Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM

693JJ324NF00029

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Initial Opening Date: September 17, 2024 Initial Closing Date: December 16, 2024

Amendment No. 1 Opening Date: May 21, 2026 Amendment No. 1 Closing Date: June 11, 2026

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and FY 2024 National Scenic Byways Program

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration

(FHWA)

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity, Amendment No. 1

SUMMARY:

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION: National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) Notice of Funding Opportunity Issuing Agency FHWA Amendment No. 1 The purpose of Amendment No. 1 is to (1) remove references to rescinded Executive Orders; (2) align the NOFO with new Executive Orders, which includes revisions to Administrative and National policy requirements found in Section F; (3) remove the Climate and Sustainability and Equity goals from Merit Criterion #1; (4) add Reinvesting in the American Family to Merit Criterion #1; (5) add project readiness to the FHWA Priority Selection Considerations; and (6) provide an opportunity for Applicants responsive to the FY2023-2024 NSBP NOFO to amend their applications in response to Amendment No. 1.

FHWA is not soliciting new applications for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2024. Funding appropriated in FY25 and any future rounds of NSBP funding will be announced under a separate

NOFO.

Applicants who submitted an application in accordance with the FY2023-2024 NSBP NOFO requirements prior to December 16, 2024, will be notified of this Amendment No. 1, and will be provided 21 calendar days, from the date of Amendment No. 1, to:

• Indicate they are retaining their existing application.

• Submit an amended application; or

• Request withdrawal of their application from consideration.

Applicants are encouraged to review this Amendment No. 1 in its entirety. Section E. Application Review Information provides information on the application evaluation process. If submitting an amended application, the applicant should highlight changes from the original application to assist reviewers.

Applicants should send their response, and the amended application as applicable, to scenicbyways@dot.gov with a copy to Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov and Edward.Starks@dot.gov by June 11, 2026 11:59:59 PM ET. FHWA will not review any amended applications submitted after this date. If no response is received by the deadline date, FHWA will retain and consider the previously submitted application.

Application Deadline DUE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS June 11, 2026, PM ET.

FHWA anticipates announcing award selections the week of June 22, 2026.

Program Overview Established in Title 23, Section 162 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), the NSBP is a grass-roots collaborative effort to help recognize, preserve, and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Per 23 U.S.C. 162(b), grants and technical assistance are available to State departments of transportation (State DOT) and Indian Tribes to implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads (collectively America’s Byways®), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways; and to plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program.

Objective Award grants, on a competitive basis, to implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads (collectively America's Byways®), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways; and plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program

Eligible Applicants - States

- Indian Tribes

Eligible Project Types Under 23 U.S.C. 162(c), eligible projects to receive a NSBP grant are limited to the following:

1. An activity related to the planning, design, or development of a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program.

2. Development and implementation of a corridor management plan to maintain the scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological characteristics of a byway corridor while providing for accommodation of increased tourism and development of related amenities.

3. Safety improvements to a State scenic byway, Indian Tribe scenic byway, National Scenic Byway, All- American Road (collectively America's Byways®) to the extent that the improvements are necessary to accommodate increased traffic and changes in the types of vehicles using the highway as a result of the designation as a State scenic byway, Indian Tribe scenic mailto:scenicbyways@dot.gov mailto:Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov mailto:Edward.Starks@dot.gov byway, National Scenic Byway, or All-American Road.

4. Construction along a scenic byway of a facility for pedestrians and bicyclists, rest area, turnout, highway shoulder improvement, overlook, or interpretive facility.

5. An improvement to a scenic byway that will enhance access to an area for the purpose of recreation, including water-related recreation.

6. Protection of scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological resources in an area adjacent to a scenic byway.

7. Development and provision of tourist information to the public, including interpretive information about a scenic byway.

8. Development and implementation of a scenic byway marketing program.

Eligible Highways NSBP eligible projects may only be implemented on highways designated in 23 U.S.C. 162(b)(1)(A)(i) – (v) as follows:

- National Scenic Byways;

- All-American Roads;

- America’s Byways;

- State scenic byways; or

- Indian Tribe scenic byways.

Limitation on Award of NSBP Grants Under 23 U.S.C. 162(d), the Secretary shall not make a grant under 23 U.S.C. 162 for any project that would not protect the scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, or archaeological integrity of a highway or adjacent areas.

Funding This opportunity will result in the distribution of up to $26.95 million in FY 2023 and FY 2024 funding. The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds.

