U.S. DOT Allocates More Than $645 Million in Grants for Rural Infrastructure

What happened: Eighteen states will receive grants to improve safety and boost regional economics in rural areas, according to a Dec. 12 announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Why it matters: Rural regions have long grappled with higher fatality rates and lack of funding to repair deteriorating roads and bridges. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more than $44 billion is designated to help rural America fix its transportation networks.

Projects selected in this round include:

• $49 million for a new bridge in Glenwood Springs, California.
• $28 million in road improvements in northern Maine.
• $60 million for rehabilitating roads and bridges along New Mexico’s U.S. 64.

Through its Rural Service Transportation Grant Program (Rural), U.S. DOT awarded $645.3 million in grants to help communities nationwide finish transportation projects that improve safety and boost regional economies.

See the full list.