U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta announced the distribution of $693 million in Federal Highway Administration discretionary funds for infrastructure projects in 50 states and the District of Columbia. A total of 498 separate grants were included in the disbursement.
Categories covered under the grants include borders and corridors, with 129 grants in 43 states, totaling $255 million; intelligent transportation systems (ITS), with 91 projects in 43 states totaling $99.8 million; interstate maintenance with 54 grants in 30 states totaling $99.4 million; public lands highways with 59 grants in 29 states totaling $78.3 million; the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program, with 113 grants in 37 states totaling $73.9 million; bridge replacement and rehabilitation, with 32 grants in 25 states totaling $68.6 million; and ferry boats and terminals, with 20 grants in 13 states, totaling $17.9 million.
FHWA discretionary fund recipients are chosen by the secretary of transportation following applications by the states that meet certain criteria set by Congress and through U.S. DOT regulations. Congress also determines the recipients of some of the grants.
"The Bush Administration recognizes the need for continued strategic investment to improve America's transportation system," Mineta said. "These federal highway funds will help improve the transportation system, create jobs and benefit the economy."