Deadline Thursday, June 11, 2026, 11:59pm ET Cost Share Per 23 U.S.C. 162(f), the “Federal share of the cost of carrying out a project under this section shall be 80 percent, except that, in the case of any scenic byway project along a public road that provides access to or within Federal or Indian land, a Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA) may use funds authorized for use by the agency as the non-Federal share.” The phrase “80 percent” means up to 80 percent of total eligible project costs.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) requests grant applications for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) as provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328) and the Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42). Funds available under this NOFO are for Fiscal Years (FY) 2023 and 2024. In total, this grant opportunity will result in the distribution of up to $26.95 million that are currently available. A set-aside of 2 percent of the appropriated funding will be used by FHWA for technical assistance activities. The actual amount available to be awarded under this NOFO will be subject to the availability of funds.

Funds made available for the NSBP grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis, as provided by the two Appropriations Acts, to implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads (collectively America's Byways®), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways; and plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program per Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 162(b). This NOFO describes the application requirements, selection and evaluation criteria, applicable program and Federal requirements, and available technical assistance during the grant solicitation period.

DATES:

Applications under the FY2023-2024 NSBP NOFO were required to be submitted electronically through grants.gov by no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Monday, December 16, 2024 (the “application deadline”).

This opportunity is only open to applicants who submitted an application in accordance with the FY2023-2024 NSBP NOFO requirements prior to December 16, 2024. These applicants should indicate to FHWA if they are:

• retaining their existing application;

• submitting an amended application; or

• requesting withdrawal of their application from consideration.

Responses, and the amended application as applicable, should be sent to scenicbyways@dot.gov with a copy to Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov and Edward.Starks@dot.gov by June 11, 2026, 11:59:59 PM ET. FHWA will not review any amended applications submitted after this date. If no response is received by the deadline date, FHWA will retain and consider the previously submitted application.

FHWA held a webinar on Thursday, October 10, 2024, (3:00pm-4:30pm Eastern Time).

ADDRESSES:

Applications were required to be submitted electronically through grants.gov. Refer to Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 20.205. Please reference Section D. Application and Submission Information for information on how to submit an amended application.

https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:scenicbyways@dot.gov mailto:Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov https://www.grants.gov/

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kenan Hall Agreement Specialist Office of Competitive Grants and Workforce Programs Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE. W51-232 Washington, DC 20590 Email: scenicbyways@dot.gov (preferred) Phone: (202) 366-4000

Alternate:

Ryan Buck Team Leader, Agreement Officer Office of Competitive Grants and Workforce Programs Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE. W51-232 Washington, DC 20590 Email: scenicbyways@dot.gov (preferred) Phone: (202) 366-4000

Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FHWA will not review applications in advance, but FHWA staff are available for general questions about the NSBP and NOFO. FHWA will not provide technical assistance to any applicant, including providing guidance on how to address any information that should be included in an application. To ensure applicants receive accurate information about eligibility or the program, the applicant is encouraged to contact FHWA directly at scenicbyways@dot.gov, rather than through intermediaries or third parties, with questions.

Applicant resources are provided on FHWA’s NSBP Website at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/. Frequently asked questions from FHWA’s 2024 NSBP NOFO are also a resource that may provide answers to applicants’ questions. Here is the link: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/grants/NSBP_2024_Grants_FAQs.pdf

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Each section of this NOFO contains information and instructions relevant to the application process for NSBP grants. The applicant should read this NOFO in its entirety so that they have the information they need to submit eligible and competitive applications.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/

Table of Contents

A. Program Description…………………………………………………………………………..7

B. Federal Award Information………………………………………………………………….. 8

C. Eligibility Information……………………………………………………………………….10

D. Application and Submission Information……………………………………………………13

E. Application Review Information…………………………………………………………….24

F. Federal Award Administration Information…………………………………………………30

G. Other Information …………………………………………………………33

This NOFO contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424C, and SF-LLL has been approved by OMB under 2105-0520. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB control number.

FHWA uses www.grants.gov for receipt of all applications. Applicants must register and use the system to submit applications electronically. Applicants are encouraged to register in advance of the submission deadline and to register to receive notifications of updates/amendments to this NOFO. Approval of user registrations for the site may take multiple weeks. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to monitor for any updates to this NOFO.

http://www.grants.gov/

SECTION A - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. OVERVIEW

Section 1047 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-240) established an interim scenic byways program and provided grants to States for scenic byways projects. Section 1219 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Pub. L. 105-178, June 9, 1998), as amended, established the NSBP, which is codified at 23 U.S.C. 162.

The purpose of the NSBP is to help recognize, preserve, and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, enacted on December 29, 2022, appropriated $20 million, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, enacted on March 8, 2024, appropriated an additional $7.5 million in Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) funds for the NSBP under 23 U.S.C. 162. Section 162 provides that grants and technical assistance be made available to the State departments of transportation (State DOT) or Indian Tribes to (a) implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads (collectively America's Byways®), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways;

and (b) plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program. Eligible projects include access to recreation, byway facilities, construction, corridor management plans, highway improvements, interpretive information, marketing programs, resource protection, safety improvements, State and Indian Tribe scenic byway programs, and tourist information.

