Communities across West Central Minnesota are set to see long-awaited upgrades to local roads and bridges following new funding awards announced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The funding comes through the 2025 rounds of the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) and the Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP). Together, they support infrastructure projects statewide and include approximately $6.7 million for improvements in Senate District 9.

  The awards were made possible in part by a $700 million infrastructure package authored by Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R–Fergus Falls) during the 2025 legislative session. The package directed $47 million to LRIP and $31 million to LBRP to help local governments address aging infrastructure and growing transportation needs. 

  “Investing in our roads and bridges is essential to the long-term strength of our region,” Rasmusson said. “The grants will improve safety, boost local economies, and keep our transportation system reliable. Without this support, many communities would be forced to delay critical projects for years due to limited local funding.”

Local road improvements

  LRIP awarded approximately $49.8 million in 2025, supporting 42 projects across Minnesota. In West Central Minnesota, several counties and townships will benefit.

  Traverse County will receive $1.1 million for the rehabilitation of County Highway 4 and County Highway 106 from the South Dakota state line to Trunk Highway 28. The county anticipates construction in 2028. 

  In Otter Tail County, $1 million will go toward reconstructing County Highway 50 between County Highway 67 and 5th Street North in Deer Creek. That project is expected to begin in 2027. “Otter Tail County is thankful for this grant that brings our County Highway 50 project over the finish line without having to delay other important projects,” said Otter Tail County Engineer Jodi Teich. “We appreciate the Senator’s continued support of transportation projects in Otter Tail County.”

  Additional LRIP funding will support local township projects. Perham Township will receive $1.5 million to repair Fort Thunder Road between County Highway 125 and Trunk Highway 78. In Fergus Falls, another $1.5 million will support reconstruction of 250th Street between County Highway 27 and County Highway 111.

Bridge replacements across the region

  In 2025, LBRP distributed approximately $145.8 million to local agencies across Minnesota for bridge replacement projects. Funding comes from state legislative appropriations, vehicle lease tax revenue, and the annual town bridge program. In total, 167 projects were funded statewide, including seven in the local area.

  Grant and Traverse counties are receiving funding for several bridge improvements. In Grant County, the funding includes $729,100 for a new bridge over the Pomme de Terre River and $92,979 to replace a culvert with a bridge on 280th Street in Pelican Lake Township along County Road 52. Traverse County will use $347,543 to replace three bridges along County Highway 6.

  Otter Tail and Wilkin counties will each receive funding for single bridge projects. In Otter Tail County, $225,629 will go toward replacing the Bluff Creek bridge along County Highway 76. In Wilkin County, $325,887 will support engineering and construction of a bridge in Brandrup Township on 460th Street over the Rabbit River.

  “I appreciate the work of county and township leaders who continue to move these projects forward and prioritize local needs. I will continue to advocate for the infrastructure our communities need to grow and thrive,” Rasmusson concluded.