The FY26 BUILD grants landed on July 7, and the split told the story. Of $1.73 billion USDOT handed out, transit projects drew $169.9 million and freight and passenger rail $87.9 million. Highways claimed most of what was left. For agencies that spent months assembling applications, the round rewarded pavement over platforms.
Which transit and rail projects got funded
A few construction-ready awards stand out. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority won $25 million to build the Providence Transit Center next to Amtrak’s Providence station. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority got $25 million for its Richmond layover facility. The Port of Corpus Christi picked up $24.3 million for rail work at its inland port, including roughly 66,000 feet of new track, 13 turnouts and 10 derails. Dallas Area Rapid Transit landed $25 million for accessibility upgrades at eight Red and Blue Line stations.
What the funding mix means
Discretionary grants like BUILD are where federal priorities show up in dollars, and this year the dollars leaned toward roads. Transit and rail sponsors still came away with fundable, shovel-ready pieces, but the ratio matters for planning. Agencies counting on federal help to close capital gaps, including many still chasing money after the municipal water and utility work moving through procurement, will need to weight their next rounds accordingly. The construction is real; the question is which modes keep getting the green light.