NDDOT views the statewide transportation system as a single integrated system, regardless of mode or infrastructure ownership. The Department provides numerous programs and services to our transportation partners. This page provides details and links to those programs and services.
The NDDOT offers several grant and funding programs to Local Public Agencies (LPAs) across North Dakota.
Many of these programs have been established for several years and are intended to make funds available to the locals to help enhance their communities and way of life. Below is a brief description of these programs.
Flexible Transportation Fund Program
This fund was established by the 68th Legislative Assembly to complement the Federal Aid Highway program and further support an interconnected transportation system in our great state. The funds will be used to improve the transportation infrastructure on and off the state highway system, and to match local funds and federal discretionary grant funds that may become available.
Transit Grants
This program makes available about $8 million dollars each year to the Urban and Rural Transit Providers in the State. Portions of this Grant can be used for operating expenses and a portion is intended for Capital Improvements such as the purchase of new transit busses. This is a Federal Aid Grant so these projects must qualify for Federal Funding. Transit agencies need to apply for these funds on an annual basis.
Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program
This program makes available about $1.6 million dollars available each year for transportation alternative-type (pedestrian/bicycle) projects. This is a federally mandated program, and these funds can only be spent on TA-eligible projects. About 60% of these funds are intended for communities above 5,000 in population and 40% for communities below 5,000 in population, including counties. This is a Federal Aid Grant so these projects must qualify for federal funding. NDDOT does an annual solicitation for qualifying projects.
Urban Grant Program
This program makes available about $4.6 million dollars each year to cities over 5,000 in population to apply for and make improvements on city urban roadways (Federal Aid) including state highways. The improvements are intended to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and other multimodal facilities to enhance the downtown areas within these communities. This is a Federal Aid Grant so these projects must be on a federal aid route and the work must qualify for federal funding. NDDOT does an annual solicitation for qualifying projects.
Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)
FLAP provides funding to improve roadways that access federal lands within North Dakota. The ownership of the roadway can be federal, state, or LPA. This program is administered by Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD) with participation by NDDOT.
Special Road Fund (SRF)
The SRF program provides funding to make improvements on roadways that provide access to and/or within recreation, tourist and historical areas. These are state funds which come from the interest earned from monies deposited in interest bearing accounts at the Bank of ND so the amount varies year to year. Funding is available for construction only at a maximum amount of $300,000 per project. NDDOT solicits for projects when there is adequate funding available.
State Planning and Research (SPR), Local Transportation Planning
This program provides about $450,000 annually in federal funding to non-metropolitan cities over 5,000 in population and to counties to assist in their transportation planning efforts. These funds can be used for creating or updating a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and corridor studies. This is federal aid funding so all planning efforts must qualify for federal funding. NDDOT does an annual fall solicitation for qualifying projects.
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Grants
The HSIP program makes about $6 million federal funding available for counties and cities to address highway traffic safety issues. This is a federal grant so all improvements must meet the Federal Aid requirements. NDDOT will solicit the counties, cities, and tribal governments annually for safety projects.
Rail Crossing Program
NDDOT administers the rail crossing safety program using federal funds. Projects include: new signal installations, signal upgrades, signal relocation, surface rehabilitation and crossing closures. NDDOT solicits potential crossing projects from various entities such as cities, counties, schools, etc. in early September each year and receives requests throughout the year. A diagnostic team comprised of the road authority, the operating railroad and NDDOT meets at identified crossings to determine the recommended course of action through consensus. Projects are ranked and placed on a list for potential available funding, all projects require a 10% local match from either the road authority or the operating railroad. For crossing closures, railroad companies offer money to the road authority for the closure and NDDOT can match those funds up to $7,500. The money provided by the NDDOT requires a safety project to be implemented using the funds, the money offered by the railroad company does not typically have conditions attached. If you are interested in this program or have questions, contact the Planning/Asset Management Division.
Rail Loan Program
The Rail Loan Program is primarily intended to upgrade and rehabilitate rail infrastructure that maintains or improves rail service, although some projects for new rail service have been assisted with loan funds. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, railroads, and other current or potential users of freight railroad service. Class I Railroads are not eligible applicants. Eligible projects are categorized as system critical, infrastructure improvement and economic development. If you are interested in this program or have questions, please contact NDDOT's Planning/Asset Management Division.
Special Federal Grants
Occasionally, FHWA will have special opportunities for state departments of transportation and/or local public agencies (LPAs) to submit for additional federal funds during the year. These opportunities occur approximately one time during any given year. The amount of federal funds available vary with each grant announcement and so does the criteria. Based on the criteria in the grant announcement, NDDOT will work with LPAs, if they are eligible, to apply for these grants as they are announced on their behalf. If LPAs can apply directly, NDDOT encourages those LPAs to apply.
The Highway Safety Division receives funds through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer behavioral safety programs to reduce fatalities and injuries from motor vehicle crashes on North Dakota roads. Projects proposed for funding should address behavioral safety priorities such as wearing seat belts at all times, transporting children in child passenger safety (CPS) seats appropriate for the child's age and height, not driving while distracted by cell phones or any other form of distraction, driving only when sober (i.e., not under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs), and obeying all posted speed limits. Contact the Highway Safety Division with questions.