The Wisconsin Local Bridge Improvement Program recently received $38.6 million in additional funding for the 2018-2022 cycle.
The Local Bridge Program replaces bridges on the existing bridges’ locations. It covers the cost of bringing the bridges up to current standards and improves safety and other factors.
The funding will support 70 local bridge projects statewide. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Southwest Region will receive more than $11 million to fund 20 local bridge projects.
Last week’s funding follows $76.4 million for 113 local bridges and brings the total number of projects funded to 183.
“Today, with passage from the Joint Committee on Finance, 70 additional local bridge projects will advance the connection of people and commerce across Wisconsin,” Gov. Scott Walker said. “We’re making the largest increases in local road and bridge aids that have been seen in 20 years ensuring continued economic development for the state.”
Walker’s budget included a $20 million increase to the program.
Walker also recently announced the expansion of Interstate 94 south of Milwaukee will still be completed by 2021 despite the state receiving $86 million less than what it applied for from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding America grant. The total is 65 percent less than the $246 million needed.