Biden-Harris Administration Opens Applications for Over $9 Billion in Funding to Modernize Nation’s Bridges
Today, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled the commencement of application submissions for $9.7 billion in multi-year funding. Originally disclosed in September, this funding is dedicated to enhancing the nation’s bridges. The funds are accessible through the competitive Bridge Investment Program, specifically within the “Planning” and “Bridge Project” categories. These categories support bridge planning, repair, and replacement projects with a budget of under $100 million.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which established the Bridge Investment Program, invests a total of $40 billion over five years to help ensure that some of the nation’s most important bridges remain safe and operational, meet current and future traveler needs, support local economies, strengthen supply chains, and create good-paying jobs across the country. Already, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has funded over 7,000 bridge projects.
“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,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Thanks to President Biden, we are making the largest investment in America’s bridges since the construction of the Interstate system, and 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.”
“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,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “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 years ahead.”