The first round of the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program grants opens for application on Oct. 6. This application period will distribute $50 million in ARIP funding to support projects across the state focused on improving rural roads and culverts that are critical to moving and transporting agricultural and forestry products.
The 2025-27 Biennial Budget included $150 million to continue this program created in 2023.
This year, $30 million is specifically for bridge and culvert repair through the separate Local Bridge and Culvert Improvement Program. WisDOT is developing those program materials, which will be available in the coming months, says Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen.
Since its creation, ARIP has funded 91 projects across the state to improve and repair rural roads in 48 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
Housed under the Local Roads Improvement Program at WisDOT, ARIP is a reimbursement program that may pay up to a maximum of 90 percent of total eligible project costs, with the balance of the eligible costs funded by the local unit of government.
The 2025 round one ARIP solicitation application period will distribute $50 million in ARIP funding. Unsuccessful project applicants from round one will have the opportunity to advance their application for award consideration in round two, where $70 million will be available for eligible projects.
Eligibility Criteria
- The project highway, or the highway where the bridge or culvert is located, is functionally classified by the department as a local road or minor collector.
- The project is solely for the improvement of a bridge or culvert, the bridge or culvert is 20-feet or less in length and is not eligible for funding under a federal program that provides funding for bridge improvements.
- The highway, bridge, or culvert provides access to agricultural lands or facilities used to produce agricultural goods, including forest products, and is used by at least one agricultural producer.
- The highway or highway on which the bridge or culvert is located is 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 a class “B” highway and will not be subject to a posted weight limitation other than under extraordinary or emergency circumstances.
- The highway, bridge or culvert is maintained by a political subdivision.
Beginning Oct. 6, see how to apply: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/highway/arip.aspx
WisDOT will notify municipalities regarding the availability of ARIP training opportunities in the future, along with any other important dates and deadlines. Local government officials with questions about ARIP can contact WisDOT ARIP Program Manager Hillary Pelton at [email protected] or 608-261-4443.
Submit applications for round one to WisDOT by Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. WisDOT will name awardees in the spring of 2026.
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