The Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grant Program is a $760 million investment through the Inflation Reduction Act designed to help overcome permitting challenges that slow the deployment of critical transmission and provide tangible benefits to communities across the country.

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Funding Opportunity Announcement

On August 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a funding opportunity of up to $300 million in grants to accelerate and strengthen electric transmission siting and permitting processes. Administered by DOE's Grid Deployment Office, the Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) grant program is a new initiative designed to overcome state and local challenges to expanding transmission capacity while also supporting communities along major new and upgraded lines. 

Through this program, DOE will support two distinct categories of activities related to the development of new or upgraded interstate and offshore transmission lines: siting and permitting and economic development. 

Siting and Permitting

The TSED grant program will provide financial support to state, tribal, and local entities that are responsible for issuing the permits needed to move forward with critical electric transmission projects. The program can:

  • Fund studies, modeling, environmental planning, and analysis to assess alternatives, better inform decision making, and reduce the time it takes to process applications.
  • Support robust engagement with members of the public, including rural and disadvantaged communities, and facilitate participation in regulatory proceedings at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other regulatory agencies, and other activities as approved by the Secretary of Energy. 

Learn more.

Economic Development

TSED grants are available to state, tribal, and local government applicants to support engagement, economic development, and other benefits in communities that may be affected by the construction and operation of interstate or offshore transmission projects. Community-based projects can include:

  • Energy investments such as resilient microgrids, renewable power integration, or electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
  • Support for essential community facilities for public safety, healthcare, education, and improved transit; or encouraging community togetherness by investing in community centers and creating green spaces.
  • Support a growing workforce with job training and apprenticeship programs.

Communities are invited to submit unique projects suited to local needs. Learn more.

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DOE requires applicants to express an interest in applying for funds by submitting concept papers. The deadline for concept papers was November 17, 2023. The deadline for full applications remains April 5, 2024.

For more important information on the application process, read the Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0003101).

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Visit the Grid and Transmission Program Conductor to see which financing program is right for you and check out the State and Tribal Resource Hub for more valuable information for communities.