The Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program provides matching state grants to governing bodies for road, rail, harbor and airport projects that help attract employers to Wisconsin, or encourage business and industry to remain and expand in the state.
Program purpose
The goal of the TEA program is to attract and retain businesses in Wisconsin and thus create and increase the number of jobs. The business cannot be speculative and local communities must assure that the number of jobs anticipated from the proposed project will materialize within three years from the date of the project agreement and remain for another four years.
Program description
Each state fiscal year, the TEA program has $3.4 million available for transportation improvement projects. Grants of up to $1 million are available for transportation improvements that are essential for an economic development project. The transportation project must have the local government's endorsement, benefit the public, and begin within three years of grant award. The program is designed to implement an improvement more quickly than normal state programming processes allow. The 50% local match can come from any combination of local, federal, or private funds or in-kind services.
Applications are first come, first serve, and funded when all eligibility information is complete and satisfactory.
Program History
The TEA program began in September 1987. Through July 2023, grants totaling more than $120 million has been awarded to 218 communities, resulting in commitments by the private sector to create 28,730 new jobs and retain 24,854 jobs at 367 Wisconsin businesses.
Program Guidance
Application Materials
Contact:
Roselynn Bittorf
TEA Program Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Division of Transportation Investment Management
(608) 267-2934
tea@dot.wi.gov