$400,000 awarded to capital area council of governments for rural and tribal assistance pilot program to support legal, technical, and financial advisors to help advance infrastructure projects

The Department of Transportation awarded a $400,000 cooperative agreement to Capital Area Council of Governments on July 27, 2026, under the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (CFDA 20.943) to support legal, technical, and financial advisors advancing infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities.

Capital Area Council of Governments will conduct a rural intersection safety enhancement feasibility study in Llano, Blanco, and Lee Counties, Texas. Deliverables include a work plan, quarterly reports, project deliverables, and compliance documentation under 2 CFR 200. The award benefits residents of Llano, Blanco, and Lee County.

Performance period runs through July 26, 2029, with all work performed in Texas. The entire $400,000 obligation is obligated as of the award date. The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides early-stage development assistance by funding either staff hiring or procurement of expert advisory services for transportation infrastructure projects in eligible rural and tribal areas reasonably expected to qualify for DOT credit and grant programs.

Activities to be performed: rurual intersection safety enhancement feasibility study in llano, blanco, and LEE counties. Deliverables/expected outcomes: work plan, quarterly reports, project deliverables and 2 CFR 200 compliance. Beneficiaries:llano, blanco, and LEE county residents