Eligible projects are listed at 23 U.S.C. 162(c).

Between 1992 and 2012, FHWA awarded over $505 million in NSBP grants. In 2022, FHWA awarded approximately $21.8 million in grants to 33 projects. For information on all Scenic Byways grants issued, see https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/grants/.

Administration Priorities and Departmental Strategic Plan Goals

The Department intends to apply principles from DOT Order 2100.7, (Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and Activities) when evaluating applications and making award selections. Such principles include maximizing to the extent practicable, relevant, appropriate and consistent with law, benefits for families and communities.

The benefits may include, but are not limited to, economic opportunities, increased access to jobs, healthcare facilities, recreational activities, commercial activities or any project components that will help alleviate poverty, enhance safety and primarily benefit families and communities by improving the quality of their lives, raising their standard of living, or enabling them to participate more fully in our economy.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, DOT will prioritize projects that are in alignment with the principles outlined in DOT Order 2100.7.

Program goals include supporting projects that Reinvest in the American Family, projects that promote Safety, and projects that support Workforce Development, Job Quality, and Wealth Creation. Furthermore, FHWA seeks to prioritize projects that are ready to quickly obligate awarded funds. , projects that promote Safety, and projects that support Workforce Development, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/grants/ https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs https://www.transportation.gov/mission/ensuring-reliance-upon-sound-economic-analysis-department-transportation-policies-programs

Job Quality, and Wealth Creation. Furthermore, FHWA seeks to prioritize projects that are ready to quickly obligate awarded funds.

Section E of this NOFO, which outlines the 2024 NSBP grant selection criteria, describes the process for selecting projects that further these goals. Section F.3 describes progress and performance reporting requirements for selected projects, including the relationship between that reporting and the program’s selection criteria, and the Administration’s Priorities and Departmental Strategic Plan Goals as appropriate.

2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The NSBP is described in the Federal Assistance Listings under the assistance listing program title ‘‘Highway Planning and Construction’’ and assistance listing number 20.205.

FHWA is committed to considering project funding decisions holistically among the various competitive grant programs available in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). DOT also recognizes that applicants may be seeking funding from multiple competitive grant programs and opportunities. An applicant may seek the same award amounts from multiple DOT competitive opportunities or seek a combination of funding from multiple DOT opportunities.

The applicant should identify any other DOT programs and opportunities they intend to apply for (or use if the Federal funding is already available to the applicant), and what award amounts they will be seeking, in the appropriate sections of this NOFO, including Section D.2.a. II.

3. CHANGES FROM THE 2023-2024 NOFO

Under Section E.1, Merit Criteria and policy considerations have been updated to align with statutory requirements and administration priorities:

• Climate and Sustainability and Equity goals will no longer be considered under Merit Criterion 1.

• Reinvesting in the American Family goal has been added to Criterion #1.

• Project readiness has been added to the FHWA Priority Selection Considerations

Section D and Section E have also been updated to rate and prioritize applications based on readiness to obligate funding.

Section F. Administrative and National Policy Requirements has been updated to align with statutory requirements and administration priorities.

SECTION B – FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Award Amount Available

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 appropriated $20 million and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 appropriated an additional $7.5 million in Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) funds. The congressional report accompanying the appropriations directs FHWA to set aside 2 percent for administrative activities and technical assistance. This NOFO will make $26.95 million to be awarded by FHWA for the NSBP under 23 U.S.C. 162.

2. Award Size

There is no minimum or maximum award size. FHWA anticipates awarding between 30-40 grants.

3. Statutory Funding Provisions

There are statutorily required project selection priorities which are outlined in Section D.2.V.

4. Previous NSBP Awards

Previous recipients of NSBP grants may apply for funding to support additional phases of a project previously awarded funds in the NSBP. However, to be competitive, the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which the previously funded project phase has met estimated project schedules and budget, as well as the ability to realize the benefits expected for the project. A previous NSBP award, or application, does not affect competitiveness under this

NOFO.

5. Type of Award

If the successful applicant is a State DOT or if a State DOT will serve as a pass-through entity to a non-State DOT entity, NSBP funds will be awarded upon the execution of a project agreement, which is a type of grant agreement for administration of funds to a State DOT in the Fiscal Management Information System (FMIS).

If the successful applicant is a Tribe, funds will be awarded upon the execution of a grant agreement with FHWA. A determination will be made if the awardee will administer the project or options may include an applicable State DOT or FHWA Federal Lands Highway Division.

