State Funding for Local Infrastructure

SB 536 Funds Used for Off-System Bridge Replacements

The Off-System Bridge Strike Team, comprised of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the Montana Association of Counties (MACo), have worked together with county officials to fund more than 50 bridge replacement projects utilizing SB 536 funding.

SB 536 Funds Used for Off-System Bridge Repairs

MDT continues to identify bridges that may benefit from a temporary repair or quick fix and is continually in the process of planning and executing repairs as the need arises. Additional repairs identified by the counties are brought forward to the Off-System Bridge Strike Team for funding consideration.

Discretionary Grant Support

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law on November 15, 2021, reauthorizing federal surface transportation programs into 2026. IIJA includes funding to rebuild and reinvest in our railways, public transit infrastructure, the safety of our transportation system, and invest billions in transformational projects that will create good-paying union jobs, grow the economy, and make our transportation system safer and more resilient.

MDT and our partners continue to seek federal discretionary funding to address repairs and replacements for Off-System bridges. MDT continues to apply for necessary funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) discretionary funding programs. Opportunities will likely include federal discretionary programs such as the Bridge Investment Program (BIP), the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program (INFRA), and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program (MEGA).

MDT has developed a Discretionary Grants Program web page to share information, provide an easy-to-use form for local officials to request support, and help local entities understand and navigate the discretionary grant process.