Last week, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the details of the new $75 million local government transportation grant program created as part of the recently enacted 2019-2021 state budget. This one-time funding initiative is called the Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) grant program and is available to local and tribal governments. The MLS grant program sets aside $18.4 million for cities and villages, $26 million for counties, and $28.9 million for towns. This one-time grant program is in addition to the General Transportation Aids program, and the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP).
According to DOT, the project selection process for the MLS program will include local government committees. The selection will be competitive and involve stakeholder input and review. Projects will rate higher if they demonstrate economic impact, provide greater connectivity or are shown to have greater cost-effectiveness than other options.
Application materials for the MLS grant program are available on DOT's website,
here. The MLS program mirrors aspects of the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP), but is available to an expanded range of project improvement types.
MLS funding is available for new projects statewide related to:
Roads
Bridges
Transit capital and facility projects
Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations
Railroads
Harbors
MLS Program highlights
- MLS application materials are available on the WisDOT website.
- The program is focused on local project delivery. Local units of government may apply for design and construction, or construction only, projects.
- Grants are available for new projects throughout the state.
- Local and tribal governments are eligible for the funding.
- The minimum project cost for counties, cities, and villages is $250,000.
- The minimum project cost for towns is $50,000.
- The program will reimburse local governments up to 90 percent of total eligible costs; the community is responsible for the balance.
- A six-year project completion will be required for approved projects.
- The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2019.
More Information
DOT will conduct three informational webinars on the Multimodal Local Supplement program on the following dates:
Monday, September 30, 2019: 9:00am to 10:30am
Wednesday, October 2, 2019: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Thursday, October 10, 2019: 2:00pm to 3:30pm
MLS informational webinars are optional, and each contains similar information. Individuals interested in participating in a MLS Informational Webinar, should send an email to DOTLocalPrograms@dot.wi.gov that states you will be attending. Specific webinar links will be sent to you prior to the date(s).
Questions on the application process and webinars should be directed to the DOT contacts listed below.
Ryan Spaight
MLS Program Manager
DOTLocalPrograms@dot.wi.gov
ryan.spaight@dot.wi.gov
Phone: (608) 266-1322
Merrill Mechler-Hickson
DOT Program Officer
DOTLocalPrograms@dot.wi.gov
merrill.mechlerhickson@dot.wi.gov
Phone: (608) 261-8977