6. Availability of Funds

Awards provided with FY 2023 appropriated funding must be obligated by September 30, 2026, and expended by September 30, 2031. Awards provided with FY 2024 funding must be obligated by September 30, 2027, and expended by September 30, 2032. Obligation of a NSBP grant occurs when a selected applicant enters a project/grant agreement with FHWA and FHWA authorizes the project to proceed. For construction, this is generally after the applicant has satisfied applicable administrative requirements, including transportation planning and environmental review requirements and compliance with Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 635, Subpart C “Physical Construction Authorization” for State DOT applicants or 2 CFR 200.318 – 327 for non-State DOT applicants.

7. Period of Performance

If a grant recipient will be a State DOT or if a State DOT will serve as a pass-through to a non- State DOT entity awarded a grant, the DOT Payment System will be “Current Bill” in the “FMIS” and the start of the period of performance will begin on the date NSBP funds are obligated in FMIS and end on the project end date in FMIS.

If a grant recipient will be a Tribe, the DOT Payment System will be “DELPHI eInvoicing” and the start of the period of performance will begin on the date of the grant agreement executed by

FHWA which will obligate the NSBP and end on the period of performance that is listed in the grant agreement.

SECTION C – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

To be selected for a grant, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements under Section C, including Eligible Applicant; Eligible Project; and Statutory Cost Sharing or Match requirements. Applications that do not meet these eligibility requirements will not be evaluated under criteria in Section E.

Statutory Eligibility

(a) Applicants must clearly identify all three of the following applicant and project eligibilities:

1. The State DOT or Indian Tribe applying for funding (23 U.S.C. 162(b)(1)).

2. The type of byway designation (National Scenic Byways, All-American Road, State scenic byway, or Indian Tribe scenic byway (23 U.S.C. 162(b)(1)(A)(i) – (v)).

3. The eligible project under 23 U.S.C. 162(c).

(b) Applicants must also include an explanation as to how the project will protect the scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological integrity of a highway and adjacent areas. (23 U.S.C. 162(d))

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants for the NSBP competitive grants are (1) States and (2) Indian Tribes (23 U.S.C. 162(b)(1)). For the purpose of this program and as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304), Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians (49 U.S.C. 6703(a)(2)).

Other entities may partner with a State DOT or Tribal government to apply, but the eligible applicant (i.e., recipient) must be a State DOT or Indian Tribe.

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

The Federal share for a scenic byway project is up to 80 percent of the total eligible project costs (23 U.S.C. 120(h) and 162(f). Information on calculating non-Federal share can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/understanding-non-federal-match-requirements. Private, local, Indian Tribe and State funds may be used as the non-Federal matching https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/understanding-non-federal-match-requirements https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/understanding-non-federal-match-requirements share. Additional information on non-Federal matching requirements can be found at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/policy/memonfmr_tapered20190515.htm.

Property and materials are accepted toward the match share if the source is an individual or a private entity, local government, or Indian Tribe applying through the State DOT. Services are accepted toward the match share if the source is an individual or a private entity, local government, or Indian Tribe applying through the State DOT directly to FHWA.

FHWA will not consider previously incurred costs or previously expended or encumbered funds towards the matching requirement for any project. Matching funds are subject to the same Federal requirements described in Section F.2. as awarded funds.

See Section D.2.b.II for information about documenting cost sharing in the application.

For each project that receives a grant under this NOFO, FHWA expects the project to be completed using at least the level of non-Federal funding that was specified in the application.

3. OTHER

i. Number of Applications

A State DOT or Tribe may submit more than one application; however, only one project may be included in each application. If a State DOT or Tribe is submitting more than one application, when submitting each application, please inform FHWA its priority over the others by numeral ranking with “1” being the highest priority.

ii. Multi-State and Multi-Tribe Applications

State DOTs may submit multi-State byway applications and Indian Tribes may submit multi-Tribe byway applications for funding. For purposes of the grant administration, a multi-State or multi-Tribe grant is an arrangement whereby one State DOT or Indian Tribe agrees to serve as the lead State DOT or lead Indian Tribe for preparing and submitting a single grant application, as well as administering the grant. The lead State DOT or lead Indian Tribe determines the priority for the multi-State or multi-Tribe grant.

Similarly, if the proposed project falls on or is adjacent to both State DOT and Tribal land, the State DOT and Tribe should coordinate to determine who will act as lead for preparing and submitting the application.

iii. Federal Land Management Agencies

FLMAs are not eligible to apply for NSBP competitive grants. The FLMAs may coordinate with States or Tribes to apply but may not act as lead applicant. If funding is awarded, a State DOT or Tribe may enter into an agreement with an FLMA to carry out the project. In addition, a State may request that funding be directly allocated to the FLMA for administration under an agreement in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 132.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/policy/memonfmr_tapered20190515.htm

iv. Eligible Projects

Under 23 U.S.C. 162(c), eligible projects to receive a NSBP grant are limited to the following:

1. An activity related to the planning, design, or development of a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program.

