Agricultural Roads Improvement Program Overview

Slide Note

The Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) is a one-time grant initiative funded with $150 million to improve deteriorating Class B and weight-restricted roads hindering agricultural operations. Eligible projects must provide access to agricultural lands, involve agricultural producers, and address structural deficiencies or weight limits. The program aims to enhance agricultural transportation efficiency and economic impact. WisDOT plans two application cycles in 2024 for project solicitations, with a competitive selection process prioritizing projects benefiting the most agricultural producers and providing positive economic outcomes.

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Agricultural Roads Improvement Program Jennifer Murray WisDOT Division of Transportation Investment Management Director for the Bureau of Transit, Local Roads, Railroads and Harbors 11/15/2023

DRAFT General Purpose and Requirements The Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) is a one-time SEG funded grant appropriation in the 2023-2025 biennium. $150 million to reimburse local governments to improve deteriorating Class B and weight-restricted roads that restrict the ability of farming to move full truckloads of goods. ARIP may be funded at up to a 90% state cost share. From the date of legislation, program must award within 3 years and reimburse within 5 years.

DRAFT Eligibility An ARIP project is eligible for funding if it meets all the following criteria: The highway, bridge, or culvert provides access to agricultural lands or facilities used to produce agricultural goods, including forest products. The highway, bridge, or culvert is used by at least one agricultural producer. The highway is designated as a class B highway due to structural deficiencies or is subject to a posted weight limitation at least annually. After the improvement, the highway will not be designated as a class B highway and will not be subject to a posted weight limitation other than under extraordinary or emergency circumstances. Other statutory requirements (like functional classification), committee decisions, and WisDOT policy will apply.

DRAFT Proposed Solicitations* WisDOT anticipates holding two application cycles in 2024: Round 1 Round 2 First project solicitation in January - March of 2024. Application due date of March 15, 2024. Committee review of submitted applications throughout late March and April 2024. Final committee meeting and formalized award selections the week of April 29, 2024. Award announcements made at the end of May 2024. Second project solicitation in June - August of 2024. Application due date of August 15, 2024. Committee review of submitted applications throughout late August and September 2024. Final committee meeting and formalized award selections the week of September 30, 2024. Award announcements made at the end of October 2024. *Information on this slide is subject to change

DRAFT Selection Process Projects will be selected by a competitive discretionary committee made up of local government officials and members of the agricultural/timber industry. The legislation specifies priorities for awarding grants, including but not limited to: A project that improves access by the largest number of agricultural producers to agricultural lands and facilities used to produce agricultural goods. A project that will result in the greatest positive economic impact. A highway, bridge, or culvert that provides the only feasible access to agricultural lands used to produce agricultural goods. An application by a local government that faces demonstrable fiscal or administrative difficulties in completing highway projects. A project that will result in the reduction of trips, costs, mileage driven (for example) for agricultural producers. A project that will result in the transportation of the largest amount of agricultural goods.

WisDOT Contacts Ryan Whitehead DOT Program Officer 608-266-1824 ryan.whitehead1@dot.wi.gov Merrill Mechler-Hickson Program and Policy Chief (608) 261-8977 merrill.mechlerhickson@dot.wi.gov Megan Feeley Interim ARIP Program Manager 608-267-7261 megan.feeley1@dot.wi.gov Tim Olusegun Program and Policy Supervisor (608) 266-0254 tim.olusegun@dot.wi.gov Jennifer Murray, AICP Bureau Director (608) 264-8722 jennifer.murray@dot.wi.gov