By Charles Pekow — The future of BUILD grants remains uncertain, as President Donald Trump and his allies in Congress attempt to eliminate the program. Despite that, the U.S. Department of Transportation in July announced a new round of BUILD funding—short for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development. Two of the awards could improve cycling infrastructure in Mountain West states.
The Ada County Highway District in Idaho received $18.436 million to improve conditions along the Boise Bench, including the addition of bicycle lanes. “The project totals approximately 5 miles along Allumbaugh Street from Northview Street to Fairview Avenue, Franklin Road from Milwaukee Street to Liberty Street, Irving Street from Curtis Road to Roosevelt Street, and Phillippi Street/Malad Street from Irving Street to Orchard Street,” according to the project description. Construction is expected to begin in March 2029.
Meanwhile, the Wyoming Department of Transportation received $10 million for engineering and design work on a 12.5-mile stretch of the Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212) in Park County, extending to the Montana border within Shoshone National Forest. The improvements are intended to better accommodate bicycles. No construction date has been set.
