Published March 13, 2026
Guidance for Remaining SB 536 Bridge Funds
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with the Montana Association of Counties (MACo), continues to support county bridge priorities using the remaining Senate Bill (SB) 536 funds. Nearly all of the original $80 million has now been committed through the Off-System Bridge Strike Team, and only limited funding remains. To ensure fair distribution and direct support toward the most urgent needs, MDT is limiting assistance to no more than $75,000 per bridge.
This guidance outlines how counties may request and use the remaining funds within the current funding limits. The remaining SB 536 dollars are intended for critical, time-sensitive repairs, necessary maintenance, and emergency needs.
Funding Context
SB 536 – Remaining Funding
- Nearly all SB 536 funding has been committed through the Off-System Bridge Strike Team.
- The remaining dollars will be awarded in amounts up to $75,000 per bridge to address urgent issues.
Eligible Use of Remaining SB 536 Funds
1. Repair and Maintenance (primary focus)
Counties should focus on requests that address:
- Structural deterioration requiring immediate attention
- Deck, abutment, or superstructure repairs
- Scour protection or hydraulic issues
- Keeping access open for emergency responders
- Restoring safe load postings after damage
Although the repairs do not have to be a long-term fix, these activities can help extend a bridge’s service life, enhance safety, and allow counties to respond quickly while making the most of limited funding.
2. Assistance for Bridge Replacement.
If a county is proposing a full replacement:
- MDT may contribute up to $75,000 toward eligible costs.
- Replacement should be a critical, time-sensitive, emergency, or emerging need.
- This approach helps ensure SB 536 funds are used consistently and equitably across the state.
General Guidance for Counties
Requesting Funds
Counties may request up to $75,000 per bridge. Requests must clearly describe:
- The emergency or developing issue
- The specific repair or maintenance work needed
- How the funding will provide immediate benefits or prevent further damage
- Whether the county plans to pursue a full replacement using other funding sources
Requests for access to these funds can be submitted to Ryan Dahlke with MDT (rdahlke@mt.gov) or MACo Deputy Director Jason Rittal, (406-441-5464, jrittal@mtcounties.org).
Use of Funds
- Funds may be applied to bridges of critical importance to the county and the public.
- Requests should focus on urgent structural issues, not routine operations or basic maintenance.
- Funds should be used to extend the bridge’s service life, enhance public safety, support or restore load ratings, or prevent further deterioration.
– A condition notice, including a special or shortened inspection cycle, indicates that action may be needed soon to avoid a reduced load posting or bridge closure. Counties may receive language such as: “MDT has been monitoring this bridge on a shortened inspection cycle. If conditions continue to deteriorate, closing the bridge will likely be necessary to protect public safety.”
Summary
As SB 536 funding reaches its final stage, MDT remains committed to helping counties address emergency or time-sensitive bridge needs. The $75,000-per-bridge limit helps ensure support is available statewide.
Counties are encouraged to:
- Prioritize essential repairs
- Work with a licensed engineer to assess the feasibility and cost of a potential repair
- Address operational concerns and enhance safety promptly
- Be flexible when using funds for repairs or as match
- Submit clear, need-based requests
MDT will continue working closely with MACo and county partners to maintain safe and reliable off-system bridges across Montana.
Contacts
MDT
Ryan Dahlke
MDT Project Development & Delivery
Phone: 406-444-7292
rdahlke@mt.gov
MACo
Jason Rittal
MACo Deputy Director
Phone: 406-441-5464
jrittal@mtcounties.org