Dept. of Transportation issues 12 rural grants as Biden-Harris administration reaches for more rural voters

Traffic builds on West Reserve Drive in Kalispell, Mt.
(Photo by Casey Kreider, Daily Inter Lake)

In mid-December, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a dozen grants for rural communities, and "strategists within the Democratic Party say it’s one way the Biden-Harris administration is getting out a message to rural voters," reports Kristi Eaton of The Daily Yonder. "The grants were announced in a press release that touted how the 12 projects would improve and expand transportation infrastructure in rural communities across the United States."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release, "Infrastructure investments haven’t always reached rural America, leaving far too many roads, bridges, and other parts of the transportation system across our country in disrepair. Today’s announcement is one of many ways this administration is delivering the investments that rural communities have gone without for far too long, modernizing transportation, creating economic opportunity, and making life better for millions of people.'"

One project is a Bureau of Indian Affairs improvement of South Dakota Route 7, Eaton reports: "In Todd County — which is completely within the borders of the Rosebud Indian Reservation – USDOT is investing $26.2 million in the reconstruction of approximately 24 miles of roadway stretching from US Route 18 to US Route 83."

In Kalispell, Montana, USDOT is "investing $25 million in pedestrian and road safety and economic mobility," Eaton notes. Bob Lombardi, who has worked for Democratic Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester, told Eaton, “In Montana, they drive for a long distance for basketball games, football games between the Bobcats and Grizzlies. So people know how important it is, especially in rural areas. And just when we had a … cold snap, it was hugely important to make sure those roads were open not only for Montanans to shop but also for utility workers.”

Teresa Purcell, who was senior rural-engagement adviser for the Democratic Party during the recent midterm elections, told Eaton that "it’s important for the Biden-Harris administration to showcase the 'transformational investments in rural America' taking place." Purcell told Eaton that it's not as simple as announcing grants: “It’s also, how are we making sure that, frankly, the county commissioners and elected officials who are choosing not to apply for those grants are held accountable to turning away money that will actually help their communities thrive."