The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has opened a public comment period regarding an amendment to its 2026-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The proposed change seeks to incorporate a previously unlisted project into the STIP for the year 2027, inviting residents of Bismarck, Mandan, and surrounding communities to provide their feedback.
This amendment specifically introduces a project identified as PCN 25818. This project is described as a Statewide Transit 5339 (b) Discretionary Bus Grant, labeled D2026-BUSC-121. The NDDOT states that this newly proposed project carries a total estimated cost of $1,176,471 and is slated for the year 2027.
The STIP serves as the NDDOT’s primary planning document for federal and state transportation projects over a four-year period. Amendments like this one are crucial as they allow for the inclusion of new projects that emerge after the initial program is established. Public input is an essential part of this process, ensuring that the department considers community needs and concerns before finalizing its plans, which ultimately affect residents’ daily travel and access to services within Burleigh and Morton counties.
Residents interested in reviewing the current 2026-2029 STIP, including details about the proposed amendment, can do so through the NDDOT’s official website. The department has outlined a clear path for access: by clicking on “Construction & Planning” at the top of the webpage, then navigating to “Transportation Plans & Programs,” and finally selecting the “STIP 2026-29” link. This online access allows for convenient review of the extensive document from any location.
To submit comments on the proposed STIP amendment and the new 2027 project, individuals must do so no later than October 28, 2026. Comments can be directed to Michael Wilz at the NDDOT headquarters, located at 608 E Boulevard Ave in Bismarck, ND 58505-0700. Alternatively, electronic submissions are accepted via email to [email protected]. When sending an email, the NDDOT specifies that “2027 Federal-Aid Project” must be included in the subject line to ensure proper routing and consideration of the feedback.
The NDDOT is committed to ensuring that all residents have an opportunity to participate in this public comment process. The department has stated it will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide an accessible meeting facility or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, language interpretation and translation services are available upon request for those who may need them to fully engage with the information and provide their input on this important state-level planning effort.
To request any of these accommodations, residents should contact Heather Christianson, who leads the Civil Rights Division at the NDDOT. She can be reached directly by phone at 701-328-2978 or via email at [email protected]. For individuals who use a TTY device, Relay North Dakota offers services at 711 or through their toll-free number, 1-800-366-6888. These provisions underscore the NDDOT's dedication to inclusive public engagement in transportation planning decisions that affect all North Dakotans, including those relying on statewide transit projects in the Bismarck and Mandan areas.
The final decisions regarding the STIP amendment will take into account all comments received by the specified deadline. This public review period offers a direct channel for local residents to influence state-level transportation investments, particularly concerning statewide transit projects that could serve various communities, including those within Burleigh and Morton counties. Ensuring robust public participation is a cornerstone of transparent government and effective infrastructure development.
