The Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant (DIIG) program is a US Department of Transportation grant that helps state, local and tribal governments use small drones to inspect, build, maintain and repair critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads, dams, water systems and the electric grid. It started as the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act and became law as Section 912 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Congress authorized $12 million a year for fiscal years 2025 to 2028 and appropriated $10 million for fiscal 2026.
Who can apply
Only governmental entities:
- States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and US territories, and their political subdivisions
- Units of local government, such as cities and counties
- Tribal governments
- Metropolitan planning organizations
- Groups of more than one of the above
Private drone companies can't apply directly. They benefit as contractors when a government uses grant money to hire drone services.
What the money can pay for
Under Section 912, a grant can be used to:
- Buy or lease small unmanned aircraft systems
- Support the operational capabilities of those drones
- Contract for drone services when the government lacks the resources or expertise
- Build program management capability to run or contract drone work
Projects must involve inspection, operation, construction, maintenance or repair of critical infrastructure, including mitigating environmental hazards to it. The law tells DOT to favor projects in a variety of communities (urban, suburban, rural and tribal) and projects that address a safety risk.
Cost share
The federal share is capped at 50% of the project cost. DOT can raise it to 75% if the applicant asks in writing and shows the extra help is needed, for example because of economic hardship or workforce needs.
Funding so far
- Authorized: $12 million for each of fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.
- Appropriated: the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Public Law 119-75) provided $10 million for the program, with $1 million of it available for administration.
Application windows are announced by DOT in a notice of funding opportunity. Watch transportation.gov and grants.gov for current deadlines.
The DJI question
Grant money comes with federal procurement limits. The American Security Drone Act, part of the 2024 defense bill, bars federal funds awarded through grants from being used to buy or operate drones made or assembled by "covered foreign entities," starting December 22, 2025. That generally rules out DJI drones in grant-funded programs, along with other Chinese-made models. Agencies should confirm eligible platforms with DOT before buying. For the wider picture, see is DJI banned in the US.
A companion program
Section 913 of the same law created a Drone Education and Workforce Training grant program for schools and training providers. It's separate from DIIG.
Using drones for inspections without a grant
Many cities, utilities and contractors already inspect with drones under Part 107. If you're a contractor bidding on grant-funded work, check the platform rules in the solicitation before you quote equipment.
Current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal or grant advice. The program's authority is Section 912 of Public Law 118-63; DOT publishes funding notices on transportation.gov.
Doing inspection work for private clients? See best drone for roof inspections or contact us.
Related guides
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
