Heitkamp steers federal transportation funds toward North Dakota

Pledging support for transportation in communities throughout North Dakota, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (R-ND) announced Monday that over $138,000 in federal funding will be allotted to her state.

“Keeping North Dakotans strong and safe is a top priority for me – and that includes making sure folks are safe on the road,” Heitkamp said. “These funds are important investments in North Dakota’s transportation infrastructure that will build on the funds our state has already received.”

The funds, which are authorized by the Department of Transportation, will supplement over $1.6 million North Dakota received in March. Of the total to be awarded to the North Dakota Office of Traffic Safety, $80,582 will go to state and community highway safety, while $57,512 is designated for occupant protection.

“As North Dakota’s population grows, it’s important that our roads and bridges are updated and can keep up with demand so North Dakotans can safely travel on them,” Heitkamp said.

Heitkamp previously has worked on behalf of the transportation industry by requesting the U.S. Transportation Department expedite airport grants. She also has recenlty lobbied for transportation infrastructure investment in North Dakota in light of the dramatic growth in the state’s oil patch region.