Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Program

The Transportation Facilities Economic Assistance and Development (TEA) Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), provides funding to support new business development in Wisconsin through transportation improvements. These improvements aim to help businesses create and retain jobs, boosting local economies. The program awards funds to local governing bodies such as towns, cities, or counties that serve as applicants or sponsors. These entities must partner with businesses that commit to creating or retaining jobs. Funding is provided through a reimbursement process once the necessary project approvals and conditions are met. Eligibility for the TEA Program requires applicants to meet specific criteria. First, the economic development project must be unlikely to occur without the proposed transportation improvement. Second, the applicant must demonstrate the need for TEA grant funding by proving their inability to fully finance the project. Third, the business development must create or retain jobs in Wisconsin, with a commitment to maintaining these jobs for a specified duration. Fourth, construction for the transportation improvement must begin within three years of the grant being awarded. Notably, certain projects, such as retail stores, entertainment facilities, or ethanol production plants, are excluded from eligibility. The funding amount is based on the lower of two calculations: 50% of the project’s actual eligible costs or $5,000 per created or retained job. Applicants must provide a 50% match, which can come from private or federal funding or in-kind contributions like engineering or land acquisition. State funds cannot be used for the match. Only specific costs, such as those directly related to public transportation facilities, qualify for funding, and private roads or utilities are excluded. Applications must include a complete submission package, which includes engineering plans, environmental documents, and bid packages, all approved by WisDOT before the project is advertised or commenced. Any ground disturbance or project advertisement before approval renders the project ineligible for funding. To facilitate the application process, applicants must use a secure cloud service provided by WisDOT and should engage with the TEA Program Manager early in the process to ensure compliance with program requirements. For guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact the TEA Program Manager, Roselynn Bittorf, who provides assistance with application preparation and project alignment. The complexity of the application process highlights the importance of careful planning and adherence to program requirements to secure funding and achieve the program’s economic development goals.