States Plan Innovative Transportation Projects with Federal Dollars

Washington, May 27 – States are looking to innovative and fast ways to spend federal stimulus dollars on transportation projects before the end of June. While many states plan to use the majority of the funding to fix bridges and roads, others are planning to fund Intelligent Transportation Systems, which could help the environment and reduce traffic congestion.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5), states will be awarded a portion of $26.7 billion for transportation, half of which they must commit to specific projects by June 29. In addition to the traditional highway improvement projects such as widening and repaving roads and fixing bridges, some states are planning to use technology to make roads better.