Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) today announced an investment of $100 million for 55 projects to assist with fixing and upgrading aging local roads that support Wisconsin’s farmers and producers, as well as agricultural and forestry industries in 36 counties across the state. Projects receiving funding are focused on improving rural roads and culverts that are critical to moving and transporting agricultural and forestry products. This is the second round of Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) award announcements.
In the second ARIP project solicitation, 220 applications were received, totaling more than $370 million in requested project funding. Of these 220 applications, 74 were previously submitted for funding consideration in the first ARIP project solicitation, and 146 were new applications.
ARIP is a reimbursement program, which may pay up to 90% of total eligible project costs, with the balance of the eligible costs funded by the local government where the work is performed.
To be eligible for funding, projects needed to meet the following criteria:
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The project highway, or the highway where the bridge or culvert is located, is functionally classified by the department as a local road or minor collector;
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The highway, bridge, or culvert provides access to agricultural lands or facilities used to produce agricultural goods, including forest products;
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The highway, bridge, or culvert is used by at least one agricultural producer;
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The highway is designated as a class “B” highway due to structural deficiencies or is subject to a posted weight limitation at least annually;
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After the improvement, the highway will not be designated as a class “B” highway and will not be subject to a posted weight limitation other than under extraordinary or emergency circumstances; and
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The highway, bridge, or culvert is maintained by a political subdivision.
More information about ARIP can be found here.
