MnDOT and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
On Nov. 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, into law. This law is a significant five-year transportation bill (2022-2026) that includes increased funding levels and introduces numerous new grant programs. It aims to redefine transportation infrastructure and prioritize health and community-focused outcomes.
IIJA funding
IIJA funding comes to Minnesota through two primary ways: formula funding and discretionary grants.
Ninety percent of highway funding will be given to states through formula programs. These formula grants provide predetermined funding to states based on a number of factors like population and size. Minnesota has been apportioned $4.8 billion for highways for five years. An additional $300 million is allocated over five years specifically for formula bridge funding. Core highway programs have been kept intact such as the following:
- National Highway Performance Program (NHPP)
- Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STPBG)
- Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
- IIJA grant awards to Minnesota - through May 14, 2024 (Excel)
In addition, organizations around the state now have the opportunity to compete for billions of dollars through various competitive grant programs.
New formula and grant programs cover a wide range of initiatives and projects including the following:
- Bridge infrastructure
- Carbon reduction
- Charging and Fueling Infrastructure
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
- Resiliency
- Safe Streets for All
The following resources are available to learn about IIJA funding opportunities and eligibility requirements:
- Funding matrix – see an overview of the available options
- At a glance calendar – learn which grants are currently open and what grants to anticipate
- Federal notices of funding opportunities – explore each grant opportunity in more detail
- IIJA technical assistance application
- IIJA state matching funds application
Justice40
Justice40 is an ambitious initiative aimed at advancing environmental and economic equity in the United States. The goal of Justice40 is to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in areas such as clean energy, transportation, and infrastructure are directed toward disadvantaged communities. This initiative seeks to address historic environmental and economic disparities by prioritizing investments in low-income communities, communities of color, and other marginalized groups.
MnDOT is developing a strategy to integrate a Justice40 lens into its work. More information will be shared as it is available.
Current projects
MnDOT projects funded by either formula funding or discretionary grants will be included in the four-year list of projects known at the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
- Learn more about MnDOT’s upcoming projects in the 2023-2026 STIP (PDF).
- View a list of projects under construction.