2. Development and implementation of a corridor management plan to maintain the scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological characteristics of a byway corridor while providing for accommodation of increased tourism and development of related amenities.

3. Safety improvements to a State scenic byway, Indian Tribe scenic byway, National Scenic Byways or All-American Road (collectively America's Byways®) to the extent that the improvements are necessary to accommodate increased traffic and changes in the types of vehicles using the highway as a result of the designation as a State scenic byway, Indian Tribe scenic byway, National Scenic Byway, or All-American Road.

4. Construction along a scenic byway of a facility for pedestrians and bicyclists, rest area, turnout, highway shoulder improvement, overlook, or interpretive facility.

5. An improvement to a scenic byway that will enhance access to an area for the purpose of recreation, including water-related recreation.

6. Protection of scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological resources in an area adjacent to a scenic byway.

7. Development and provision of tourist information to the public, including interpretive information about a scenic byway.

8. Development and implementation of a scenic byway marketing program.

v. Eligible Highways

NSBP-eligible projects may only be implemented on highways designated in 23 U.S.C.

162(b)(1)(A)(i) – (v) as follows:

1. National Scenic Byways;

2. All-American Roads;

3. America’s Byways;1

4. State scenic byways; or

5. Indian Tribe scenic byways.

vi. Limitation on Award of NSBP Grants

The Secretary is prohibited from making a NSBP grant for any project that would not protect the scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, or archaeological integrity of a highway or adjacent areas. The Federal share for a scenic byway project is up to 80

1 America's Byways® is the umbrella term FHWA uses for the collection of 184 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. America's Byways include the National Scenic Byways and All- American Roads.

percent of the total eligible project costs (23 U.S.C. 120(h) and 162(f).

SECTION D - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

NOTE: Applicants who applied under the FY2023-2024 NSBP NOFO prior to December 16, 2024, will be notified of this Amendment No. 1 and will be provided 21 calendar days, from the date of Amendment No. 1, to indicate they are:

• Retaining their existing application;

• Submitting an amended application; or

• Requesting withdrawal of their application from consideration.

All applications will be rated based on this amended NOFO. No new applications will be accepted under this amendment. FY25 and future rounds of NSBP funding will be announced in a new NOFO in the future.

Please send your response, and the amended application as applicable, to scenicbyways@dot.gov with a copy to Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov and Edward.Starks@dot.gov by June 11, 2026, 11:59:59 PM ET. FHWA will not review any amended applications submitted after June 11, 2026 PM ET. If no response is received by the deadline date, FHWA will retain the existing application and proceed with the review process. If submitting an amended application, the applicant should highlight changes from the original application to assist reviewers.

The information found below pertains to original applicants and does not apply to the reconsideration requirements under this amendment.

All application materials may be found on at http://www.grants.gov.

Once at Grants.gov, select the Search Grants tab. Then enter one of the following:

• Opportunity Number: 693JJ324NF00029

• Opportunity Name: NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM-2024

• Assistance Listing Number: 20.205

When at one of these pages, select the Opportunity, which will open to a page with several tabs.

The first tab is a synopsis of the opportunity. Select the Application Package tab to download the forms needed to submit an FY 23 and 24 NSBP application.

For Teletypewriter/Telephone Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) users, please call 711. If potential applicants are unable to download the application package from the internet, they may send a written request for a paper copy to the below address. Requests should be sent to:

Kenan Hall Agreement Specialist Office of Competitive Grants and Workforce Programs mailto:scenicbyways@dot.gov mailto:Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov http://www.grants.gov/

Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Washington, DC 20590 Email: scenicbyways@dot.gov (preferred) Phone: (202) 4000

Alternate:

Ryan Buck Team Leader, Agreement Officer Office of Competitive Grants and Workforce Programs Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Washington, DC 20590 Email: scenicbyways@dot.gov (preferred) Phone: (202) 366-4000

Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

2. CONTENT AND FORM OF SUBMISSION

i. Application

Note: Applicants who wish to amend a previously submitted application must email an amended project narrative by June 11, 2026, 11:59 PM ET to scenicbyways@dot.gov with a copy to Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov and Edward.Starks@dot.gov.

If the amendment to the application also changes content within a standard form, please also attach the amended standard form to the email. If nothing changed within the standard form or another document, there is no need to resubmit that material. If submitting an amended application, the applicant should highlight changes from the original application to assist reviewers.

