U.S. Deparment of Transportation to provide $1.4 million for Idaho infastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday that nearly $1.4 million in planning grants to Idaho through the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program.

According to the DOT, Valley County will receive $464,000 to replace or rehabilitate the Lake Fork Bridge to address structural deficiencies and improve safety.

Bonneville County will receive $328,000 to begin a replacement strategy for the 145th North Bridge over the Snake River, including wider lanes and improving its safety.

The Local Highway Assistance Council will receive $600,000 to facilitate the reconstruction of the Naples Bridge in Boundary County. The project lays the groundwork to find viable and sustainable solutions.

The DOT said the planning grants are three of 28 projects receiving funding across 18 states. The grants will fund the early phases of development for three bridges across Idaho and future bridge projects.

“The planning grants announced today will help Idaho prepare critical bridge projects for restoration or replacement before they fall into a state of disrepair,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “By making historic investments in bridge projects that serve as a vital transportation link in communities nationwide, the Biden-Harris administration is supporting local economies, strengthening supply chains, and promoting resilience and safety in transportation.”

The DOT said the Bridge Investment Program awarded $7.4 billion in funding for 78 projects in 38 states. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has launched over 10,200 bridge projects since its enactment.

“Using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to actively address the backlog of bridges needing repairs, making our roads and highways safer and our supply chains stronger,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Bridge Investment Program Planning grants we’re announcing today will provide much-needed resources to communities nationwide so they can complete the plans and studies required to move forward with important bridge projects.”

Planning grants under the Bridge Investment Program are available for projects in the early phases of project development, where eligible activities include planning, feasibility analysis and revenue forecasting. Providing planning grants in addition to construction grants allows the DOT to support the development stage of a project that could then be eligible for a future construction grant through a range of competitive grant programs.

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