DOT announces $65 million federal bridge grant; seeks NEPA assignment under federal program

During the April 23 meeting DOT staff reported the department was selected to receive a U.S. DOT competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grant of $65 million for a bundled bridge replacement project referenced in the meeting as the "Plot Winter" bridge replacement. The department said it bundled additional structures (including a Douglas County structure northwest of Armour on 280th Street) into the project and that the CHBP awards fund bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects in primarily rural settings.

DOT staff said the $65 million CHBP award, combined with a congressional directed spending appropriation described in the meeting as approximately $25 million, gives the department roughly $90 million in discretionary funding for that bundled bridge effort. Staff stated they expect to proceed toward letting late summer or early fall 2026 and that remaining leverage would come from formula funds and normal DOT match procedures.

On the state side, staff reported the Legislature approved a measure waiving sovereign immunity that enables the department to request a Surface Transportation Project Delivery (NEPA assignment) agreement with the Federal Highway Administration. Staff said the department has submitted a letter of interest and begun the technical review process; they estimated the assignment review could take about a year and staff would return to FHWA for final approval to assume NEPA responsibilities under federal environmental laws for covered projects.

Commissioners received the report as informational; no formal vote was required on the grant announcement or the NEPA assignment steps during the meeting.