The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is administering a call for projects under the Federal Local Bridge Program (FLBP), with an anticipated availability of approximately $100 million in funding. The purpose of the FLBP is to improve the condition and extend the service life of local agency bridges through replacement, rehabilitation, and preventative maintenance projects. The program encourages local agencies to implement asset management strategies and practical solutions that enhance cost-effectiveness and maximize structural longevity.

Eligible applicants include all local agency bridge owners with structures reported to the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) and subject to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Qualifying structures must be over 20 feet in length and carry public vehicular traffic. Closed bridges may also be eligible if they have been closed for less than five years and otherwise meet NBI criteria. The program offers funding for three project types: replacement and rehabilitation, preventative maintenance, and bundled preventative maintenance activities across multiple structures.

Replacement and rehabilitation projects must target bridges in poor condition, although projects enhancing resiliency in fair or good structures may be considered. These projects may receive up to $25 million per structure and are subject to criteria such as structural condition codes, load ratings, waterway adequacy, or climate resiliency documentation. Preventative maintenance projects are evaluated case by case and may include steel bridge painting, scour mitigation, seismic retrofitting, and deck resurfacing. Bundled projects allow multiple structures to be grouped for similar maintenance needs, such as deck repairs or expansion joint replacements, and are also considered on a case-by-case basis.

There are no local match requirements for federally eligible expenditures under any project category. All applications must include necessary documentation such as inspection reports, photographs, bridge plans, and other relevant supporting materials. Applicants are required to submit electronic copies via email only; paper or CD submissions are not accepted. Project applications must be submitted by midnight on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Proposals will undergo a comprehensive review process including a field assessment with a Local Agency Bridge Engineer. Selection considerations will include bridge condition history, structural importance, route classification, and the applicant’s past compliance and project delivery record. Specific awards may be issued prior to the application deadline for projects that demonstrate readiness, making early submission advantageous. A prioritized list of projects will be submitted to the WSDOT Local Programs Director by September 30, 2025, and reviewed by the Bridge Advisory Committee.

Project status and expenditure plans must be reported at least semi-annually. Applications and supporting materials must be submitted via email to hlpgrants@wsdot.wa.gov. For additional guidance, applicants can contact Sonia Lowry, Bridge Engineer, at 360-705-7870 or sonia.lowry@wsdot.wa.gov, or William Wonch, Assistant Project Development Engineer, at 360-705-7379 or william.wonch@wsdot.wa.gov.