AASHTO Journal - State DOTs Provide Funding for Local Bridge Projects

Several state departments of transportation in various parts of the country are providing funding resources to support local bridge repair and replacement projects.

[Above photo by Kansas DOT]

The Kansas Department of Transportation recently issued a total of $40.5 million in state and federal funding to 27 local and off-system bridge projects across Kansas as part of two local bridge improvement programs.

First, the agency awarded about $20 million through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program or KLBIP in fiscal year 2026 funds to 11 bridge replacement projects, with an additional four deficient bridges slated for permanent removed from local systems. The KLBIP, established in 2015, provides funds to local public authorities for the replacement or rehabilitation of deficient city and county-owned bridges, while also allowing cities and counties to be awarded additional funds for the removal of deficient bridges.

Secondly, Kansas DOT issued $20.5 million through the Off-System Bridge or OSB program in fiscal year 2027 using a combination of federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds, Bridge Program Funds, and state funds for 16 projects statewide. The OSB program was established to comply with federal requirements to use a specific portion of federal funds for bridges not on the federal-aid system, the agency noted.

Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total value for all of those projects is over $46.5 million, Kansas DOT said.

“By funding bridge projects across our state, we are directly investing in the future of our communities,” noted Governor Laura Kelly (D) in a statement. “Repairing and replacing aging bridges ensures people and commerce can move safely and efficiently throughout Kansas.”

“This is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about strengthening the vital connections that keep our towns and cities thriving,” added Calvin Reed, Kansas DOT secretary.

[Editor’s note: The Massachusetts DOT recently hit a major milestone for its Cape Cod Bridges project, filing a key state environmental report that should allow the project to move forward into the design and construction phase.]

Meanwhile, the Nebraska Department of Transportation just opened the 10th round of funding via its County Bridge Match Program or CBMP, with plans to award $4 million to counties for the innovative replacement and repair of structurally deficient county bridges – all while empowering and encouraging local partnerships.

The agency said in a statement that it is now accepting requests for proposals for the program, noting that eligible bridges must be in poor condition or have a low rating, greater than 20 feet long, and located on a roadway classified as a local road or better.

The CBMP – created under Nebraska’s 2016 Transportation Innovation Act and renewed through LB 1030, which Governor Jim Pillen (R) signed into law in April 2024 – funds 55 percent of eligible bridge construction cost (up to $500,000) with counties providing a 45 percent match.

Since its inception nine years ago, the CBMP has repaired or replaced 385 bridges and awarded more than $34 million to local counties.

And the South Dakota Transportation Commission recently awarded 24 preliminary engineering Bridge Improvement Grants or BIGs totaling approximately $1.5 million to support infrastructure projects that drive the interconnectedness of the state’s overall transportation system while enhancing statewide economic development.

“The BIG program continues to be vital for the necessary preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement of local government structures,” noted Joel Jundt, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Transportation, in a statement. “State funding for this critical local government program reinforces [our] commitment to improving the efficiency, safety, and access of the transportation system throughout South Dakota.”

The South Dakota DOT noted that in order to be eligible for a BIG grant, a county must impose a wheel tax. In addition, a county must have a County Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan to detail proposed county highway and bridge improvement projects within the county for the next five years.

The agency added that each year, $7 million is dedicated from the license plate fees and from non-commercial vehicle fees to this program. In addition, South Dakota DOT annually sets aside $8 million per year of state highway funds to make a total of $15 million available for the BIG program.

To date, the BIG program has awarded $182 million in grants to local governments, including the allocations made this year. Local governments are required to pay a minimum of 20 percent matching funds and have three years to expend the grant award, the agency said.