Government maintenance programs are vital for sustaining public infrastructure, from highways and bridges to public buildings and utilities. Federal, state, and local governments allocate billions annually through grants, loans, and cooperative agreements to support infrastructure maintenance and ensure public safety, operational efficiency, and community resilience. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the federal government provided $988 billion to state governments and $133 billion to local governments in 2021, with significant portions dedicated to maintaining critical infrastructure like roads and public facilities. Federal funding, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), alongside state funding and local funding programs, offers opportunities to reduce maintenance costs by up to 30% through preventive strategies. This comprehensive guide explores key government grants, 25 actionable strategies for accessing and utilizing funds, and answers critical FAQs to help public entities, nonprofits, and eligible organizations optimize facility maintenance and secure funding in 2025. Whether you’re a municipal manager, nonprofit leader, or facility operator, this guide will empower you to navigate the complex landscape of public works funding and achieve long-term cost savings.
[](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)[](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments)Key Insight: Government funding programs can cover up to 75% of maintenance costs for eligible projects, driving significant savings and infrastructure resilience.
Understanding Government Maintenance Programs
Government maintenance programs fund the upkeep of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public buildings, water systems, and emergency services. These programs are administered through federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Department of the Treasury, as well as state and local agencies. Funding types include:
- Categorical Grants: Restricted to specific purposes, such as highway maintenance or water system upgrades. [](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)
- Block Grants: Offer flexibility for broad infrastructure needs, like community development projects. [](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)
- Formula Grants: Allocated based on factors like population or infrastructure size, e.g., Medicaid or highway funding. [](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)
- Discretionary Grants: Awarded competitively based on project merit, such as FHWA’s Federal-aid Highway Program. [](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aidessentials/federalaid.cfm)
These programs support preventive maintenance, which can reduce repair costs by 30% and extend asset life by 20%, per the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Federal Funding Opportunities for Maintenance Programs
Federal funding is a cornerstone of infrastructure maintenance, with programs like the IIJA providing $110 billion for roads, bridges, and transportation projects. Key federal programs include:
- Federal-aid Highway Program (FHWA): Funds maintenance of 3.9 million miles of highways, with $7 billion annually managed by local agencies. [](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aidessentials/federalaid.cfm)
- Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF): Provides $350 billion for state and local governments to maintain public services and infrastructure. [](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds)
- FEMA Grants: Supports maintenance of emergency facilities, like the National Dam Safety Program. [](https://www.fema.gov/grants)
- Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program: Funds rural infrastructure maintenance for communities under 20,000. [](https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/small-business-grants-and-programs)
Grants.gov is the primary platform for finding federal grants, offering a user-friendly search for eligible programs.
[](https://grants.gov/)State and Local Funding Programs
State funding and local funding often complement federal grants, with states transferring $621 billion to local governments in 2021, much of it for infrastructure maintenance. Examples include:
- Florida’s Small County Outreach Program (SCOP): Funds bridge and road maintenance in counties with populations under 75,000. [](https://www.fdot.gov/programmanagement/lp/lp)
- Colorado’s Division of Local Government (DLG): Offers grants and loans for public facility maintenance. [](https://dlg.colorado.gov/local-community-funding-guide)
- Oregon DOT Funding Programs: Supports local governments with transportation maintenance grants. [](https://www.oregon.gov/odot/localgov/pages/funding.aspx)
Local governments also leverage taxes, fees, and bonds to fund maintenance, with 44% of highway spending allocated to operational costs like repairs and safety.
[](https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/state-and-local-finance-initiative/state-and-local-backgrounders/highway-and-road-expenditures)25 Strategies for Accessing and Utilizing Maintenance Funding
These 25 strategies will help public entities and organizations secure funding and optimize infrastructure maintenance in 2025:
- Explore Grants.gov: Use the platform’s search tools to find federal grants for maintenance projects. [](https://grants.gov/)
- Monitor IIJA Updates: Stay informed on the FHWA’s updated Guide to Federal-aid Programs. [](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federalaid/projects.cfm)
- Apply for SLFRF Funds: Use these funds for water, sewer, and broadband maintenance. [](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds)
- Leverage FEMA Grants: Apply for dam safety and emergency facility maintenance funding. [](https://www.fema.gov/grants)
- Check State Programs: Contact state agencies like Colorado’s DLG for local funding opportunities. [](https://dlg.colorado.gov/local-community-funding-guide)
- Use CMMS Software: Automate maintenance schedules to reduce costs by 25% and justify grant applications.
- Conduct Regular Inspections: Schedule quarterly checks for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems to prevent costly repairs.
- Prioritize Preventive Maintenance: Implement routines to extend asset life by 20% and reduce costs.
