The American Rescue Plan

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Carbon Reduction Program

On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Public Law 117-58, also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law”) (BIL) into law. The BIL authorizes a new Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) codified in 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) 175 to reduce transportation emissions.

More than $19 million is available to fund a wide range of projects that reduce emissions. Eligible activities as identified in the statute are as follows: traffic management, truck stop electrification, public transportation, transportation alternatives, advanced transportation and congestion management technologies, intelligent transportation systems, development of a carbon reduction strategy, travel demand management, efforts to reduce the impacts of freight movement, deployment of alternative fuel vehicle, diesel engine retrofits, traffic flow improvements that do not involve the construction of new capacity, and projects that reduce transportation emissions at port facilities. Other projects may be eligible with a demonstration of emissions reductions.

Municipalities, county governments, and public transit agencies are eligible to apply. Governments in the Foothills RPO region, including McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties, must submit applications to the RPO for consideration. Applications are due to Katelyn Smith at [email protected] by end of business on February 28th. The applications will be reviewed at the RPO meeting on March 14th. The top 12 applications will be submitted to NCDOT for consideration.

Carbon Reduction Program Implementation Guidance here.

Carbon Reduction Program FAQ’s here.

Carbon Reduction Program Application here.