In reference to Merit Criterion #1, applicants should remove references to climate and sustainability, and equity goals. Any information provided to support these goals will not be considered during the evaluation process. Applicants are encouraged to add references to the Reinvesting in the American Family goal.

FHWA will not accept any amended applications after June 11, 2026, 11:59 PM ET. If no response is received by the deadline date, FHWA will retain the existing application and proceed with the review process.

The information found below pertains to original applicants and does not apply to the reconsideration requirements under this amendment.

mailto:scenicbyways@dot.gov mailto:scenicbyways@dot.gov mailto:scenicbyways@dot.gov mailto:Bronwen.Keiner@dot.gov

No late applications will be accepted.

The information found below pertains to original applicants and does not apply to the reconsideration requirements under this amendment.

Note: DOT may share application information within DOT or with other Federal Agencies if DOT determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s objectives.

The application must include the Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance), Standard Form 424C (Budget Information for Construction Programs) or Standard Form 424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs) and a Project Narrative.

FHWA recommends that the project narrative follow the outline below. Following the outline will also assist evaluators in locating relevant information.

I. Basic Project Information – Description, Location, and Parties

See D.2.I

II. Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of all Project Funding

See D.2.II

III. Merit Criteria See D.2.III

IV. Project Readiness and Environmental Risk

See D.2.IV

V. Statutorily Required Project Selection Priorities and FHWA Priority Selection Considerations

See D.2.V

The project narrative should provide information necessary for FHWA to determine that the project satisfies project requirements described in Section C for the grant program and to assess the merit criteria specified in Section E.1.

To the extent practicable, applicants should provide supporting data and documentation in a form that is publicly available and directly verifiable by FHWA. FHWA may, but is not required to, request additional information, including additional data, to clarify supporting data and documentation submitted in an application, but FHWA encourages applicants to submit the most relevant and complete information they can provide. To ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation of applications submitted under this NOFO, FHWA will not request additional information to perfect incomplete applications.

In addition to the information submitted in an application template, applicants should submit a detailed statement of work (SOW), detailed project schedule, and detailed project budget.

Applicants must submit narratives to support these project elements and should include a table of contents, maps, and graphics, as appropriate, to make the information easier to review.

FHWA recommends that the project narrative be prepared with standard formatting preferences (i.e., a single-spaced document, using a standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins). The project narrative may not exceed 10 pages in length. Appendices may include documents supporting assertions or conclusions made in the 10-page project narrative and do not count towards the 10-page limit. If possible, Website links to supporting documentation should be provided rather than copies of these supporting materials. If supporting documents are submitted, applicants should clearly identify within the project narrative the relevant portion of the project narrative that each supporting document supports. At the applicant’s discretion, relevant materials provided previously to a Modal Administration in support of a different FHWA financial assistance program may be referenced and described as unchanged. FHWA recommends using appropriately descriptive final names (e.g., “Project Narrative,” “Maps,” “Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Support,” etc.) for all attachments. DOT recommends applications include the following sections:

I. Basic Project Information – Project Description, Location, and Parties

The project narrative should be submitted in a single PDF document and should thoroughly address each of the below statutory eligibility criteria and merit criteria with as much detail as possible, without exceeding the overall page limit. FHWA recommends that the Basic Project Information section follow the outline below to address the program requirements and assist evaluators in locating relevant information:

1. Name/title of proposed project.

2. The State DOT or Indian Tribe applying for funding (23 U.S.C. 162(b)(1)).

3. Name and contact information for the State DOT or Tribal applicant point of contact.

4. Name of the byway(s) impacted by the proposed project, and whether the project is a statewide or multi-State project.

5. Designation type of the byway(s) impacted by the proposed project (National Scenic

Byway, All-American Road, State scenic byway, or Indian Tribe scenic byway) (23 U.S.C. 162(b)(1)(A)(i) – (v)).

6. The primary project type under which the proposed project aligns (23 U.S.C. 162(c)).

7. If applicable, the additional project types identified.

8. Project Abstract (maximum five sentences): Summarize project work that would be completed under the project. The project abstract must succinctly describe how the specific request for NSBP funds would be used to complete the project.

(a) Project Description

The applicant should provide detailed information about the project, including current challenges and how the project would address these challenges. The project description must also detail how the project will protect the scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological integrity of a highway and adjacent areas (23 U.S.C. 162(d)).

The applicant should provide a concise discussion of the project’s history and a description of any previously incurred costs. The applicant may use this section to place the project into a broader context of other infrastructure investments being pursued by the project sponsor.

