State's Biennial Budget

Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) grant program

The new $75 million local government transportation grant program was created as part of the 2019-2021 state budget. This one-time funding initiative is available to local and tribal governments. The MLS grant program sets aside $18.4 million for cities and villages, $26 million for counties, and $28.9 million for towns. This program is in addition to the General Transportation Aids program, and the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP).

According to DOT, the project selection process for the MLS program will include local government committees. The selection will be competitive and involve stakeholder input and review. Projects will rate higher if they demonstrate economic impact, provide greater connectivity or are shown to have greater cost-effectiveness than other options.

Application materials for the MLS grant program are available on DOT's website, here. The MLS program mirrors aspects of the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP), but is available to an expanded range of project improvement types.

Applying for the Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) program?

  • Send your application to the League at email.
  • Send a letter to your Legislators and issue a media release. The League has created a template for both.(The template will download as a Word document.) 

MLS funding is available for new projects statewide related to:

  • Roads
  • Bridges
  • Transit capital & facility projects
  • Bicycle & Pedestrian Projects
  • Railroads
  • Harbors

MLS Program Highlights

  • MLS application materials are available on the WisDOT website.
  • The program is focused on local project delivery. Local units of government may apply for design and construction, or construction only, projects.
  • Grants are available for new projects throughout the state.
  • Local and tribal governments are eligible for the funding.
  • The minimum project cost for counties, cities, and villages is $250,000. 
  • The maximum grant amount under the program is $3.5 million.
  • The minimum project cost for towns is $50,000.
  • The program will reimburse local governments up to 90 percent of total eligible costs; the community is responsible for the balance.
  • A six-year project completion will be required for approved projects.
  • The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2019.

WisDOT's informational webinar on the MLS program has been archived and can be viewed here. (The MLS informational webinar was optional.)

 Questions on the application process and webinars should be directed to the DOT contacts listed below.

Ryan Spaight, MLS Program Manager, DOTLocalPrograms@dot.wi.gov or ryan.spaight@dot.wi.gov , Phone: (608) 266-1322

Merrill Mechler-Hickson, DOT Program Officer, DOTLocalPrograms@dot.wi.gov or merrill.mechlerhickson@dot.wi.gov, Phone: (608) 261-8977