The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs (IIJA) established the Carbon Reduction Program, which provides funds for projects designed to reduce transportation emissions, defined as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from on-road highway sources.
In October 2025, MnDOT released a notice of CRP funding opportunities in fiscal years 2028-2030. Projects will be evaluated by a taskforce established by the NEMNATP, called the Project Review Taskforce. The Project Review Taskforce will evaluate applications for project readiness before completing a scoring exercise, where projects will be evaluated based on carbon emission reduction estimates and co-benefits, which include equity, safety, access, and health.
SOLICITATION TIMELINE
- Monday October 6, 2025 – Solicitation Announcement. Open letter of intent period.
- Friday, October 31, 2025 – Deadline for applicants to submit letters of intent.
- Monday, December 1, 2025 – Official start of full application period.
- Friday, January 9, 2026 – Deadline for applicants to submit full applications.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
In recognition of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) program guidance, MnDOT has established the Minnesota Carbon Reduction Strategy (CRS), which identifies eligible CRP projects that support the reduction. The CRS establishes activity categories, which clarify project eligibility. Review the NEMNATP CRP guidance document linked below for additional information regarding activity eligibility:
GRANT MATERIALS
Materials for the 2025-26 grant solicitation will be made available through this website following the conclusion of the LOI review period. Award decisions will be made and communicated to applicants in the spring of 2026. Letters of intent are due by Friday, October 31, 2025.
RECENT CRP GRANT RECIPIENTS
2025
- Hibbing Streetlight Replacement (Program Year: 2027)
- In coordination with the Hibbing Public Utilities Commission (HPUC), St. Louis County will receive $720,000 in federal funds to replace approximately 500 existing streetlights with Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) to significantly reduce energy usage.
- Carlton County CSAH 61 (Program Year: 2028)
- Carlton County will receive $600,000 in federal funds to support their planned reconstruction of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 61 from the intersection of CSAH 1 to the East County Line.
OTHER MATERIALS & RESOURCES
- Minnesota Carbon Emissions Tool (CET) (Excel)
- Minnesota Carbon Emissions Tool (CET) Instructions and Tips (PDF)
- Carbon Emissions Tool training for partners
- Carbon Reduction Strategy
- CRP Frequently Asked Questions
About the Project Review Taskforce
The NEMNATP Project Review Taskforce is a group comprised of elected officials, government staff, and other stakeholders, which meets to score and rank regional applications for federal funding each February.
Project Review Taskforce members are responsible for reviewing and recommending Transportation Alternatives (TA), Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), and PROTECT projects for NEMNATP approval.
MEMBERSHIP
The NEMNATP Project Review Taskforce consists of sixteen (16) members. Visit the membership page to access a list of current members.
Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership 