Applications Open for the Local Small Structures Improvement Program

Thursday, February 5th, 2026 -- 10:01 AM

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), announced that applications are now open for one-time grant funding available through the Local Small Structures Improvement Program (LSSIP) to repair or replace aging culverts and small bridge structures in rural communities.

The funding was made available by the 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed into law by Gov. Evers last year, which provided $150 million for the highly successful Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) created by Gov. Evers in 2023.

Of that $150 million investment, $30 million was set aside to support projects focused on the repair or replacement of aging culverts and small bridge structures in rural communities that are critical for moving and transporting the state's agricultural and forestry products safely, efficiently, and effectively.

In June 2023, Gov. Evers signed 2023 Wisconsin Act 13, expanding the Local Roads Improvement Program to include agricultural road improvement projects and provided $150 million to support these projects in the final 2023-25 Biennial Budget he signed into law just weeks later.

Since its creation, the ARIP has funded 91 projects across the state that are helping improve and repair rural roads in 48 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. All told, since 2019, the Evers Administration has improved or repaired more than 9,600 miles of roads and over 2,400 bridges statewide.

The initial investment in the 2023-25 Biennial Budget included $12.5 million for WisDOT to assess local culverts and small bridge structures across the state to identify those in need of repairs or replacement.

Since, WisDOT collaborated with local owners to inventory and inspect the more than 16,500 small structures across the state, identifying those in need of funding for replacement or repair.

Structures that were reported in poor or severe condition by WisDOT are eligible for funding through the LSSIP, and local municipalities with structures rated in these conditions are urged to apply for funding to maintain safety and serviceability for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Application materials are available via AccessGov. The application period closes on Fri., May 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. Awarded projects may be funded up to 90 percent state cost share.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.