The Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), provides matching state grants for transportation projects that support economic development across Wisconsin. Created in 1987, the program targets infrastructure improvements for roads, rail, harbors, and airports to retain or attract businesses, ultimately increasing employment opportunities in the state.
TEA's main purpose is to stimulate job creation and retention by supporting transportation facility improvements critical to business expansion or relocation. Eligible improvements include public roads and highways, industrial rail spurs, harbor infrastructure, and airport taxiways—not including private roads, utility lines, or speculative business developments. To qualify, a business must commit to job creation or retention at the site, and the improvement must begin within three years of grant award.
The TEA program awards grants equal to the lesser of 50% of eligible project costs or $5,000 per job created/retained, up to an annual program cap of $3.4 million. The required 50% match may include federal or private funding, or in-kind contributions such as engineering or land acquisition—but cannot include other state funds. Businesses must meet job creation benchmarks within three years and maintain those jobs for four additional years, totaling a seven-year compliance window.
Applications are reviewed and awarded on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. Projects may not advertise for bid or begin construction until the grant is formally awarded and all environmental, engineering, and bid documentation has been reviewed and approved by WisDOT. Violation of this rule renders a project ineligible for funding.
Eligible applicants include governing bodies such as cities, villages, towns, counties, or special districts. Required application materials include a formal application (DT 1283), job guarantee (DT 1286), environmental documents, financials from the partnering business, and site plans detailing proposed transportation improvements and business development phases. Applicants must demonstrate that the project would not occur without the grant and that all local stakeholders support the proposed infrastructure work.
To apply, interested governing bodies must request access to a secure Box folder from WisDOT to upload materials. Early engagement with the TEA Program Manager is strongly advised to ensure eligibility and avoid disqualification. For questions or to begin the application process, applicants may contact Roselynn Bittorf at tea@dot.wi.gov or (608) 267-2934.
Do not begin construction before approval; contact Program Manager early; use design consultant if needed
