The Public Works Board is an infrastructure funder supporting eligible applicants in the care and maintenance of multiple infrastructure systems. These systems are roads and bridges, drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, and recycling and organics, funded through the Traditional Programs (Construction, Pre-construction, Emergency).
Eligible applicants
- Cities
- Counties
- Special Purpose Districts
- Quasi-Municipal Organizations
Eligible infrastructure systems
- Domestic Water
- Roads/Streets
- Bridges
- Sanitary Sewer
- Solid Waste/Recycling/Organics
- Stormwater
Construction funding program
The Construction Funding Program focuses on the activities that repair, replace, or create a facility. A construction project may comprise any combination of pre-construction and construction elements.
The construction funding program has approximately $100 million available for FY26. However, the Board reserves the right to award more or less based on available funds in the Public Works Assistance Account at the time of awards.
The funding cycle for construction projects in fiscal year 2026 is open from May 9, 2025 until August 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Pre-construction funding program
Pre-Construction activities include but are not limited to: design engineering, bid-document preparation, environmental studies, right-of-way acquisition, value planning, permits, cultural and historic resources, and public notification. Pre-construction funding may also be used for capital facilities planning.
The pre-construction funding program has approximately $7.5 million available for FY26 and $7.5 million for FY27.
Pre-construction applications are open continuously, and pooled and awarded quarterly until all funds are expended.
Pre-construction funding cycle timeline
- Summer 2025: Review of applications received as of Aug. 8, 2025 with awards anticipated in Oct. 2025
- Fall 2025: Review of applications received as of Dec. 5, 2025 with awards anticipated in Jan. 2026
- Winter 2026: Review of applications received as of Feb. 27, 2026 with awards anticipated in April 2026
- Spring 2026: Review of applications received as of May 1, 2026 with awards anticipated in June 2026
Emergency funding program
The Emergency Construction Funding Program focuses on the activities that repair, replace, and/or reconstruct a facility that will restore essential services and are made necessary by a natural disaster, or an immediate and emergent threat to the public health and safety due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.
The Board may make low-interest or interest free loans or grants to local governments for emergency public works projects. The emergency funding program is to financially assist eligible communities experiencing the loss of critical public works services or facilities due to an emergency, and that can demonstrate a substantial fiscal need.
The emergency funding program has approximately $7.5 million available for FY26 and $7.5 million for FY27.
Applications are accepted continuously until funds are expended.