(The Center Square) – Wisconsin is directing $11 million in federal grants to bike paths, public transit and public vehicles in eligible counties in southeast and northeast Wisconsin.
The funds are part of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, which will fund 80% of the 11 awarded projects.
Five of the largest grants went to Milwaukee projects with more than $1.8 million for a protected bike lane connector between Sherman Boulevard and Lisbon Avenue and $1.7 million for bikeshare stations and e-bikes.
Milwaukee also received $1.8 million for a protected bike lane on Center Street, nearly $1.6 million to put new CNG natural gas engines and fueling systems in 32 new garbage trucks and $568,800 for computer optimization of traffic signals.
The grants are administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
“This program can be a key mechanism in helping reduce traffic congestion while assisting urban areas in improving air quality,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “These improvements will not only provide transportation options that help reduce regulated emissions but can also help to reduce travel delays and address real-time traffic issues that communities are experiencing.”