Security Grant Funding Available—Stopping Threats on Pedestrians Competitive Grant Program (Bollards)

On Aug. 10, 2026, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) opened applications for the Stopping Threats on Pedestrians Competitive Grant Program (Bollards). There is up to $5 million available for this award in fiscal year (FY) 2026. The purpose of the Bollards Competitive Grant Program is to provide funding for bollard installation projects designed to prevent pedestrian injuries and acts of terrorism in areas used by large numbers of pedestrians.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has been advocating that FHWA fully fund this program since it was first authorized by the Stopping Threats On Pedestrians (STOP) section in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021. When first enacted, this was a $25 million, 5-year authorization at $5 million per year for the FHWA to provide grants to communities that install specific safety or security barriers in public areas. Unfortunately, unlike many of the other IIJA programs, the STOP Act did not receive advanced appropriations, and there has never been a specific appropriation for it in subsequent funding cycles, so the authorized funding has flown under the radar for FHWA.

SIA made appropriations for this program in the FY26 bills one of our legislative priorities in 2025 and successfully secured both House and Senate language in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations legislation that directed FHWA to direct funds for pedestrian safety projects as authorized by the STOP Act section of the IIJA.

Applications for the Bollards Competitive Grant Program can be submitted on Grants.gov and must be submitted by Sept. 9, 2026. Eligible applicants under the Bollards Competitive Grant Program are State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) and local government entities such as any city, county, town, parish, village or other general-purpose political subdivision of a state). SIA highly recommends that our industry members with bollard solutions reach out to their state and local partners to make sure they are aware that this grant funding is available. FHWA anticipates that award selections will be announced the week of Nov.16.

SIA member questions and concerns about this grant program can be directed to Lauren Bresette, associate director of government relations, at lbresette@securityindustry.org.