Pacific Northwest Economic Region

Regional Infrastructure Accelerator

What is the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator?

The PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) is a U.S. Department of Transportation Build America Bureau funded grant program that helps to accelerate infrastructure project delivery through provision of technical assistance and identification of innovative financing solutions.

The PNWER RIA serves as a convener for transportation projects in the Pacific Northwest, with specific focus on multistate and multi-jurisdictional initiatives that ease supply chain disruptions, reduce transportation-related pollution and increase economic and environmental justice, especially for historically underserved communities.

Program Areas

High Performance Rail

Identifying and bundling rail improvement projects along Pacific Northwest corridors for improved performance and safety of existing freight and passenger rail systems.

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Zero-Emission Commercial Corridors

Supporting development of technology-neutral zero-emission charging and refueling infrastructure systems for commercial vehicles along major supply chain routes.

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Critical Connections

Improving connectivity of Tribal nations and rural communities by updating, replacing or improving connective infrastructure, including bridges and ports.

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Build Northwest Center of Excellence

The overarching platform for all community engagement, outreach and financial education initiatives.

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PNWER RIA Specialty Areas

Convening Partners

The PNWER RIA convenes public, private and community leaders to explore corridor-wide solutions for infrastructure problems, and to develop community and regional support necessary to advance priority projects for the benefit of local communities and the greater region.

Assisting in Understanding Opportunities

The PNWER RIA helps communities navigate major federal grant and credit programs and leverage state and local private sector financial partnerships. The RIA works to increase the awareness and understanding of often under-utilized federal financing solutions, such as Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Investment Act (TIFIA), Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) and Private Activity Bonds (PABs), and identify revenue sources necessary to use these programs.

The PNWER RIA does not finance projects.

Workshops and Training Opportunities

The PNWER RIA hosts in-person and virtual workshops to help communities navigate federal and state grant and credit programs. Workshops feature successful transportation case studies from private sector experts and informative content on innovative finance options for project sponsors. Visit our events page to learn more about upcoming learning opportunities.

Multi-State Corridors and Gateways

The PNWER RIA bundles local projects in corridors and gateways to enhance chances for successful public and private financing. This strategic integration of urban and rural transportation investments is necessary to enhance the efficiency of our transportation and clean energy networks.

Our Program Partners

The Regional Infrastructure Accelerator is a program of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER). PNWER is a public/private nonprofit created in statute in 1991 by the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington; and the Canadian provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and the Yukon. While the PNWER RIA represents five northwest states, we recognize the existing interconnected transportation and energy production and transmission networks. The PNWER RIA works to accelerate the bi-national systems integration and investment to better provide economic corridor opportunities and environmental enhancements throughout the PNWER region.

US Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau administers the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator demonstration program. The Bureau serves as the single point of contact and coordination for states, municipalities, and other project sponsors seeking federal transportation expertise. Their team works with project sponsors to leverage available DOT credit and funding programs, explore innovative project delivery approaches like public-private partnerships (P3s), and navigate project development processes like permitting. This partnership between the PNWER RIA and the Bureau enables better access to technical assistance for federal financing and grant opportunities.