U.S. Department of Transportation Allocates $1.73 Billion for BUILD Program, Covering 127 Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced on Tuesday $1.73 billion in fiscal year 2026 grants to 127 projects through the BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) program. Funding covers 50 states, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Roads and bridges received the largest share ($1.3 billion, 77%), followed by transit projects ($169.9 million), port infrastructure ($136.8 million), and rail ($87.7 million). DOT received nearly 1,200 eligible applications, with total requested amounts exceeding $14.5 billion.
Core Summary
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced on Tuesday that it is providing $1.73 billion through the fiscal year 2026 BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) discretionary grant program to 127 projects across 50 states, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico, according to a press release and the list of awarded projects.
- Roads and bridges received the largest share, at $1.3 billion, accounting for 77% of the total. This includes $24 million for Interstate 94 in North Dakota to modernize pavement and install 10 miles of high-tension cable barrier.
- Transit projects were the second-largest recipient area, with DOT awarding $169.9 million to enhance the safety and reliability of public transportation systems. DOT specifically highlighted a $14.7 million upgrade for three maintenance facilities of the Milwaukee County Transit System in Wisconsin.
In-Depth Analysis
This funding comes from the BUILD discretionary grant program, which was established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and was funded by annual appropriations bills until the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021. DOT stated in the press release that it received nearly 1,200 eligible applications for fiscal year 2026, requesting more than $14.5 billion in total funding.
Port infrastructure received the third-largest funding pool, totaling $136.8 million, to expand throughput capacity and reduce bottlenecks. Among these, the Alaska Railroad Corporation received $8.5 million to widen the freight terminal at the Port of Seward, Alaska, by 300 feet, allowing ships to load, unload, and transfer cargo more quickly, according to the announcement.
Freight and passenger rail projects received $87.7 million; truck parking projects in Kentucky, Wyoming, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Illinois received a combined $62 million. An additional $11 million was allocated for aviation infrastructure.
The complete list of fiscal year 2026 award recipients is available via a downloadable spreadsheet on the DOT website.