Blog

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is accepting applications for the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program (FY 2025-2026). There is $6.57 million available in funding for this program with a maximum award of $375,000 for individual grant applications; $525,000 for regional applications; and $750,000 for tribal grant applications. The deadline to apply is September 11, 2025.

What is the purpose of this grant?

The purpose of the grant is to promote markets for Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) products with crumb rubber derived from only California-generated waste tires. The program is designed to encourage first-time or limited users of rubberized pavement in two project types: RAC Hot-Mix and Rubberized Chip Seal.

Who is eligible to apply?

• ​​​Local Governments (cities, counties, and cities and counties).  
• ​Other local governmental agencies (including regional park districts, special districts, and Joint Powers Authorities (JPA) [where all JPA members are also otherwise eligible applicants]).
• Qualifying Tribal Entities.
• ​State agencies (including offices, departments, bureaus, and boards).  State agencies are only eligible for projects for Class 1 bikeways, greenways, and disability access at parks – see Eligible Projects in the Application Guidelines linked below for specific limitations.

All entities are eligible to apply for individual applications, in which a single eligible entity will be responsible for grant implementation. Only local governments can apply for a regional application in which two or more eligible jurisdictions join together for the purpose of grant implementation.

What are the project requirements?

 An application may include rubberized pavement (hot-mix and chip seal) projects for roadways, Class 1 bikeways, greenways, and disability access at parks.

All projects are subject to the following requirements:

• The applicant will construct one or more Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) Hot-Mix or Rubberized Chip Seal project at the location specified in the approved grant application.
• Only California-generated waste tires that are processed in California shall be used in the crumb rubber portion of the project. Recycled end-of-life crumb rubber that meets all specifications and standards can be used, as appropriate with prior written permission from CalRecycle.
• The project must be located in California.
• Projects must be owned and maintained by the applicant and accessible to the general public.
• Construction of the RAC portion of any project must commence on or after the date indicated in the grant agreement and be completed by April 1, 2028.
• The binder material must contain a minimum of 300 pounds (equivalent to 15 percent by weight) of the tire-derived crumb rubber per ton of rubberized binder. The binder may be either asphalt rubber/field blend or terminal blend.

Additionally, the following are project requirements specific to the project type indicated:

• Hot-Mix Project: The project must use a minimum of 2,000 tons of RAC hot-mix (1,000 tons for Tribal Entities).
• Chip Seal Project: The project must use a minimum area of 40,000 square yards of chip seal material (20,000 square yards for Tribal Entities).

What are the funding levels for this program?

There is $6.57 million available for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Maximum award amounts vary by application type:

• $375,000 is the maximum available for individual grant awards.
• $525,000 is the maximum available for regional grant awards.
• $750,000 is the maximum available for tribal entity grant awards.

RAC Hot-Mix Projects: Grant awards are calculated at a base rate of $15 or $30 ($30 or $60 for Tribal Entities) per ton of RAC hot-mix, depending on the applicant’s county, and are adjusted depending on the number of previous Rubberized Pavement grants. See Available Funds section of the Application Guide linked below for specific categories and reimbursement rates.

Rubberized Chip Seal Projects: Grant awards are $0.50 or $1.00 ($1.00 or $2.00 for Tribal Entities) per square yard of rubberized chip seal material proposed, depending on the applicant’s county.

What is the application timeline?

Applications are due on September 11, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. Grant awards notifications are anticipated to be distributed in December 2025. The project period will begin on the date the grant agreement is executed and must be completed by April 1, 2028.

The full Application Guidelines can be found here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.