Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Congressman Kelly Armstrong today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $22 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. This funding will support efforts to raise the grade of roadways along eight rural North Dakota highways and Interstate 94, benefiting approximately 13 locations. These projects will help reduce road closures due to road flooding and seasonal water accumulation. Earlier this year, the delegation urged Secretary Chao to approve the state’s grant application citing how crucial rural roadways are across North Dakota.
“Inaccessible roadways create a real public safety concern, potentially blocking access to life-saving emergency response crews, not to mention they can be a real hindrance for residents. This $22 million grant will provide vital resources to repair roadways in our state and improve public safety,” said Senator Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee. “We appreciate Secretary Chao advancing this grant to North Dakota as it will improve the long-term resiliency of North Dakota’s roadways and systems.”
“An investment in infrastructure is an investment in our communities,” said Senator Cramer. “We appreciate President Trump for his commitment to revitalizing our nation’s roads and bridges, and Secretary Chao for approving the BUILD grant North Dakota requested, which will improve our highways and protect them from natural disasters.”
“We’ve seen time and again the inconvenience and danger associated with flooded roads. This funding is essential to ensuring North Dakotans have access to safe, reliable, and efficient transportation,” said Congressman Armstrong. “We thank Secretary Chao for recognizing the unique challenges faced in our state and appreciate her commitment to rebuilding our country’s infrastructure in a meaningful way.”
“This Administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild, and revitalize transportation systems across America,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
