By Steven Myer

The federal government has opened grant applications that will fund replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and planning for bridges on the National Bridge Inventory.

State and local governments, and tribal entities, are eligible to apply. The program encourages collaboration among stakeholders.

The funding falls into two categories:

• Planning grants: Projects for planning, feasibility studies, and revenue forecasts associated with the development of a project that would later be eligible for bridge project grants. Up to $20 million a year for fiscal years 2023-2026 will be awarded. For fiscal years 2023-2024, the deadline is March 19, 2024.
• Bridge project grants: To rehabilitate, replace, preserve, or protect bridges on the National Bridge Inventory. Up to $9.62 billion is available for fiscal years 2023-2026. The deadline is Feb. 19, 2024.

Grant decisions will emphasize upgrading and rehabilitating existing bridges to meet modern safety standards, integration of innovative technologies, use of sustainable practices, and community impact.

Learn more.