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SFY 2026 Better Local Bridges Grant Funding Available
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SFY 2026 Better Local Bridges Grant Funding Available

By May 13, 2026No Comments

Published April 13, 2026

FY 2026 Application Window: May 20-22, 2026

SFY 2026 Better Local Bridges Grant Funding
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The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is rapidly deploying a grant portal to award Better Local Bridge (BLB) funds for off-system bridge repairs. The BLB Administrative Rules were recently developed, and it was determined there is an opportunity to award up to $3 million to communities this grant cycle if we move quickly. The timeline is tight, but MDT has streamlined the application process to help meet the obligation deadline.

SFY 2026 Timeline

May 20 at 12:00 a.m. to May 22 at 11:59 p.m. — Applications will be accepted.

Applications will only be received during this time and only through the MDT’s grant support request portal: https://mt.accessgov.com/mdt/Forms/Page/mdt-tp/grant-support/1

  • May 29 — Grant awards announced.
  • June 11 (target deadline) — Completed MEPA checklists due to MDT.
  • June 19 (target deadline) — Execute Funding Agreements with grant awardees.
  • June 30 — Deadline for BLB funds to be obligated.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • Any local government in Montana may apply for BLB funds for bridges it owns.
  • Only local, off-system (OSB) bridges are eligible. This means bridges that are on the National Bridge Inventory (NBI), open to public use, and owned by, and under the jurisdiction of, a local government (not under the jurisdiction of MDT).
  • A local government may receive up to $1 million BLB funds per state fiscal year.
  • A minimum 20% local match to BLB funds is required.

Better Local Bridges Fund Overview

This program was enacted by the 2025 Montana Legislature (§ 17-2-102, MCA).

Draft Administrative Rules of Montana are anticipated to be in effect by July 10, 2026. (MAR Notice No. 2026-332 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking HB 924)

Future application cycles will open on October 20 each year, starting October 20, 2026.

The SFY27 cycle (October 20, 2026 application period) will target $10 million in project awards. Funds made available are dependent on the revenue generated by the BLB account.

A local agency could receive an award of up to $1 million in June 2026 and an award of up to $1 million in October 2026, since these are in different fiscal years.

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