Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Grant Program (Roadside Pollinator Program)

*Consolidated Appropriations Act did not appropriate funding for this program.
**Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, appropriated $3M funding for this program.

Note: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) did not provide dedicated funding for this program; therefore, the program relies on funding from annual Consolidated Appropriations Acts.

Note: Table does not reflect general fund appropriations after FY24.

Note: Except as indicated, all references in this document are to BIL enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58 (Nov. 15, 2021).

Program Purpose

The BIL establishes the Roadside Pollinator Program as a grant program to carry out activities to benefit pollinators on roadsides and highway rights-of-way (ROW), including the planting and seeding of native, locally appropriate grasses and wildflowers, including milkweed. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(a)]

Statutory Citations

• § 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332

Funding Features

Type of Budget Authority or Authorization of Appropriations

• Authorization, subject to appropriation, from the General Fund. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(I)]

Distribution of Funds

• The Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) shall provide a grant to each eligible entity that submits an application, including a Pollinator-friendly Practices Plan, that the Secretary determines to be satisfactory. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(e)(1)]
• The amount of a grant shall be based on the number of pollinator-friendly practices the eligible entity has implemented or plans to implement. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(e)(2)(A)]
• Amounts made available under this section shall remain available for a period of 3 years after the last day of the fiscal year for which the funds are authorized. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(l)(2)]

Set-asides

• Each fiscal year, up to 2% of Roadside Pollinator Program funds can be used by the Secretary to carry out this program. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(j)]

Maximum Award Amount

• The maximum amount of a grant under the Roadside Pollinator Program is $150,000.
  [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(e)(2)(B)]

Eligible Activities

• Implementation, improvement, or further development of the Pollinator-friendly Practices Plan as described in 23 U.S.C. 332(d). [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(f)]

Federal Share

• The Federal share of the cost of the Roadside Pollinator Program is 100%.
  [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(g)]

Program Features

This is a new program established under BIL.

Eligible Entities

• a State department of transportation;
• an Indian tribe; or
• a Federal land management agency (FMLA) [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(b)]

Selection Considerations

• In response to the funding opportunity, an eligible entity shall include in the application a plan that describes the pollinator-friendly practices that the entity has implemented, or plans to implement, including:
  • practices relating to mowing strategies that promote early successional vegetation and limit disturbance during periods of highest use by target pollinator species on roadsides and highway ROW;
  • implementation of an integrated vegetation management plan that includes approaches such as mechanical tree and brush removal, targeted and judicious use of herbicides, and mowing, to address weed issues on roadsides and highway ROW;
  • planting or seeding of native, locally-appropriate grasses and wildflowers, including milkweed, on roadsides and highway ROW to enhance pollinator habitat, including larval host plants;
  • removing nonnative grass from planting and seeding mixes, except for use as nurse or cover crops;
  • obtaining expert training or assistance on pollinator-friendly practices; or
  • any other pollinator-friendly practices the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
    [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(d)(1)]

Coordination and Consultation

• In developing the Pollinator-friendly Practices Plan, State department of transportations and FMLAs shall coordinate with applicable State agencies, including State agencies with jurisdiction over agriculture and fish and wildlife. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(d)(2)]
• In developing the Pollinator-friendly Practices Plan, State department of transportations and FMLAs shall consult with affected or interested Indian tribes; and may consult with nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, metropolitan planning organizations, and any other relevant entities. [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(d)(3)]

Technical Assistance

• On request of an eligible entity that receives a grant under 23 U.S.C. 332, the Secretary shall provide technical assistance with the implementation, improvement, or further development of a Pollinator-friendly Practices Plan [§ 11528; 23 U.S.C. 332(i)]

Additional Information and Assistance

• For more information about the Roadside Pollinator Program, including pollinator-friendly practices, visit the webpage at: https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_topics/ecosystems/pollinators/RPP.aspx
• FHWA can connect you with your local FHWA office and support you with technical assistance for planning, design, construction, preserving, and improving public roads and in the stewardship of Federal funds. For assistance, visit: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/technical_support.cfm.