Grants Provide Big Wins For WI Infrastructure
In the final weeks of the Biden administration, the US DOT has announced nearly $5 billion in transportation projects across the country.
To help you navigate, we’re sharing an overview of the three grant programs that directly impact active transportation:
“Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment (ATIIP)”
“Reconnecting Communities”
“Rebuilding American Infrastructure With Sustainability & Equity (RAISE)”
Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment (ATIIP) Grant
The ATIIP grant program was designed to strategically connect active transportation networks and spines. The first round of funding provided $45 million dollars to 14 projects – unfortunately none of these were in Wisconsin. The program was massively oversubscribed with 350 communities requesting $1.8 billion in grants.
Reconnecting Communities Grant
The City of Milwaukee’s Near Northside Partners brought home a $1,626,899 Reconnecting Communities grant for the 30th Street Corridor Equitable Development Plan. The Bike Fed has partnered with Rails To Trails Conservancy, plus local advocacy and economic development groups, on the 30th Street Corridor project since its inception. The proposed “rail with trail” has tremendous potential to revitalize Milwaukee’s Northwest side and increase equitable access to transportation and recreation opportunities.
“This incredible grant is the culmination of years of collaboration,” said Willie Karidis, RTC’s Project Director for the Route of the Badger. “As Milwaukee reimagines the 30th Street Corridor, it sets a precedent for other cities to follow: Trails as a foundation for long-term economic growth, empowering communities to thrive while preserving their identity.”
RAISE Grant
Three RAISE grants came to Wisconsin in 2025:
- The City of Superior received a $1,976,000 grant for the 28th Street Grade Separation project. This planning grant will set the stage to replace an at-grade railroad crossing with a grade separated one. The project will include a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists increasing safety and enjoyment for those who bike and walk – including students at area schools.
- Menomonie and Shawano Counties received $25,000,000 to make significant safety and mobility improvements along Highways 47 and 55. The project will expand options and accessibility for pedestrians and those who use public transit. It will also improve lighting for pedestrians in an area that has recorded a higher crash rate than the statewide average.
- The City of Milwaukee won $25 million for the National Avenue reconstruction project. The grant will replace $2.5 million from the City of Milwaukee, as well as much of the state portion of funding. This 2.6 mile project is planned to have protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, safer intersections, and greenery. Reconstruction will offer a safe route east-west across Milwaukee and provide access to neighborhood destinations, senior and low-income housing, parks such as the Mitchell Park Domes, and more.
