(The Center Square) – Arkansas will receive $287.7 million over the next five years to repair the state’s 663 bridges that are in poor condition, according to a press release from the US Department of Transportation.

The money for the bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, protection and construction program – or bridge formula program – comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.

The program has also earmarked $825 million over the next five years for tribal transportation facilities.

Arkansas will receive $55.7 million in fiscal year 2022, according to the DOT. Funding will be split with $47.4 million for state bridges and $8.4 million for bridges owned by a city, county or other local agency, also known as out-of-system bridges. The usual practice of requiring states to provide 20% of federal funding for off-system bridge repairs has been discontinued, and entities can use 100% of federal funds for projects.

“This record amount of funding, made possible by the bipartisan Infrastructure Act, will allow state and tribal governments to fix the bridges that need repair the most,” said Stephanie Pollack, Deputy Administrator of Federal Highways. “It will also modernize bridges to withstand the effects of climate change and make them safer for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.”

The program will allocate $26.5 billion to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia over the next five years and help repair approximately 15,000 bridges, according to the press release. The Federal Highway Administration will oversee the program, which DOT officials say is “the largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the Interstate Highway System.”

“Upgrading America’s bridges will help improve safety, support economic growth, and improve the lives of people in all parts of the country – in rural, suburban, urban and tribal communities,” said the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. , Pete Buttigieg.