WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $1.73 billion to 127 roadway, transit, rail, port and aviation projects across states, territories and the District of Columbia, directing most of the funding toward roads and bridges as governments seek to modernize freight and passenger networks.
The grants were issued through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program, the department announced.
Road and bridge projects received approximately $1.3 billion, accounting for about 77% of the total. The North Dakota Department of Transportation was awarded $24 million to improve pavement and install 10 miles of high-tension cable barriers along Interstate 94.
Port projects received $136.8 million to expand capacity and reduce freight bottlenecks. The Alaska Railroad Corp. will receive $8.5 million to widen the Port of Seward freight dock by 300 feet, allowing vessels to move cargo more quickly.
Another $169.9 million will support public transit projects, including $14.7 million to upgrade three Milwaukee County Transit System maintenance facilities.
The department allocated $62 million for truck parking projects in Kentucky, Wyoming, Louisiana, Mississippi and Illinois. Kentucky will receive $25 million to add parking spaces at seven rest areas along four major freight corridors.
Aviation projects received more than $11 million for airport roadway improvements at Coolidge Municipal Airport in Arizona and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana.
Freight and passenger rail projects received $87.7 million. The Port of Corpus Christi Authority in Texas was awarded $24.3 million to modernize and extend rail infrastructure at its inland port.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy framed the grants as investments in infrastructure that connects workers with jobs, supports freight movement and strengthens port operations.
“The impact of these dollars will be felt in communities nationwide for years to come,” Duffy stated.
The department received nearly 1,200 eligible applications requesting more than $14.5 billion, leaving demand for the program at more than eight times the available funding.
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