Updated: March 21, 2025
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a historic investment in states’ transportation systems. WisDOT is working hard to maximize this opportunity to improve Wisconsin’s infrastructure, public safety, innovation and the future of our transportation system.
BIL funding comes to the state in two primary ways: State program grants and Discretionary Grants. WisDOT administers some of the grant programs and has resources to support local government officials to seek and apply for funding.
One way federal funds are dispersed through the state to improve Wisconsin's transportation system is through formula funding via state programs. This is money that moves through various state-administered programs to pay for construction.
WisDOT administers programs to distribute these fund which saw a significant increase through BIL.
WisDOT disperses funds through these programs and has information and resources for local government officials to understand and successfully to tap into federally-funded sources. Links to these programs will further explain how to tap into new federally-funded sources.
State funded:
Federally and State funded:
2023 Statewide Local Program Symposium.Video presentations provide extensive information on various transportation topics. View website for specific topics and links.
The second way federal funding makes improvements in Wisconsin is through discretionary grants. The grant programs included were authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), or Appropriations Act (AA).
Individual communities and eligible organizations can apply for these highly competitive grants through U.S. Department of Transportation and other agencies. WisDOT is not the grant administrator for these opportunities but has resources to support local government leaders in their application process.
The USDOT and other agencies award federal discretionary grants to eligible applicants through a highly-competitive nationwide process based on qualifications and merit.
Explore more about federal discretionary grant programs and how to compete for these funds. WisDOT offers many resources, including the opportunity to request a
Letter of Support to supplement only USDOT Federal Grant Applications. Discover how to compete for these federal discretionary grants with the link below.
Impact of Discretionary Funding across Wisconsin
See where federal funds have been awarded across the state and the impact this is having on transportation investments in Wisconsin's communities.
Click on this interactive map to see how the efforts of Wisconsin's communities, municipalities and Tribes are meeting these goals, maximizing federal discretionary funding opportunities and improving the quality of life for everyone in Wisconsin.
For more information, contact:
Local programs:
Merrill Mechler-Hickson, Local Roads Programs & Finance Section Chief
(608) 261-8977,
Merrill.MechlerHickson@dot.wi.gov
Discretionary funds:
Jessica L. Wagner, WisDOT Federal Program Officer
(608) 267-6979,
jessical.wagner@dot.wi.gov