The project description should also details about the lead applicant. The details should include the lead applicant’s demonstrated experience with receipt and expenditure of Federal-aid highway program funds under 23 U.S.C. FHWA will consider the degree of experience as part of the project readiness evaluation. If an application is rated highly under other criteria, but the applicant has no or limited experience with the receipt and expenditure of Federal-aid highway program funds, FHWA may contact the applicant prior to final selection of FY 2024 awards to discuss technical resources that may be available to assist the applicant in obtaining the capacity and expertise to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal requirements and timely delivery of the project. The applicant should describe in detail all the public and private parties who are involved in delivering the project, including a specific description of the role of each entity in delivering the project.

(b) Project Location

The applicant should describe in the application the project location, including a detailed geographical description of the proposed project and a listing of project zip codes, a map of the project’s location and connections to existing transportation infrastructure, and geospatial data describing the project location. The application should include whether the project is located in an urban or rural community. For the purpose of this NOFO, FHWA will consider communities that are within Urbanized Areas (i.e., areas with a population of 50,000 or more) to be urban communities and all other communities to be rural. FHWA will rely on the digital maps and geographic shapefiles for the 2020 Census urban areas depicted on FHWA HEPGIS maps of MPO and 2020 Census Urban Areas - FHWA HEPGIS Maps (dot.gov) (refer to the “MPO and Air Quality Tab” and then scroll to “MPO and 2020 Census Urban Areas”) which correlates the definitions of “urban”[1] and “rural areas”[2] under 23 U.S.C. and Bureau of the Census data. A list of 2020 census designated urban areas is available in the Census Bureau’s December 29, 2022 Federal Register Notice (87 FR 80114).”

II. Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of all Project Funding

The applicant should describe the project’s budget in detail and the plans for covering the full cost of the project from all sources. The project budget should show how different funding sources will share in each major project activity and present those data in dollars and percentages. The budget should identify other Federal funds the applicant is applying for or has been awarded, if any, that the applicant intends to use. Funding sources should be grouped into three categories: (1) Non-Federal; (2) NSBP Funds; and (3) Other Federal Funds with specific amounts from each funding source.

The project budget should identify all Federal funds to be used for future eligible costs of the project, including the requested NSBP grant amount, other Federal grants that have been awarded to the project or for which the project intends to apply in the future, and any Federal https://hepgis-usdot.hub.arcgis.com/pages/036f196d89d94e899ed27b0cb40f34de https://gbc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/wordeditorframe.aspx?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&wopisrc=https%3A%2F%2Fusdot.sharepoint.com%2Fteams%2Fvolpe-proj-HW9MA-HEPH%2F_vti_bin%2Fwopi.ashx%2Ffiles%2F2ef12f9df82343f58813b9850590348e&wdenableroaming=1&mscc=1&hid=8e9b95c3-6cd6-4a45-9eb8-9054357aa2d0.0&uih=teams&uiembed=1&wdlcid=en-us&jsapi=1&jsapiver=v2&corrid=e2e95dd0-194f-493c-b177-e992fa973dc8&usid=e2e95dd0-194f-493c-b177-e992fa973dc8&newsession=1&sftc=1&uihit=UnifiedUiHostTeams&muv=v1&accloop=1&sdr=6&scnd=1&sat=1&rat=1&sams=1&mtf=1&sfp=1&halh=1&hch=1&hmh=1&hwfh=1&hsth=1&sih=1&unh=1&onw=1&dchat=1&sc=%7B%22pmo%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.microsoft365.com%22%2C%22pmshare%22%3Atrue%7D&ctp=LeastProtected&rct=Normal&wdorigin=TEAMS-ELECTRON.teamsSdk.openFilePreview&wdhostclicktime=1695740677515&instantedit=1&wopicomplete=1&wdredirectionreason=Unified_SingleFlush#_ftn1 https://gbc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/wordeditorframe.aspx?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&wopisrc=https%3A%2F%2Fusdot.sharepoint.com%2Fteams%2Fvolpe-proj-HW9MA-HEPH%2F_vti_bin%2Fwopi.ashx%2Ffiles%2F2ef12f9df82343f58813b9850590348e&wdenableroaming=1&mscc=1&hid=8e9b95c3-6cd6-4a45-9eb8-9054357aa2d0.0&uih=teams&uiembed=1&wdlcid=en-us&jsapi=1&jsapiver=v2&corrid=e2e95dd0-194f-493c-b177-e992fa973dc8&usid=e2e95dd0-194f-493c-b177-e992fa973dc8&newsession=1&sftc=1&uihit=UnifiedUiHostTeams&muv=v1&accloop=1&sdr=6&scnd=1&sat=1&rat=1&sams=1&mtf=1&sfp=1&halh=1&hch=1&hmh=1&hwfh=1&hsth=1&sih=1&unh=1&onw=1&dchat=1&sc=%7B%22pmo%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.microsoft365.com%22%2C%22pmshare%22%3Atrue%7D&ctp=LeastProtected&rct=Normal&wdorigin=TEAMS-ELECTRON.teamsSdk.openFilePreview&wdhostclicktime=1695740677515&instantedit=1&wopicomplete=1&wdredirectionreason=Unified_SingleFlush#_ftn2 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2022%2F12%2F29%2F2022-28286%2F2020-census-qualifying-urban-areas-and-final-criteria-clarifications.&data=05%7C01%7CCathy.Kendall%40dot.gov%7C3c7036b7743944d1cd4f08db77fb5404%7Cc4cd245b44f04395a1aa3848d258f78b%7C0%7C0%7C638235693543989758%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cUMZ3k0CKp0j1ttgmYYz2PTCPpXJDndcjeAO%2FCRRBfc%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2022%2F12%2F29%2F2022-28286%2F2020-census-qualifying-urban-areas-and-final-criteria-clarifications.&data=05%7C01%7CCathy.Kendall%40dot.gov%7C3c7036b7743944d1cd4f08db77fb5404%7Cc4cd245b44f04395a1aa3848d258f78b%7C0%7C0%7C638235693543989758%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cUMZ3k0CKp0j1ttgmYYz2PTCPpXJDndcjeAO%2FCRRBfc%3D&reserved=0 formula funds that have already been programmed for the project or are planned to be programmed for the project. For each category of Federal funds to be used for future eligible project costs, the amount, nature, and source of any required non-Federal match for those funds.

