US DOT Awards $273.9 Million for Rural Freight Infrastructure
Several states will be improving safety and the flow of goods on rural roads thanks to $273.9 million in funding from the U.S. department of Transportation (USDOT). The agency will invest $2 billion in rural programs through 2026 to upgrade infrastructure, improve road safety and increase agriculture, commerce, and improved power and freight facilities. These funds will be split into 12 projects across several states.
The 12 winning states include Alaska, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. Also included are two projects in tribal areas and a project in a Native Alaskan Village.
Niagara County in New York received the largest of the grants. The funds will be used in a large-scale project to upgrade the 70-year-old Hartland Road Bridge. This bridge has not undergone any repairs or improvements in over 3 decades. The long overdue renovations will aid in the movement of agricultural freight across the bridge.
“Infrastructure investments haven’t always reached rural America, leaving far too many roads, bridges and other parts of the transportation system across our country in disrepair,” Pete Buttigieg, USDOT Secretary said. Later adding “delivering the investments that rural communities have gone without for far too long, modernizing transportation, creating economic opportunity and making life better for millions of people.”
Due to decades of disinvestment, around 13% of rural roads and 10% of off-system bridges, most of which are in rural areas, are in poor condition.
U.S. Department of Transportation
This funding will surely improve the safety of these rural roads as well as improve the growth, economy, and quality of life in these areas.
