The message of available funds for rural road and bridge repair was heard loud and clear by Wisconsin farmers. That’s the verdict from Joel Nilsesteun, Assistant Deputy Secretary at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Nilsesteun visited with Pam Jahnke about where application numbers stand rolling toward the initial deadline of April 5th.
In June 2023, Senate Bill 247 (Act 13) established the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) as part of the 2023-2025 biennium budget to improve highways functionally classified as local roads, or minor collectors, or culverts, that provide access to agricultural lands or facilities used to produce agricultural goods, including forest products.
Created within the framework of the existing Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP), ARIP provides a one-time segregated revenue (SEG) funding of $150 million to enhance rural roads, bridges, and culverts in Wisconsin’s rural communities.
Nilsesteun says it’s really critical that applicants do everything they can to “tell the story” of the road or bridge they’re focused on to help the committee that’s deciding how to allocate funds.
The application deadline for the first $50 million of funding through ARIP is the close of business Friday, April 5th. The second round of funding will be open for applications later this summer.
For assistance, or guidance on the process, consult the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website, or the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s resource page.
