The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is inviting public comments on a new information collection related to the Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP).
Alaska is one of the states eligible for this program due to its low population density and the condition of its bridges.
The CHBP, funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, provides $250 million for highway bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects.
Eligible states, including Alaska, can apply for funding to bundle multiple bridge projects, which can lead to cost savings.
The program targets states with less than 115 individuals per square mile and specific percentages of bridges in poor condition.
Alaska’s Department of Transportation can submit up to three applications for this funding, with each application requiring detailed project narratives and readiness assessments.
The deadline for public comments on the information collection is December 24, 2024, and funds must be obligated by September 30, 2027.
This initiative aims to improve infrastructure by addressing bridge conditions and enhancing transportation safety and efficiency in eligible states like Alaska.
The Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) also impacts several other states beyond Alaska, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Iowa, Maine, South Dakota, and West Virginia are particularly highlighted as they are guaranteed a minimum of $32,500,000 each, reflecting their higher percentage of bridges in poor condition.
The program emphasizes accountability and transparency, requiring ongoing performance monitoring and reporting for selected projects.