- Apply for Formula Grants: Target programs like Medicaid or highway funding based on population or infrastructure needs. [](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)
- Compete for Discretionary Grants: Submit strong proposals for FHWA or FEMA competitive grants. [](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aidessentials/federalaid.cfm)
- Meet Matching Requirements: Budget for state or local contributions to secure federal grants. [](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)
- Track Maintenance KPIs: Monitor downtime and costs to demonstrate grant impact.
- Conduct Energy Audits: Identify efficiencies to reduce utility costs by 15% and support grant applications.
- Maintain Accurate Records: Document maintenance activities to comply with federal reporting requirements. [](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds)
- Engage Regional Managers: Work with state agency contacts for funding guidance. [](https://dlg.colorado.gov/local-community-funding-guide)
- Invest in Staff Training: Train teams on grant compliance and maintenance best practices.
- Monitor USAspending.gov: Track federal grant spending for transparency and opportunities. [](https://www.gao.gov/federal-grants-state-and-local-governments)
- Apply for Rural Grants: Target programs like the Community Facilities Grant for small communities. [](https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/small-business-grants-and-programs)
- Implement Smart Technologies: Use IoT sensors for predictive maintenance to save 20% on repairs.
- Collaborate with Nonprofits: Partner with eligible organizations for FEMA or community grants. [](https://www.fema.gov/grants)
- Address Public Safety: Prioritize maintenance of fire systems and emergency facilities to secure FEMA funds. [](https://www.fema.gov/grants)
- Optimize Transportation Maintenance: Use FHWA funds for road and bridge upkeep. [](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federalaid/projects.cfm)
- Secure Vendor Contracts: Negotiate cost-effective agreements to maximize funding impact.
- Promote Community Support: Demonstrate local backing to strengthen grant applications. [](https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/small-business-grants-and-programs)
- Comply with Regulations: Adhere to federal and state guidelines to avoid penalties. [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administration_of_federal_assistance_in_the_United_States)
Pro Tip: Combining federal, state, and local funding with preventive maintenance can yield up to 545% ROI, per IFMA, while ensuring infrastructure longevity.
Key Metrics to Track for Funding Success
Monitor these infrastructure maintenance KPIs to optimize funding and demonstrate program impact:
- Maintenance Cost Per Unit: Keep costs below $5 per square foot or lane mile annually. [](https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/state-and-local-finance-initiative/state-and-local-backgrounders/highway-and-road-expenditures)
- System Downtime: Target less than 5% downtime for critical infrastructure.
- Grant Compliance Rate: Achieve 95% adherence to reporting requirements. [](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds)
- Energy Savings: Reduce consumption by 10-15% through efficient maintenance.
- Public Safety Incidents: Minimize incidents through proactive upkeep.
- Funding Utilization Rate: Ensure 90%+ of allocated funds are effectively used.
FAQs About Government Maintenance Programs
What are government maintenance programs?
Government maintenance programs provide federal, state, and local funding to maintain public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings.
[](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)How can local governments access federal funding?
Use Grants.gov to search for grants and work with state agencies to apply for pass-through funds.
[](https://grants.gov/)[](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)What types of projects qualify for maintenance funding?
Eligible projects include highway repairs, water system upgrades, and public facility maintenance.
[](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds)[](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aidessentials/federalaid.cfm)How does preventive maintenance save costs?
It reduces emergency repair costs by 30% and extends asset life by 20%, per IFMA.
What are matching requirements for grants?
Many grants require state or local contributions, often 20-50% of project costs.
[](https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-types-federal-grants-are-made-state-and-local-governments-and-how-do-they-work)How can CMMS software help with funding?
CMMS tools automate maintenance schedules, reduce costs by 25%, and provide data for grant applications.
What is the role of the IIJA in maintenance funding?
The IIJA provides $110 billion for roads, bridges, and transportation maintenance projects through 2026.
[](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federalaid/projects.cfm)How do I ensure compliance with grant regulations?
Maintain accurate records, adhere to reporting deadlines, and follow program guidelines to avoid penalties.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administration_of_federal_assistance_in_the_United_States)Conclusion: Secure Funding for Infrastructure Success in 2025
In 2025, government maintenance programs offer unparalleled opportunities to fund infrastructure maintenance, reduce costs, and enhance public safety. By leveraging federal funding like the IIJA and SLFRF, state funding like Florida’s SCOP, and local funding through taxes and bonds, public entities can maintain critical infrastructure while achieving up to 30% cost savings through preventive strategies. The 25 strategies outlined—from exploring Grants.gov to implementing CMMS tools and tracking KPIs—provide a roadmap for securing and optimizing public works funding. With billions available annually, proactive planning and compliance are key to maximizing maintenance cost savings and ensuring resilient infrastructure. Start exploring funding opportunities today to transform your community’s infrastructure in 2025!
Secure Your Infrastructure Funding in 2025!
Maximize your grant success and slash maintenance costs with expert guidance.