Non-Federal sources include State funds originating from programs funded by State revenue, local funds originating from State or local revenue-funded programs, or private funds.

If the project contains components (e.g., preliminary engineering, right-of-way, construction), the budget should separate the costs of each project component. If the project will be constructed in phases, the budget should separate the costs of each construction phase. The budget should be detailed enough to demonstrate that the project satisfies the NSBP statutory cost-sharing requirements under Section C and those associated with each category of Federal funding.

The application should include information showing that the applicant has budgeted sufficient contingency amounts to cover unanticipated cost increases. In addition to the information enumerated above, this section should provide complete information on how all project funds may be used, availability and funding commitments. For example, if a source of funds is available only after a condition is satisfied, the application should identify that condition and describe the applicant’s control over whether it is satisfied. Similarly, if a source of funds is available for expenditure only during a fixed period, the application should describe that restriction.

Complete information about project funds will ensure that FHWA’s expectations for award execution align with any funding restrictions unrelated to FHWA, even if an award differs from the applicant’s request.

III. Merit Criteria

The applicant should describe how the proposal meets the Merit Criteria under Section E.1.

IV. Project Readiness and Environmental Risk

The application should include information that, when considered with the project budget information, is sufficient for FHWA to evaluate whether the project is reasonably expected to begin construction within the timeframe disclosed in the application, and whether funds can be obligated prior to the obligation deadline. To assist with FHWA’s project readiness assessment, the applicant should provide the information requested on technical feasibility, project schedule, project approvals, and project risks, each of which is described in greater detail in the following sections. Applicants are not required to follow the specific format described here, but this organization, which addresses each relevant aspect of project readiness, promotes a clear discussion that assists project evaluators.

(a) Technical Feasibility

The applicant should demonstrate the technical feasibility of the project with engineering and design studies and activities; the development of design criteria and/or a basis of design; the basis for the cost estimate presented in the application, including the identification of contingency levels appropriate to its level of design; and any scope, schedule, and budget risk-mitigation measures. Applicants should include a detailed SOW that focuses on the technical and engineering aspects of the project and describes in detail the project to be constructed. The applicant must demonstrate compliance with Title VI/Civil Rights requirements, to ensure that no person is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

(b) Project Schedule

The applicant should include a detailed project schedule that identifies all major project milestones. Examples of such milestones include State and local planning approvals (programming on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)); start and completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Federal environmental reviews and approvals, including permitting, design completion, right-of-way acquisition, approval of plans, specifications and estimates; procurement; State and local approvals; project partnership and implementation agreements including agreements with railroads; and construction. The project schedule should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that:

• All necessary activities will be complete to allow NSBP funds to be obligated2 sufficiently in advance of the statutory deadline and that any unexpected delays will not put the funds at risk of expiring before they are obligated;

• All real property and right-of-way acquisition necessary for the project will be completed in a timely manner in accordance with 49 CFR part 24, 23 CFR part 710, and other applicable legal requirements or a statement that no acquisition is necessary. A plan for securing any required right-of-way agreements should be included. If applicable, this section should describe a right-of-way acquisition plan that minimally disrupts communities and maintains community cohesion.

(c) Required Approvals

i. Environmental Permits and Reviews. The application should provide documentation of environmental approvals and permits (or the schedule for…