The North Dakota Department of Transportation recently selected 103 local projects to receive a total of $119 million via its Flexible Transportation Fund or “Flex Fund” grant program.
[Above photo by North Dakota DOT]
The agency said the state’s legislative assembly provided an estimated $230 million to the Flex Fund in 2025 for improvements to transportation infrastructure on and off the state highway system – including within townships, cities, and counties.
“The Flex Fund allows us to make smart investments in North Dakota’s infrastructure to improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation system,” said Governor Kelly Armstrong (R) in a statement. “These investments are critically important to reduce long-term maintenance and operating costs.”
“This program reflects the shared commitment of the legislature, governor, and North Dakota DOT to invest in projects that enhance safety, improve mobility and strengthen economic growth,” added Ron Henke, North Dakota DOT director.
Established in 2024 to complement the Federal Aid Highway program, the Flex Fund aims to provide additional fiscal support to the state’s interconnected transportation system, North Dakota DOT said.
After the success of the first round of Flex Fund awards in 2024, the legislative assembly expanded the program with additional funding and designated programs within the fund.
Other state departments of transportation provide similar fiscal support to local transportation projects through a wide variety of programs.
For example, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently awarded $6.6 million to 15 communities as part of the second round of fiscal year 2026 funding for its “Complete Streets” program.
Those grants will be used by municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects, the agency said, that improve travel for pedestrians, public transit users, bicyclists, and people using other forms of transportation.
In January, Governor Josh Shapiro (D) issued $30 million to 57 municipalities across Pennsylvania through the state’s Green Light-Go Program to improve traffic safety and mobility by reducing roadway congestion and improving traffic flow.
Overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, that funding will support projects that upgrade traffic signal detection and control technology, allowing signals to respond to real-time traffic conditions, reduce congestion, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
And in December 2025, the Indiana Department of Transportation issued $100 million in state matching funds to 191 cities, towns, and counties to help fund local road and bridge projects.
That funding – which comes through INDOT’s “Community Crossings” matching grant program – helps support local transportation infrastructure projects; from chip and crack sealing and road paving work to bridge rehabilitation and replacement.
The program has provided more than $2 billion for local road improvement projects since its inception in 2016, INDOT noted.
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