Nevada Department of Transportation awarded $32M to begin implementing low-pollution construction materials

The award was part of a larger $1.2 billion announcement for 39 state departments of transportation under a grant program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will receive $32 million to help reduce pollution at local construction projects backed by federal funding, Nevada Democratic US Rep. Susie Lee’s office said Thursday. 

In a press release, Lee’s office said the grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will specifically be used to purchase low-carbon construction materials that will “substantially” reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions in public works projects statewide. The award was part of a larger $1.2 billion announcement for 39 state departments of transportation under a grant program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. 

“Smart investments like this help protect our environment in the long haul as Nevada continues to build new and exciting infrastructure projects,” Lee said in a statement. “I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act because I knew it would pay dividends for years to come. I’ll keep working to bring back federal dollars that support our local economy, create good-paying jobs, and make southern Nevada a cleaner, healthier place.”

It’s not immediately clear which projects will be impacted in Nevada, but NDOT spokesperson Kelsey McFarland told The Nevadan via email that the agency was grateful for the federal support, which will help make Nevada’s infrastructure more sustainable.

“By further incorporating low-carbon materials in our public works projects, NDOT is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable infrastructure for Nevada’s residents and visitors,” McFarland said. “This funding will allow us to take substantial steps forward in building a transportation network that not only meets today’s needs but also contributes to a healthier environment for future generations.”

A separate release from the FHWA stated the program is designed to provide local agencies with reimbursements or incentives to purchase US-made materials that utilize new technologies that reduce pollution during the production of concrete, steel, and other construction products. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement the program supports the Biden administration’s whole-of-government approach to advancing US manufacturing while tackling climate change. 

“As we continue to modernize our infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking important steps to mitigate the impact of climate change by using low-carbon materials to build and rebuild our transportation system,” Buttegieg said. “With today’s funding, dozens of states will have the resources they need to invest in cleaner materials and reduce carbon emissions while moving forward with projects that create jobs and support American manufacturing.”