The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced 20 projects across 16 states selected to receive up to $371 million to accelerate the permitting of high-voltage, interstate transmission projects.

These projects, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will also support community infrastructure projects along major new and upgraded transmissions lines, including upgrading public school buildings and emergency response facilities. Administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, the Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) grants will help advance at least 16 high-impact transmission lines across the country.

Selected projects include support for:

• Providing state and local siting agencies with the resources, tools, and capacity they need to complete timely review of transmission projects, which strengthens robust regional and interregional planning.

  Example: Illinois Commerce Commission ($8 million): The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will launch a comprehensive new initiative to streamline and improve the transmission siting process for several Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Long Range Transmission Planning Tranche 1 Projects in Illinois, which were planned with significant state input using MISO’s robust multi-factor regional transmission planning process. In addition to improving community engagement, the ICC will also digitize records and upgrade public-facing databases that house data on environmental and cultural resources along the two transmission lines under review.

• Upgrading critical infrastructure in communities impacted by transmission development.

  Example: Roosevelt Custer Regional Council ($710,000) will use grant funds to expand fire department facilities in a rural community in North Dakota to improve community resilience.

• Investing in community upgrades by developing community and tourism attractions, protecting cultural and heritage landmarks, and conserving lands identified by the community as highly valued.

  Example: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources ($42.3 million) will be deploying a microgrid at a school in Barnstable, Massachusetts to reduce energy expenses, improve indoor air quality, and strengthen community resilience in emergency situations.

• Supporting localized workforce development and training in communities impacted by transmission development. Selected projects will support the creation of training, apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and adult-education programs.