$500,000 awarded to whatcom transportation authority 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 $500,000 cooperative agreement to Whatcom Transportation Authority on November 2, 2026, under the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (CFDA 20.943) to support legal, technical, and financial advisors advancing rural transit infrastructure projects. The award obligates $500,000 in full.

Whatcom Transportation Authority will deliver financial advising and project management services for rural transit-oriented development activities in Whatcom County, Washington. Deliverables include a work plan, quarterly reports, project deliverables, and compliance documentation under 2 CFR 200. The work will benefit Whatcom County residents.

Performance runs from the award date through November 1, 2029, with work performed in Washington. The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides early-stage development assistance for transportation infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities through grants that support hiring of staff or procurement of expert advisory services in financial, technical, and legal disciplines.

Activities to be performed: financial advising and project management for rural transit oriented development. Deliverables/expected outcomes: work plan, quarterly reports, project deliverables and 2 CFR 200 compliance. Beneficiaries: whatcom county residents