USDOT announces Bridge Investment Program

On December 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced $9.7 billion in funding for the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) through Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The BIP is a competitive grant program focused on rehabilitating existing bridges to reduce the number of bridges in poor condition and bridges in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition

By: Jessica Jennings and Charlotte Mitchell
National Association of Counties

On December 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced $9.7 billion in funding for the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) through Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The BIP is a competitive grant program focused on rehabilitating existing bridges to reduce the number of bridges in poor condition and bridges in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition.

Are counties eligible?

Yes. The BIP has expanded eligibility so that local government entities, including counties, are eligible to apply directly to USDOT. Counties can apply for the regular bridge and planning funding here, and the large bridge funding here.

What can counties use the Bridge Investment Program funding for?

There are three project categories within the BIP: large bridge, regular bridge, and planning.

• Large Bridge
  • Projects that cost more than $100 million
  • Maximum award amount is 50% of total costs
  • Minimum award amount is $50 million
  • 2022 recipients listed here
• Regular Bridge
  • Projects that cost less than $100 million
  • Maximum award amount is 80% of total project costs
    • 90% if the bridge is an off-system bridge
  • Minimum award amount is $2.5 million
  • 2022 recipients listed here
• Planning
  • $20 million is set aside for planning projects
  • Maximum award is 80% of total project costs
  • 2022 recipients listed here

Read more here.