The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will release $3 billion in grants for the repair of bridges in poor condition as part of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s Bridge Investment Program.
Funding is available to all levels of government, including metropolitan planning organizations, and local and tribal governments in addition to states and federal land management agencies, according to USDOT’s program website.
“The Trump Administration is getting back to basics to upgrade America’s bridge projects nationwide, improving mobility and reliability for travelers,” said FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster said in a USDOT press release. “We are giving states and local governments more flexibility to decide how to best accelerate bridge building projects in their communities.”
Two grant options are available to agencies:
- Planning grants supports planning, feasibility analyses and revenue forecasting associated with the development of a future Bridge Investment Program-eligible projects.
- Bridge project grants support bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation and protection projects with total eligible costs of $100 million or less.
Bridge replacement funding is available for bridges in poor condition or are at risk of falling into poor condition.
USDOT issued two amendments to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, according to USDOT’s website.
Last June, the agency refined rules for large-scale bridge projects, representing the program’s highest-cost category. Eligible projects must cost more than $100 million, with grants covering a minimum of $50 million and up to 50% of eligible costs. State and local entities are required to match the remaining share.
A second amendment, issued May 14, reinforced funding access for smaller bridge projects and planning efforts. Under this category, eligible projects can cost up to $100 million, with a minimum grant award of $2.5 million covering up to 80% of eligible costs. Planning grants are also available for up to 80% of eligible costs.
The amendment is intended to make funding more accessible for smaller-scale projects that may otherwise struggle to move forward.
Applications for planning grants are due June 15, and bridge projects grant applications are due June 29.
Sources: USDOT press release, Bridge Investment Program website
