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Grant Application - United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant for Critical Intersection Program
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bjorn E. Hansen, Planning Department, Senior Planner- Long Range Planning, 704-283-3690
ACTION REQUESTED:
1) Authorize staff to work with Monroe, Mineral Springs, and NCDOT to submit grant application, 2) commit $653,500 in Critical Intersection Program funds to the grant application budget, and 3) authorize any required advance of unallocated funds Critical Intersection Program funds to allow the Finance Director to commit to any funding agreement
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
On December 15, 2025, the US Department of Transportation released a notice of funding opportunity for transportation grants, focused on safety, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, and economic competitiveness. Projects in qualified opportunity zones, areas of persistent poverty, historically disadvantaged communities, or rural areas are also encouraged. Staff identified several critical intersections for consideration in a grant application. Two intersections, NC 75 and Potter in Mineral Springs, and Franklin and Johnson in Monroe, are recommended for inclusion in a grant. Applications are due to the USDOT by February 24, 2026, and award announcements will be made no later than June 28, 2026.
Municipal Coordination: The City of Monroe is scheduled to endorse the grant application on February 10. The Town of Mineral Springs is scheduled to endorse the grant application on February 12.
Administration: The NCDOT has agreed to oversee the projects in exchange for an administration fee, which is charged for similar projects.
Scope: The proposed improvements are consistent with designs approved by the municipalities and County in 2021 (Mineral Springs) and 2025 (Monroe).
Cost: The cost of the two intersections is $15.5 million. The BUILD grant request i...
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