The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced that it will be providing more than $900m for transport infrastructure improvement projects across the country.

USDOT secretary Elaine L Chao said that the funds will be provided under the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant programme.

Chao said: “The Department will invest more than $900m in major projects that will improve transportation infrastructure, economic productivity and quality of life across our nation.”

INFRA aims to promote the inclusion of new innovative technologies, including broadband deployment and intelligent transportation systems.

Around $906m will be awarded for the infrastructure projects that are in line with the administration’s focus on infrastructure improvements, which are outlined in the department’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Once projects are finalised, they will be organised into large and small project categories. The USDOT will offer at least $25m for large projects while small projects will be awarded a minimum grant of $5m.

The INFRA project costs may include reconstruction, rehabilitation, acquisition of property, environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, equipment acquisition and operational improvements.

The USDOT will offer at least 25% of the INFRA grant funding towards rural projects, as they have potential to play a key role in the national economic vitality.

With this funding, the USDOT aims to address issues such as deteriorating conditions and elevated fatality rates on the country’s rural transportation infrastructure.