MassDOT’s Grant Central is a web site where multiple programs are managed through a single Fully Integrated Application (FIA). Open from 11/6/25 until 1/9/26, the site provides all the resources municipalities need to determine project eligibility, selection criteria, and funding availability.
What’s new this year in Grant Central? One important update is that design is now an eligible expense under most of the programs. Communities can now apply for up to $150,000 in design and $1,000,000 in construction funding through six distinct competitive grant programs. Municipalities are eligible to be awarded one grant per program per fiscal year, and grants do not require matching funds from the community.
New programs in Grant Central this year include:
Community Culvert Grant Program
Funds in this program are authorized for culvert repair, replacement, removal, modernization and resiliency improvements. Grants are awarded in two phases – design and construction. While selected projects are fully funded if led by a MassDOT-selected consultant, communities are still eligible to receive up to $150,000 per design if they have contracted with a consultant of their own choosing. Projects are selected based on: community impact, ecological impact, resilience, and improvements to/limited impact to transportation.
Unpaved Roads
This pilot program is awarding up to $1m for the maintenance, repair, and improvement of municipally-owned dirt and gravel roads. Eligible projects include road surface work, safety improvements, drainage improvements, and equipment acquisition. Projects are selected based upon: critical location (impact to bus routes, emergency vehicles, etc.), frequency of closures, current conditions, and demonstrated ability to complete the project within one construction season and within proposed budget. Communities designated as rural and/or underserved communities will rank higher within this program.
Local Early and Actionable Planning (LEAP)
The LEAP Program application is in Grant Central, but communities should be aware that this program provides planning and early-stage design support through MassDOT-led consultants. Through the LEAP Program, MassDOT will provide resources that support capacity building for transportation projects with the help of department staff and an on-call consultant with a focus on rural and gateway city areas. The goal of these projects is to eliminate small barriers that hold communities back from greater state and federal funding opportunities at the planning and demonstration phase of project development. Eligible projects within this program include: concept development; design and engineering for Complete Streets projects; Safe Streets network strategy; safety, traffic & hydraulic analysis; data collection; cost estimating; and visual and mapping support. Within this program, communities may submit a request for assistance. If approved by MassDOT, a consultant is assigned; the project is scoped; and the consultant team produces requested deliverables. TEC is proud to have been recently selected as one of two LEAP consultants who will be assisting communities within this program!
Click here to learn more information about these and other programs available within Grant Central, or contact TEC today for assistance!
