The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will award up to $89.4 million in competitive grant funding through the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation grant.
Funding through this program will help states strengthen compliance with federal safety regulations and enhance the integrity of the National Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program, the agency reported.
Under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, this year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity eliminates previously mandated DEI and climate change provisions. In the past, recipients of this critical safety grant had to prioritize climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agendas alongside core safety objectives. This change ensures taxpayer dollars are now fully dedicated to safety improvements, appropriate accountability, and real, measurable outcomes, FMCSA said. Potential applicants are instructed to thoroughly review the reformed application guidelines to align with these necessary and refocused priorities.
Program background
FMCSA’s National CDL Program is a cornerstone of the agency’s mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The program ensures that only properly trained and qualified individuals are eligible to obtain and retain a CDL, reinforcing highway safety across all states. At its core is the principle of “One Driver. One License. One Record,” a critical safeguard that maintains the integrity of driver histories and prevents unsafe drivers from evading accountability through licensing loopholes.
Discretionary grants, also known as competitive grants, are awarded based on merit. Funding decisions are made at the agency’s discretion, guided by the criteria detailed in the funding notice.
Instructions for applying and eligibility information is available on Grants.gov (FM-CDL-25-003-116996). Complete proposals must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov “apply” function by 5 pm ET on July 7.