicants. Awards for TIGER V are expected to be announced this fall.
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