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 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 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.
Timeline
Early November 2025 – WSDOT announces the NHFP project solicitation process to MPOs/RTPO and informational webinar details
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
Informational webinar
WSDOT will hold an informational webinar from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, November 12, 2025, on the NHFP project request and submittal process to assist project sponsors and MPOs/RTPOs in preparing project submissions.
Project submittal package and deadline
The completed project submittal package must be submitted by MPO/RTPOs by email to Wenjuan Zhao at wenjuan.zhao@wsdot.wa.gov no later than February 27, 2026. Electronic copies of the following must be included in the submittal package. These are downloadable files that will be sent directly to your "download" folder on your computer.
- MPO/RTPO NHFP submission cover sheet (XLS 26KB) of regional project submittal package
- NHFP projects submission form (DOC 78KB) for each project contained in the cover sheet
- Any other supporting documentation including project vicinity maps in pdf format
Tools to develop submissions
The following tools are available to assist MPOs, RTPOs, and project sponsors in preparing regional submissions:
- Project submission instruction sheet (PDF 281KB)
- NHFP data map tool
- Project scoring criteria (PDF 104KB)
Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 120KB) (FAQs) for the NHFP project solicitation process. These FAQs will be updated periodically to reflect any new questions that are received.
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