County Bridge Match Program

 

Every September, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) opens the County Bridge Match Program (CBMP), giving counties an opportunity to strengthen local infrastructure and improve safety for travelers across Nebraska. Now in its 10th round of funding, CBMP will award $4 million to counties, empowering them to collaborate with local agencies and NDOT to streamline the replacement and repair of structurally deficient county bridges across the state. By addressing critical bridge needs, CBMP strengthens rural transportation networks that support agriculture, commerce, and everyday travel.

 

 

How to Apply

 

Applications for the 2025 funding round are due by Friday, October 17. Counties are invited to submit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for bridges that meet the following criteria:

  • In poor condition or with a low rating

  • Greater than 20 feet long

  • Located on a roadway classified as a local road or better

The program funds 55% of eligible bridge construction costs (up to $500,000), with counties providing a 45% match. Participation is voluntary, and counties retain local control, using their own consultants and contractors for the work.

 

Counties selected for funding will be notified by Dec. 5, 2025 to enter into an agreement with NDOT. Selected bridges must be constructed by Dec. 31, 2028. 

 

Counties interested in participating should complete the application and submit it below. For questions about  the program, contact Jodi Gibson at 402-479-4337 or jodi.gibson@nebraska.gov. 

 

    

About the Program

 

Rural transportation provides essential mobility and connectivity for many Nebraskans who rely on safe and efficient roads to deliver agricultural, energy, manufactured, and other industry goods to market. The CBMP has been instrumental in addressing the critical need for county bridge replacements, supporting rural communities and local economies. Many rural communities depend on these bridges for vital connections, and the program has provided essential funding to ensure their longevity and safety.

 

Created under the Transportation Innovation Act (TIA) of 2016, the program is funded through the Transportation Infrastructure Bank (TIB). Renewed under LB 1030 (2024), CBMP continues to provide vital resources to help counties tackle the costly challenge of maintaining safe and reliable bridges. The passage of LB 1030 also created a working group to oversee the program, ensuring local officials have a voice in decision-making. Altogether, NDOT projects that the TIA will generate $529 million for infrastructure investments before it sunsets in 2033.

 

A working group of two county highway superintendents representing the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) and three representatives from NDOT ensures that the voices of local experts are heard and that decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of Nebraska’s counties. The CBMP working group meets throughout the year to review and refine the program, prepare the annual Request for Proposals (RFP), and guide the selection process.

 

Since 2016, CBMP has delivered results:

 

 

county bridges selected
from 549 proposals

 

county bridges repaired or replaced

 

awarded to counties, generating more than $100 million in construction activity

  

 

   

Eligible and Selected County Bridges