The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a new Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, providing $250 million for bridge projects.
Maine is one of the states eligible for this program due to its population density and the condition of its bridges, with more than 14% classified as in poor condition.
Maine is guaranteed to receive at least $32.5 million for highway bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects on public roads.
The program encourages cost savings by bundling multiple bridge projects together.
Eligible projects must demonstrate readiness, technical feasibility, and meet specific merit criteria set by the CHBP.
State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are the only entities eligible to apply, and they can submit up to three applications.
The FHWA is seeking public comments on the information collection process necessary for evaluating applications and monitoring awarded projects.
The deadline for public comments is January 30, 2025, and the funds must be obligated by September 30, 2027.
18 States to Benefit from Competitive Highway Bridge Program Funding
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has allocated $250 million for the Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP), targeting the replacement or rehabilitation of highway bridges in 18 eligible states.
Eligibility for the program is based on population density and the condition of bridges, with states having less than 115 individuals per square mile and a significant percentage of bridges in poor condition qualifying.
In addition to Maine, states such as Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming are eligible for funding.
Iowa, South Dakota, and West Virginia, like Maine, are guaranteed to receive no less than $32.5 million each due to their high percentage of bridges in poor condition.
The program promotes cost efficiency by encouraging the bundling of multiple bridge projects and requires detailed project narratives and readiness assessments from applicants.
Each eligible State Department of Transportation (DOT) can submit up to three applications, with a comprehensive evaluation process to follow.
To view the original document on the Federal Register, click here.