transportation | wedihandbook

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Program

The Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Program is designed to attract and retain businesses in Wisconsin by providing matching state grants for road, rail, harbor, and airport projects that support economic development. Another program goal is to create and increase the number of jobs in the state. Businesses in Wisconsin can receive up to $1 million for transportation improvement projects through this program.

The Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Program has certain restrictions that businesses in Wisconsin must adhere to qualify for the program. The business must be non-speculative, and local communities must ensure that the anticipated number of jobs will materialize within three years from the project agreement date and remain for another four years. Additionally, the transportation project must have local government endorsement, benefit the public, and begin within three years of the grant award. Fifty percent (50%) local match is required, which can come from local, federal, or private funds or in-kind.

Assistance Type: Grant
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: $3.4 million
Application Cycle: Continuous
Min./Max Award: Up to $1 million for transportation improvement projects.
Eligibility Obstacle: Program requires job creation for eligibility, which is a significant hurdle in the current economic environment that includes a severe workforce shortage.
Contact and/or Application Link:
- Application Link: https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/dt1283.doc
- Contact:

Roselynn Bittorf, TEA Program Manager

Division of Transportation Investment Management

Phone Number: (608) 267-2934

Email Address: tea@dot.wi.gov

Example of Successful Implementation: Ardisam, Inc. in the City of Cumberland in Barron County, WI received $360,000.

Below attached to the button is the link for more information regarding this program from the WisDOT website. Follow this link to learn more.

Program Link

Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP)

The Freight Railroad Infrastructure Improvement Program (FRIIP) is a program aimed at encouraging improvements to the rail system in Wisconsin, particularly on privately owned lines. It supports projects that connect industries to the national railroad system, enhance transportation efficiency, safety, and intermodal freight movement, accomplish line rehabilitation, and develop the economy. Loans are awarded based on the project's ability to meet the program goals and improve the rail system. The program is funded through the repayment of prior loans. Statutory information is available in Wis. Stats. 85.08.

Assistance Type: Loan
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: The program is funded through the repayment of prior loans. Statutory information is available in Wis. Stats. 85.08.
Application Cycle: Continuous
Min./Max Award: Provides up to 100% loans for eligible rail projects.
Contact and/or Application Link:
- Application Link: https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/friip.pd
- Contact:

Ben Mohlke, Railroads and Harbors Section, WisDOT

Phone Number: (608) 267-3703

Email Address: Benjamin.mohlke@dot.wi.gov

Example of Successful Implementation: In 2024, Riffey Transload in Reedsburg, WI received $825,267 to construct grain hoop barn.

Below attached to the button is the link for more information regarding this program from the WisDOT website. Follow this link to learn more.

Program Link

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

The WisDOT DBE program aims to support small and emerging businesses by providing technical assistance and mentorship for competing in heavy highway work. The program also aims to increase the talent pool of contractors ready, willing, and able to perform high-quality work throughout the state highway system.

To qualify for the WisDOT DBE program, firms must be small businesses that are at least 51% owned operated daily by African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Asian-Indian Americans, or women. DBEs must maintain their certification through annual documentation and notification of any changes in circumstances. Firms can request additional NAICS codes to expand their work areas by demonstrating their ability to perform the new types of work.

Applications can be submitted as a completed Uniform Certification Program application packet and required supporting documentation to the nearest certifying agency and participate in an on-site interview by the certifying agency. Something to note: A complete application includes the required documentation as listed in the Supporting Documentation Checklist on page 15 of the application form. Application links within the link below.

For more information on the program, please refer to the WisDOT DBE program guidelines or contact WisDOT directly.

Assistance Type: Technical Assistance
Program Guidelines: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/civil-rights/dbe/eligibity-requirements.aspx
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: Not Applicable
Application Cycle: Goal for the WisDOT contracts funded with federal dollars to be executed in federal fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Since this is a Technical Program there won't be award amounts.
Contact and/or Application Link: