Nearly $32 million in federal funds are headed to Wisconsin, directed to be spent on transportation improvement projects that use materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The funds are part of the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials grant funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Wisconsin Department of Contract currently uses construction contracts for concrete and asphalt projects and the grant funds will be used to set new standards and study eligible materials using pilot projects.

The federal funds are aimed at determining what improvements can be made to implement a full-scale LCTM program in the state.

The announcement was not clear on which other materials or processes will be explored with the funds. The Department will study the environmental impact of current construction materials as it relates to carbon emissions.

“This grant will help us better measure the carbon footprint of transportation projects in Wisconsin,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “This will allow us to increase the use of low-carbon materials and improve the sustainability of our transportation system without sacrificing performance.”