In order to support local transportation projects around the country, multiple state departments of transportation have released funds.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) made $250 million in "Corridors of Commerce" funding, which became available August 1, supporting local transportation projects.
MnDOT said in a statement that state bonds approved during the 2021 legislative session provide $200 million of that funding, with Minnesota DOT contributing an additional $50 million in trunk highway funds.
The corridors of Commerce program was created in 2013 by Minnesota's legislature, authorizing the sale of new highway bonds for the construction, reconstruction and improvement of trunk highways for projects not already in the State Transportation Improvement program.
Projects must either develop additional system capacity, improve movement for freight, or reduce barriers to commerce in order to receive the Corridors of Commerce Funding, the agency added. Applications are due by November 30, with Minnesota DOT planning to announce funding recipients in May 2023.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) released $161 million in fiscal year 2023 County Aid to help make infrastructure improvements at the local level in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties.
NJDOT said in a statement this program helps maintain roads and bridges under county jurisdiction in a state of good repair, with County Aid funds apportioned based on population and road mileage in each county. Each county is required to submit eligible projects to NJDOT for approval before December 1.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced a plan on August 2 to “reshape” two local bridge improvement programs that focus on city and county bridges to include approximately $137.5 million in funds over the next five years flowing from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted in November 2021.
In a statement, Julie Lorenz, Kansas DOT secretary, said that the increase will more than double and triple local bridge improvement funds currently available in these programs under the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program or IKE.
“We’re being both smart and pro-active by improving programs, streamlining processes and helping our partners make the most of these new federal funds,” she said.
“Kansas DOT’s Bureau of Local Projects is administering these funds through existing IKE programs in order to minimize paperwork and to expedite the launch of projects,” Lorenz added.
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Source: AASHTO Journal
