MDT Receives $31.5 Million in Federal Transportation Funding

Last week, Governor Bullock announced the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has received an additional $31.5 million in federal highways funds.

“These transportation infrastructure projects will create good-paying jobs and support hard working families across the state,” said Governor Bullock. “We will continue to find new ways to support Montana communities, businesses, and families as we grow our strong economy and protect Montana’s quality of life for this and future generations.”

“Our staff is working quickly, investing these redistribution funds in projects to improve our transportation system,” said Director Mike Tooley. “The additional funding adds approximately twenty projects to the September and October project lettings.”

This funding surpasses the previous year’s funding of approximately $20.5 million. Montana received the funds as a reward for responsible use of federal funding by fully obligating $379.6 million through letting projects and meeting federal deadlines.

Every year states fail to spend all the allotted federal transportation funds prior to federally mandated deadlines, causing funds to revert to a federal pool for redistribution. The Federal Highways Administration makes those funds available to Montana and other states that have successfully obligated their allotment of federal funds. This year the federal redistribution funds totaled $2.8 billion and 49 states received additional funding. MDT had a proven track record and solid asset management process for maximizing its federal funding and ensuring the federal transportation program is delivered. This year’s additional federal redistribution funding will be used towards continued preservation and long term benefit of Montana’s highway system.