Key Takeaways: This article highlights why the final, nearly $1 billion round of currently authorized SS4A funding is a timely opportunity for public safety agencies to modernize 911 and EMS and improve response times. USDOT is prioritizing public safety infrastructure—emergency response coordination, post-crash care, and prehospital capabilities—with planning/demonstration and implementation grants that typically require a 20% non-federal match. Eligible local and tribal entities can pursue high-impact projects such as CAD integrations, AACN data via the ASAP Service, and AI-powered incident detection, building on recent community successes. With applications due May 26, 2026, agencies should act quickly and consider expert support to craft competitive proposals.
When people think about improving roadway safety, they usually envision infrastructure, signals, signage, and road design. But some of the most critical moments occur after a crash, or in preventing one through faster detection and response. Outcomes often depend on how quickly responders get information, how well agencies coordinate, and how fast the right help arrives. In many cases, survival depends on how quickly incidents are detected, dispatched, and managed.
That’s where this year’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding presents a significant opportunity.
Established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the SS4A competitive grant program allocated approximately $5 billion over five years (2022–2026). To date, $3.9 billion has been awarded to more than 2,000 communities across all 50 states. The program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and its ambitious goal of eliminating roadway fatalities through a Safe System Approach.
On March 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released the final round of currently authorized SS4A funding, making nearly $1 billion available.
The challenge? The timeline is tight, and the deadline is approaching fast.
SS4A always has focused on reducing roadway deaths and serious injuries. This year, however, USDOT is prioritizing public safety infrastructure and recognizing 911 and emergency medical services (EMS) as critical components of roadway safety.
This includes a focus on:
In fact, this fiscal year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) prioritizes projects that modernize public safety infrastructure to help improve safety and minimize deaths and injuries on the nation’s roadways.
Public safety agencies that recently leveraged these grants to achieve USDOT’s vision include:
This funding is aimed at cities, counties, townships, federally recognized tribal nations, and special districts. States are not eligible. For 911 authorities and emergency communications centers, this creates a unique opportunity to take a leadership role — especially for agencies already leveraging Next Generation 911, CAD, and other advanced technologies.
Planning and demonstration grants are available to develop, complete, or supplement a safety action plan, which is the foundation of the SS4A grant program.
Implementation grants are used to facilitate projects or strategies that align with an existing action plan to address roadway safety — including infrastructure, behavioral, and operational safety improvements.
SS4A generally requires a 20 percent non-federal match.
While this match cannot come from federal funds, it can come from state or local funding. It also can include in-kind contributions such as staff time, services, or partner support.
The most competitive applications will focus on improving response time, coordination, and data sharing. Examples include:
Advanced crash data integration: Leveraging The Monitoring Association’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) solution to transmit Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) data directly into CAD systems — bypassing voice calls and accelerating dispatch. ASAP Service is standards based and capable of delivering real-time safety data directly into 911 and CAD systems.
AI-powered incident detection: Using video analytics to detect wrong-way drivers, crashes, or roadway hazards in real time — and integrating that data directly into 911 workflows.
Most importantly, these examples directly reduce detection-to-response time and help prevent secondary crashes — two of the most critical factors in reducing fatalities.
The application deadline is May 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
If your agency is considering applying for SS4A funding, the time to act is now. With a compressed timeline and increased competition, early preparation is critical.
Mission Critical Partners helps agencies translate these opportunities into deployable, outcome-driven solutions. We can:
With deep experience in 911 systems, CAD integration, and multiagency coordination, Mission Critical Partners is uniquely positioned to help agencies bridge transportation and public safety for SS4A success. Contact our team to explore how your agency can take advantage of this opportunity.