BIP works alongside all levels of government to meet community infrastructure needs with a focus on reducing the number of existing bridges in poor condition or in fair condition and at risk. This funding marks an unprecedented focus on bridge infrastructure, which is vital for connecting residents and local communities. The Bridge Investment Program was established to (1) improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movementof people and freight over bridges; (2) improve the condition of bridges in the United States by reducing the numberof bridges in poor or unsafe condition; (3) provide financial assistance that leverages and encourages non-Federalcontributions from sponsors and stakeholders involved in the planning, design, and construction of eligible projects. Download the grant summary.
Bootcamp Structure
Courses
Peer Learning Sessions (Webinars): Interactive sessions featuring Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the policy and grant approach, followed by smaller sessions for peer discussions
Coaching Sessions: Smaller sessions that continue to build on specific application questions identified in the peer learning session
Office Hours (Consultant Meetings): Support in the form of designated time slots with our SMEs and your team to address specific questions about your grant application
Support
Navigator Team: Our Navigator team is available to help answer the following kinds of questions:
- Bootcamp timelines
- Bootcamp schedules
- Participation expectations
Our Navigator for this grant is Whitney Young. She can be reached at wyoung@nlc.org.
Prepare for Success
Download a full outline of the bootcamp schedule, goals, and key steps to ensure you are ready to attend the following courses and successfully prepare and submit your grant application.
Modules and Resources
Module 1
Orientation and Grant Overview
Cities will be oriented to the funding program.
Module 2
Federal Administration Priorities
Cities will be able to incorporate climate, equity, and training and workforce development into their grant applications and demonstrate that they are willing to raise their ambitions in these priority areas.
Module 3
Incorporating Data
Cities will access and utilize a data platform providing local statistics on issues ranging from health and housing to local economy and environmental issues, as well as other focused variables relevant to their grant application. This module also includes training on conducting equity analysis and developing a strong, data-driven narrative to complement grant applications.
Additional Resources
Module 4
Engaging the Community
Cities will be able to draft Community Engagement and Advocacy Strategies and understand the audience for advocacy and project strategies.
Module 5
Demystifying Capital Sources, Budget, and Service Contracts
Cities focus on the fundamentals of capital sources, budget, and service contracts and develop a draft project budget with matching sources and potential new sources of funding.
Additional Resources
Module 6
Telling Your Story
Cities learn the best practices to produce a compelling grant narrative and package their full grant application.
Module 7
Post-Submission Long-Term Capacity-Building
Once the applications have been submitted, cities develop plans to successfully administer the grant including how best to (re)organize local institutional processes.
