WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a significant update to the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. This initiative, which provides critical funding to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on American roads, is now open for applications from a wide range of eligible entities, including cities, counties, Tribal governments, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) makes $982 million available this year, with similar funding expected to roll out in a subsequent round.
Highlighting the intent behind the program improvements, Secretary Duffy emphasized that the updates aim to streamline processes and focus on delivering tangible safety outcomes. “This is another great step in our Department’s work to refocus on what the American people care about: safety,” he said. “DEI and environmental justice requirements for the Safe Streets program weren’t just unnecessary – they were bogging down the system and preventing money from going out to where it’s needed. I’m pleased with the Department’s effort to update this important program and encourage communities across the country to apply for this funding to reduce road fatalities and make our roads safe again.”
Streamlined Requirements
One of the most notable changes to the SS4A program is the removal of equity and environmental justice provisions, which had previously shaped the direction of funding applications. For example, earlier program guidelines required that projects adopt equity-focused definitions and align with federal climate-change directives. These requirements have now been omitted, enabling the program to concentrate more directly on safety enhancement measures.
Examples of prior provisions that have been eliminated include mandates tied to Executive Order 14008, which emphasized addressing climate crises and defining equity in detailed, socio-economic terms. By reducing these requirements, the updated grant process is designed to be less burdensome for applicants, allowing more focus on tangible safety interventions.
Funding Support for Roadway Safety
The SS4A grant program supports both planning and implementation. Funds may be used to develop safety action plans for high-risk areas or upgrade unsafe roadway corridors. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to pilot innovative traffic safety features and measure their effectiveness.
Eligible applicants span a broad spectrum, including counties, towns, Tribal governments, and transit agencies. Groups of communities and multijurisdictional bodies are also encouraged to apply. By simplifying the application process, the DOT aims to increase access to these federal funds, particularly for smaller communities and organizations unfamiliar with federal funding mechanisms.
The department has underscored the importance of engaging underserved and geographically diverse populations, stressing that communities who have not previously applied are strongly encouraged to participate.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Notice of Funding Opportunity is now available at https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A. Applications are due by June 26, 2025, providing prospective applicants ample time to prepare proposals that align with the program’s objectives.
Forward Momentum
The updated SS4A program reflects a targeted federal effort to directly confront the ongoing crisis of traffic fatalities and injuries nationwide. By increasing accessibility and reducing administrative barriers, the Department of Transportation is working to ensure that these critical funds reach communities where they are most needed.
With nearly $1 billion in funding available in this round and additional funding anticipated next year, SS4A provides a valuable opportunity for local governments to take deliberate action to safeguard lives. As the application period opens, the program signals a renewed dedication to road safety and operational efficiency, while leaving the door open for future enhancements in America’s traffic safety landscape. Through these updates, the DOT continues to advance its mission of making the nation’s roadways safer for all.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.