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. More information on that process can be found in the FHWA National Highway Freight Program Fact Sheet.
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 plan update, WSDOT will produce a freight investment plan (FIP) to describe how the state will invest NHFP funds over federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2027-2032.
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.
FFY 2027–2032 NHFP freight project solicitation and selection process
WSDOT is working 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.
MPO/RTPOs: Encouraged to coordinate with area tribal governments and local jurisdiction members to develop a regional list of priority freight projects and complete project submittal package for the region.
Project sponsors (tribes, cities, counties, ports): Encouraged to work with MPOs/RTPOs and submit completed project submission form and supporting documentation to the MPO/RTPO contact.
Please see the NHFP project request memo (PDF 209KB) for detailed information regarding program background, project request and submittal process, project eligibility requirement, project selection process and timeline.
WSDOT convened 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.
Timeline
November 5, 2025 – WSDOT announced the NHFP project solicitation process to MPOs/RTPO and informational webinar details
November 12, 2025 – WSDOT hosted informational webinar on NHFP solicitation process for regional freight investment priorities
February 27, 2026 – Regional submittal package of freight investment priorities from MPO/RTPOs were submitted to WSDOT
Early Spring to Summer 2026 – WSDOT convened a Project Selection Committee to evaluate NHFP-eligible projects, and the Committee will select final set of investments for funding recommendation
June 16, 2026 - WSDOT hosted an informational webinar for MPOs and RTPOs on the update process to designated updates Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors (CU/RFC)
Summer 2026 - WSDOT will update Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors (CU/RFC) designation in coordination with MPO/RTPOs
Fall 2026 – Selected investments and updated CU/RFC designations will be published as part of the 2026 Washington State Freight System Plan
Informational webinars
WSDOT held an two informational webinars related to NHFP project submissions and CU/RFC designation processes.
NHFP Project Submittal Process webinar. WSDOT held an informational webinar on November 12, 2025, on the NHFP project request and submittal process to assist project sponsors and MPOs/RTPOs in preparing project submissions. All submissions were received by WSDOT by the February 27, 2026 deadline. Below is the slide deck from that webinar for those interested in learning more about the process.
CU/RFC Designation Process webinar. The second webinar, held on June 16, 2026, outlined the update to Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors (CU/RFC) designations. MPOs/RTPOs are being asked to assist in this process by reviewing existing CU/RFC designations and submitting proposed changes. The webinar was recorded for those unable to attend. We also are making available the slides presented at the webinar as well as additional reference materials.
Supporting materials for CUFC/CRFC designation presented during the webinar are available below:
Slow down – lives are on the line.
Drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety.
Phone down, eyes up.
Pay attention – both to workers directing you and to surrounding traffic.
Stay calm
Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no appointment is worth risking someone’s life.