The Trump administration is investing $1.73 billion in transportation projects across the country, funding 127 projects in all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) said the grants will help improve roads, bridges, ports, transit systems, rail lines, truck parking and airports, with the goal of making it easier and safer to move people and goods.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the investments will strengthen the nation's infrastructure while supporting economic growth.

"That's why this Department is investing in repairing critical roads and bridges that connect Americans to job opportunities, port infrastructure that bolsters our national security, and aviation and transit projects that move American families," Duffy said in a statement.

Roads and bridges receive the biggest investment

Road and bridge improvements will receive the largest share of the funding, totaling about $1.3 billion, or roughly 77%of all BUILD grants.

One project receiving funding is a $24 million grant for the North Dakota Department of Transportation. The money will help repair Interstate 94 by replacing deteriorating pavement, fixing pavement buckling and installing 10 miles of high-tension cable guardrail to improve safety.

Ports, transit and rail also receive funding

The BUILD program is also investing $136.8 million in port projects designed to move freight more efficiently and reduce shipping delays.

In Alaska, the Alaska Railroad Corporation will receive $8.5 million to expand the freight dock at the Port of Seward by 300 feet, allowing cargo ships to load and unload more efficiently.

Transit systems will receive nearly $170 million. In Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Transit System is receiving $14.7 million to modernize three maintenance facilities, improving safety, efficiency and fleet operations.

Rail projects will receive $87.7 million, including $24.3 million for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority in Texas to upgrade and extend rail lines serving its inland port, helping freight move more efficiently.

Truck parking and airports included

The department is also investing $62 million in truck parking projects to help address the nationwide shortage of safe parking for commercial drivers.

The largest award, $25 million, will go to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to add truck parking spaces at seven rest areas along four major freight corridors.

Airport projects will receive more than $11 million combined, including roadway improvements at Coolidge Municipal Airport in Arizona and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana.

More requests than available funding

Interest in the BUILD program continued to outpace available funding.

Nearly 1,200 eligible applications requested more than $14.5 billion, far exceeding the $1.73 billion available this year, according to USDOT.

The department said the selected projects are expected to improve transportation infrastructure, strengthen freight movement and support long-term economic growth in communities across the country.

Source: USDOT