Programs for Local Government >

Other aid

The following programs can provide financial assistance to local governments, along with other public and private entities, to make a variety of improvements to highways, airports, harbors, bike, rail and pedestrian facilities.

Adopt-A-Highway program

Allows a wide variety of local community groups to "adopt" a two-mile segment of the state trunk highway system. 

Airport Improvement Program

Combines federal and state financial resources to help fund improvements to public-use airports throughout the state.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program

Funds projects that construct or plan for bicycle or bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

Business help during construction - "In This Together" 

Business help during construction includes the “In this together” workbook designed to help Wisconsin businesses not just survive - but thrive during highway construction.

Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ)

Encourages transportation alternatives that improve air quality such as public transit enhancements, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, ridesharing programs and facilities, and technologies that improve traffic flow and vehicle emissions. The funds are only available in the southeastern Wisconsin ozone non-attainment and maintenance counties.

Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP)

Provides loans that assist with improvements to rail infrastructure, highway/grade crossings, and the construction of new rail-served facilities in an effort to boost economic activity. Eligible applicants include private industries, railroads, and local governments.

Freight Railroad Preservation Program (FRPP)

Provides grants to local governments and public entities that cover up to 80% of the costs of rail projects designed to preserve rail service or rehabilitate fixed-facilities on publicly-owned rail lines. Projects can include the purchase of rail lines in an effort to preserve freight rail service.

Harbor Assistance Program (HAP)

Assists Wisconsin harbor communities along the Great Lakes and Mississippi River with projects that maintain and improve waterborne commerce. Eligible applicants include municipal and tribal governments.

Local Transportation Enhancements (TE)

Funds projects to increase multi-modal transportation alternatives and enhance communities and the environment. Projects include bicycle or pedestrian facilities, landscaping or streetscaping, and the preservation of historic transportation structures.

Railroad crossing improvements

Among its duties, the state Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR) works with private rail firms, local governments and citizens on a variety of highway/rail crossing issues.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS)

SRTS programs encourage children ages K-8 to walk and bike to school by creating safer walking and biking routes. 

Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA)

Provides 50% matching grants of up to $1 million that help local municipalities complete road, rail, harbor or airport improvements that create or retain jobs.

WisDOT's Office of Tribal Affairs

Return to top

Questions about the content of this page:
Dan Thyes, dan.thyes@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: August 31, 2012