BISMARCK – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $4 million award to Ward County for preliminary work on a new transportation corridor in southwest Minot, according to U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven.

Funds were made available through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.

Specifically, this BUILD grant funding will allow Ward County to conduct planning, environmental documentation and preliminary design for three corridors and their connected intersections, including the Outer Connector from U.S. Highway 2&52 to U.S. Highway 83 along County Roads 14 and 16, and the Inner Connector from U.S. Highway 2&52 to County Road 14 along 30th Street Southwest.

“Minot’s growth is a testament to the region’s strong economy and welcoming community, and this BUILD grant will enhance residential and commercial transportation options in the area,” Cramer said in a news release. “This grant will help ensure the Magic City’s growth goes hand-in-hand with safer and more efficient travel.”

“As Minot and North Dakota continue to grow, this funding provides the city with the resources to develop a transportation system that keeps up with demand,” Hoeven said in a news release. “It enables the planning and design of key road connections that will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support future development. These alternative routes will be vital links to help keep Minot–and the region–moving forward.”