HDR Continues Federal Grant Success, Helping U.S. Transportation Clients Secure $1.6 Billion in 2023

HDR’s grant and infrastructure finance professionals helped secure $1.6 billion in federal transportation discretionary grant funding for clients across the U.S. in 2023. While recent legislation such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created unprecedented levels of infrastructure funding, there remains a very competitive landscape for those seeking funding. Last year, the firm successfully assisted transportation clients in 31 states obtain discretionary funding for dozens of projects in the freight rail, aviation, public transit, highway and maritime sectors.

The grants awarded came from more than 15 federal programs and various agencies, and they support a wide range of transportation initiatives, including bridge replacements, major highway improvements, bus facilities, port rehabilitation and more. Since 2009, HDR-supported applications have captured $1 of every $9 awarded in the U.S. Department of Transportation discretionary grants program.

Recent successful grant applications led by HDR include:

• $180 million to the Florida Department of Transportation, awarded through the USDOT’s INFRA program to add more than 900 truck parking spaces along I-4.
• $103 million to Dallas Area Rapid Transit, awarded by the Federal Transit Administration to help the agency replace 186 of the oldest buses in its fleet under the FTA’s Low/No Emission Vehicle Program 
• $93 million to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, awarded through the FTA Rural Ferry program to replace a 60-year-old vessel.  

To help with annual grant project screening and prioritization, HDR’s teams use a multi-step process called REM — Readiness, Eligibility and Merit — to identify projects within an agency’s capital plan that will be most competitive for each grant program year. HDR’s infrastructure funding experts can assist in every stage of the process, from program evaluation and strategic positioning to grant application development to post-award monitoring of technical requirements. 

“Our infrastructure finance teams work every day to prepare compelling grant applications backed by sound data, help sponsors screen programs and develop holistic long-term funding strategies,” said Nathan Macek, HDR’s transportation infrastructure finance director. “It’s so fulfilling to see the communities we serve across North America benefit from the deep well of funding expertise we provide to help them advance their critical capital programs.” 

About HDR  

HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.