The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has opened applications for bridge projects to any municipality or state government that requires funding for related initiatives under $100 million. The projects may encompass renovation and planning, with the FHWA allocating $9.7 billion in multi-year funding to aid these infrastructure endeavors.
As stated in a DOT news release, the goal of this financial support is to improve America's bridges via the competitive Bridge Investment Program’s "Planning" and "Bridge Project" categories. This program was brought into existence by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already funded over 7,000 bridge projects and mandates $40 billion to be spent over five years to enhance the stability and efficiency of bridges nationwide.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the impact of bridge closures on American communities, stating, "When a bridge closes, it costs Americans time and money, disrupts supply chains across the region, and sometimes cuts off entire communities from vital resources." He added that thanks to President Biden's initiative, they are making the largest investment in America's bridges since the construction of the Interstate system. "These grants will help repair bridges in communities of all sizes so we can get people and goods safely to where they need to be."
During fiscal year 2022, the Bridge Investment Program facilitated the development of 37 bridges across 29 states in America with an investment totaling $2.4 billion, as per the media release. The Bridge Investment Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will offer funding for fiscal years 2023 through 2026 while establishing merit standards for applicants.
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt highlighted how this funding will benefit various communities across America. He said: "With the funding we’re announcing today from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, communities can plan and implement bridge projects that will improve safety and mobility for people in rural regions, urban areas and places in between." Bhatt further noted that the Bridge Investment Program has already funded nearly 40 bridge projects nationwide, and this funding will help communities continue to plan and advance important bridge projects in the coming years.
