Lincoln, Nebraska – The Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office is inviting communities and organizations across the state to apply for traffic safety grants designed to reduce fatal and serious crashes on Nebraska roadways. Officials announced that proposals must be submitted by March 31 to be considered for funding that will support projects during Federal Fiscal Year 2027, which runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.
The funding comes through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is intended to support targeted, data-driven efforts that address the most pressing safety concerns facing Nebraska drivers and communities. These efforts include reducing impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and improving occupant protection and youth driver safety.
Funding targets serious crash risks
State officials say the grants play a critical role in helping local agencies and community partners develop solutions tailored to their unique safety challenges.
“Highway safety is a shared responsibility, and these grants help empower local agencies and organizations to implement strategies that directly address traffic safety challenges in their communities,” said Ryley Egger, NDOT HSO Administrator. “By supporting evidence-based projects, we can work toward reducing serious crashes and saving lives on Nebraska roadways.”
NDOT HSO oversees the planning, administration, and evaluation of federal highway safety funding authorized by Congress. The office distributes funds to help the state, counties, and communities create projects that tackle traffic safety problems through education, enforcement, and prevention strategies.
Eligible applicants include government agencies, political subdivisions, law enforcement agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Officials encourage applicants to propose projects backed by data and focused on measurable outcomes.
NDOT evaluates submissions using several criteria. These include whether a proposal serves a high-priority county for safety in fiscal year 2027, crash trends in the proposed project area, the specific safety issues the proposal aims to address, and the applicant’s past performance managing grant funds.
The agency emphasizes that data-driven planning is essential to ensuring resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact. By focusing on areas with higher crash rates and recurring safety issues, grant-funded programs can help prevent injuries and fatalities.
Organizations interested in applying can find details and submit proposals at ndot.info/a8ea9f. For questions, applicants may contact NDOT HSO at 402-471-2515 or via email at NDOT.HSO@nebraska.gov.
Transportation officials say partnerships between state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and law enforcement are key to improving roadway safety. With the application deadline approaching, NDOT encourages eligible organizations to submit proposals that can help reduce crashes and protect lives across Nebraska.
By supporting targeted safety efforts and community-driven solutions, the grant program aims to make Nebraska roads safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
