I-94 in North Dakota was awarded $24 million for safety and freight movement upgrades. Photo credit: NDDOT Facebook page.
What’s happening: The U.S. Department of Transportation announced July 7 the release of $1.73 billion in BUILD grants to 127 projects in 52 states and territories.
BUILD grants—which stand for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development—are competitive federal discretionary grants formerly known as RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity).
Where it’s going: Roads and bridges receive the largest share, $1.3 billion–roughly 77 percent of the total funding–to upgrade critical commuting and commerce arteries. Transit projects receive $169.9 million, with $14.7 million to upgrade three Milwaukee County Transit System maintenance facilities. Aviation infrastructure will receive more than $11 million to improve roadways at Arizona’s Coolidge Municipal Airport and Louisiana’s New Orleans International Airport.
Why it matters: While the vast majority of federal surface transportation investment is distributed to states and localities via formula, discretionary grants augment funding, often delivering resources to projects that would otherwise not move forward.
What’s next: View the full list of grant recipients here.
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