National Highway Freight Program
Funding is provided for local freight transportation projects in Washington state under the National Highway Freight Program.
The National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) was established by Congress in the 2015 Fast Act as a federal-aid highway formula program to improve the efficient movement of freight. Per federal law, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) determines how the federal NHFP funds will be used for local projects in Washington state.
WSDOT also is required by federal law to update its Freight System Plan every four years. The last plan was completed in 2022. As part of the new 2026 plan, WSDOT will produce a freight investment plan (FIP) to describe how the state will invest NHFP funds over federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2027-2032.
FFY 2027–2032 NHFP freight project solicitation and selection process
WSDOT will work with Metropolitan and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (MPOs/RTPOs) to identify regional freight priorities for FFY 2027–2032 NHFP funding. The NHFP supports a wide range of freight-related investments, including roadway improvements, intermodal facilities, freight rail enhancements, and eligible marine highway and waterway projects.
WSDOT will convene a Project Selection Committee to evaluate NHFP-eligible projects based on a set of evaluation criteria. This committee will make final selection recommendations for FFY 2027-2032 NHFP investments.
More information about this project solicitation process is available in the NHFP one-page overview (PDF 126KB). This document can be shared with potential project sponsors in your region.
IMPORTANT: The above assumes continued authorization of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and availability of federal funds for NHFP for FFYs 2027–2032. IIJA expires on September 30, 2026. Future federal funding amount, eligibility, and timelines, and funding levels are subject to change pending congressional reauthorization or other federal actions, including state legislative appropriation.
Timeline
Early November 2025 – WSDOT formally opens the NHFP project solicitation process through an email notification to MPOs/RTPO and announces details for an informational webinar
Mid-November 2025 – WSDOT hosts informational webinar on NHFP solicitation process for regional freight investment priorities
Late February 2026 – Regional submittal package of freight investment priorities from MPO/RTPOs due to WSDOT
Early Spring to Summer 2026 – WSDOT convenes a Project Selection Committee to evaluate NHFP-eligible projects, and Committee selects final set of investments for funding recommendation
Summer 2026 - WSDOT updates Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors (CU/RFC) designation in coordination with MPO/RTPOs
Fall 2026 – Selected investments are published as part of the 2026 Washington State Freight System Plan
Resources to come
WSDOT will post the following resources on this webpage in early November:
Informational webinar details
Project submission package including evaluation criteria, submission form, and guidance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for NHFP project solicitation process
For additional reference and information, Appendix G: Freight Investment Plan is a component of the 2022 State Freight System Plan and includes a comprehensive report of the previous project selection process for FFY 2021-2026.
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