Strengthening the municipal infrastructure network strengthens state roads and bridges, making life easier for traffic movement within state borders.

That's why state DOTs are funding local projects across the country. From bridge replacements to vulnerable road user safety improvements, AASHTO has noted that state DOTs are supporting a variety of local projects.

These contracts "eliminate long detours, reopen safe routes for heavy vehicles and strengthen the transportation network" communities rely on said one state official

In a December AASHTO Journal article, another official said these programs deliver "localized infrastructure that keeps the state moving forward."

State departments of transportation see the value in fiscal support for local transportation projects that can impact not only the region but the entire state.

State DOTs Put Money Where It's Needed

Each state establishes its own funding program. In Nebraska, the DOT's County Bridge Match Program (CBMP) was started in 2016. Part of the state's Transportation Innovation Act, the program selected proposals in November for its 10th round of contracts.

These selections represent nine counties and 15 bridges, at an estimated total cost of $9.8 million, including $4 million from the CBMP.

AASHTO said the program was created to share construction costs and help counties rebuild crossings that are "essential to rural life and commerce."

"Nebraska DOT said the CBMP has become a ‘cornerstone' in maintaining and improving county bridges statewide," noted the article.

The program does so by providing funds for the innovative replacement and repair of deficient county structures. Nebraska DOT selects applications based on criteria that emphasize community impacts on essential services, local economies and daily life.

In Kentucky, $6 million was issued to 12 critical bridge projects across nine counties and one city by the state's Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). It was the fifth round of the state's County and City Bridge Improvement Program, which has awarded $38.7 million to local governments this year.

"Our focus is simple: Repair what's failing and restore access where it's been lost," said Jim Gray, KYTC secretary.

Through its Cost Share Program, the Kansas Department of Transportation awarded $5.9 million to 10 local transportation construction projects. The agency leveraged nearly $3.3 million in community matching funds for more than $9 million in infrastructure improvements.

These improvement projects mean enhanced safety, support for local economies and improved connectivity across Kansas, said the agency.

"Kansas communities have the clearest perspective on their local transportation priorities," said Calvin Reed, Kansas DOT secretary.

The Cost Share Program unlocks the ability to fund those desired projects, he added.

In Connecticut the state DOT granted nearly $12 million to 17 towns and cities for projects via its Community Connectivity Grant Program. The state-funded program is now in its seventh round of providing financial support for local infrastructure initiatives, according to AASHTO.

These projects make conditions safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists in urban, suburban and rural centers.

"This grant program, which helps fund these important community-driven projects, is an integral part of our mission," said Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT commissioner. "This state funding is helping towns and cities deliver important projects; increasing safety and enhancing connectivity across Connecticut."

And in Michigan, the state DOT issued 11 Transportation Economic Development Fund Category F grants totaling $3.9 million to rebuild local roads.

"TEDF grants are a great tool for communities to improve local roads while helping create jobs and economic opportunities," said Bradley Wieferich, DOT director. "These 11 agencies will be able to resurface roads, improve intersections and address overall safety in areas where there are high commercial, customer and employee traffic."

At the same time, the agency awarded $11 million to fund a variety of VRU safety improvements. Separated pathways, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes will provide safe alternative transportation embodying the "mobility for everyone" concept.

In November, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced $250 million in Municipal Aid grants. Some 537 cities and towns will receive funds. The money will fund projects to advance road, bridge, safety and quality-of-life improvements, according to the governor's office.

The projects "demonstrate the Department of Transportation's Commitment to Communities," the office said in announcing the grants. The program drew 591 applications from 537 different municipalities and a total of $363 million was requested.

The governor's office said applications were rated on their merits by NJDOT staff and reviewed by an independent panel of New Jersey municipal engineers. Every municipality that applied for funding, all 537 municipalities, received a grant, totaling $150 million.

"Having a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the state means investing in local roads and bridges, as well as state highways," said Murphy. "Municipal Aid provides the funds for infrastructure projects in our towns and cities that significantly improve the quality of life for New Jersey residents."

Fran O'Connor, NJDOT commissioner, noted that once again "NJDOT was able to award funding to every community that applied."

Nearly 43 percent of the funding, or $64.3 million, is going to 179 municipalities with Complete Streets policies, said the governor's office. Another $22.4 million is being awarded to 52 communities where the project meets equity criteria to benefit low-income and minority populations.

Municipalities were encouraged to consider using the program to fund projects that support safety, walking and biking in their communities. According to the governor's office, in 2025, six percent of the grants represent this type of non-traditional project. Under the Municipal Aid grant program, each county is apportioned a share of the total funding based on population and the number of local centerline miles.

Municipalities compete for portions of their county's share and NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract. The remaining 25 percent is provided upon completion of the project. Of the $150 million, $10 million is allotted for municipalities qualifying for Urban Aid.

This summer the Ohio DOT issued $12.7 million in grants to eight communities under its Small City Program. The grants support critical road infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, accessibility and economic development, according to AASHTO.

Ohio DOT's Small City program focuses on supporting roadway, safety and pedestrian projects in cities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999 people. These cities also are not part of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), noted AASHTO.

Ohio DOT said the funding awards are supported by the use of Toll Revenue Credits to reduce the local match required by each project sponsor.

"Investing in local communities is critical in keeping Ohio's infrastructure strong and communities connected," said Gov. Mike DeWine.

Pamela Boratyn, Ohio DOT director, said the program "is an essential tool for helping communities improve their roads, sidewalks, and safety infrastructure. Transportation is the backbone for moving people and goods as well as the catalyst for economic development opportunities. This innovative transportation program is a powerful tool for driving growth in communities across Ohio."

She added through these grants, the state provides "critical funding to improve transportation infrastructure, enhance safety and support economic growth."

The Massachusetts DOT broke ground this year on the Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor (LMRC) improvement project. The project, expected to be completed by summer of 2028, will turn part of an abandoned rail line into an approximately 1.5-mi. shared use path.

Among other contracts, it includes rehabilitation of existing LMRC bridges over the Merrimack River and the South Canal.

Also involved is construction of a new bridge over Manchester Street for the shared-use path and replacement of the Lowell Street bridge with a culvert structure.

The Alabama DOT this year awarded more than $3.7 million in grants to 12 local road projects statewide. Under the second round of funding made available this year, it is part of Alabama DOT's Annual Grant Program created by the Rebuild Alabama Act. The act was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2019.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission signed off on an update to the state's County Improvements for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) plan, said AASHTO. Set for fiscal years 2026 to 2030 the program includes nearly $930 million in upgrades to county roads and bridges across all 77 of Oklahoma's counties.

Overseen by the Oklahoma DOT, the CIRB Plan targets aging and deficient county infrastructure, according to the AASHTO Journal. Over the next five years, the program will replace or rehabilitate 230 county bridges. This includes 82 structures currently classified as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, while improving 422 mi. of county roadways.

"We're proud to partner with county commissioners across Oklahoma to deliver these critical infrastructure projects," said Tim Gatz, Oklahoma DOT executive director. "They will enhance safety, improve mobility and support economic development statewide."

The Minnesota DOT released $20 million in matching funds via its Transportation Economic Development (TED) program. The program supports local projects on the state highway system in Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities Metro area.

It makes grant money available to cities, counties, tribes and other government entities to leverage investment in transportation infrastructure.

The agency said its TED program has provided more than $169 million in grants to 58 projects throughout Minnesota since 2011. CEG