In the last few weeks, state departments of transportation from Ohio to California and in between issued funds to support a wide range of local and regional infrastructure projects; largely ones involving roads and bridges.
[Above photo by the Oklahoma DOT]
For example, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission recently approved an update to the state’s County Improvements for Roads and Bridges or CIRB plan for fiscal years 2026 to 2030, which includes nearly $930 million in scheduled upgrades to county roads and bridges across all 77 of Oklahoma’s counties.
Established by the Oklahoma legislature and overseen by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the CIRB Plan targets aging and deficient county infrastructure. Over the next five years, the updated plan aims to replace or rehabilitate 230 county bridges, including 82 structures currently classified as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, while improving 422 miles of county roadways.
“We’re proud to partner with county commissioners across Oklahoma to deliver these critical infrastructure projects,” noted Tim Gatz, Oklahoma DOT’s executive director, in a statement. “They will enhance safety, improve mobility and support economic development statewide.”
The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently made $20 million available in matching funds via its Transportation Economic Development or TED program to support local projects on the state highway system in Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities Metro area.
That grant money is available to cities, counties, tribes, and other government entities to help leverage private and local investment in transportation infrastructure for economic development purposes.
In a statement, MnDOT said its TED program has provided more than $169 million in grants to 58 projects throughout Minnesota since 2011; investments that leveraged $477 million in local government and private funds.
Meanwhile, the Ohio Department of Transportation – through its Office of Jobs and Commerce – recently awarded $8.9 million in Transportation Improvement District program funding to support 26 projects in 19 counties.
The agency said that funding supports roadwork projects that will provide access to developable land, create easier access to existing businesses, and alleviate traffic congestion around commercial areas.
All told, Ohio DOT noted that those projects are expected to support more than 19,400 jobs and more than $3 billion in private sector capital investments – adding that those funds support both project development and construction activities scheduled for state fiscal year 2026 and 2027.
“By investing in transportation infrastructure that aligns with local and regional priorities, we’re helping to create jobs, strengthen communities, and attract private investment,” said Governor Mike DeWine (R) in a statement. “These funds go directly to projects that position Ohio for success now and well into the future.”
[Editor’s note: The Ohio DOT also recently issued $137.5 million via its Highway Safety Improvement Program to support 55 new traffic safety projects in 41 counties statewide.]
“Transportation is the backbone for moving people and goods as well as the catalyst for economic development opportunities,” added Pamela Boratyn, Ohio DOT director. “This innovative transportation program is a powerful tool for driving growth in communities across Ohio.”
In the Mid-Atlantic region, the New Jersey Department of Transportation helped issue $44 million in grants to 38 projects via its Local Bridge Fund to help counties statewide maintain local bridges in a state of good repair.
“These critical local infrastructure investments improve the reliability of our statewide transportation network,” explained Fran O’Connor, New Jersey DOT commissioner, in statement. “By providing grants to improve county-owned bridges throughout the state, the Local Bridges Fund improves safety and reliability by ensuring that all bridges in New Jersey are maintained in good condition.”
Out west, the California Department of Transportation – known as Caltrans – recently awarded $26.5 million via its Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant program to 65 local projects to help strengthen climate resiliency, improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, plus increase natural disaster preparedness statewide.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation provided nearly $40 million in state highway funding to counties and Class I city governments in June; funds issued to the local governments in either state highway funds or through federal aid projects to improve roadways, bridges, and other immediate critical transportation infrastructure needs.
“Although there is not a law requiring allocation of state highway funds to local governmental entities, the [South Dakota] Transportation Commission has consistently recognized the interconnection of transportation systems, regardless of ownership, and the need for local control of investments,” explained Joel Jundt, South Dakota DOT secretary, in a statement. “These state funds provide funding flexibility and help our partners maintain and enhance their local transportation systems.”
And in the Midwest, the Kansas Department of Transportation issued $5.3 million to 11 transportation projects via its Cost Share Program; state funding that will leverage nearly $3 million in community matching funds, totaling more than $8 million for infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety, support local economies, and improve connectivity.
The agency said its Cost Share Program plays a critical role in helping both rural and urban areas advance transportation projects; improving safety, supporting job retention and growth, alleviating congestion, and enhancing access and mobility for all state residents.
“Our communities know their transportation needs best, and the Cost Share Program gives them the agency to address those challenges head-on,” explained Calvin Reed, Kansas DOT secretary, in a statement. “Kansas DOT is dedicated to this partnership, creating effective, local solutions that deliver transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.”
Nation
Georgia DOT’s McMurry Wins ITS Lifetime Award
August 29, 2025
Nation
