BUILD Grant Unsuccessful, City Plans Next Steps for Mandan Proper

Sept. 29, 2025 — Mandan’s application for a $25 million BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) grant was not successful. This federal grant comes from a program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing $1.5 billion annually for the years 2022-2026. It is a very competitive, nationwide grant.

After hearing the results, Engineering staff requested a meeting with officials to learn how they can improve the next application. In the meantime, City staff are looking at breaking the project up into phases (potentially starting with Mandan Proper NW in 2027).

There’s a large area of Mandan, known as Mandan Proper, that is in significant need of a street improvement project. Mandan Proper is the area from Second St NW up to Division St NW between Sixth Ave NW and Collins Ave. The need for this project was identified in the 2024 pavement condition report. Of the approximate 6 miles of road, 93% of the roads in the project area need a full reconstruction.

There is also approximately 15,000 feet of watermain, mostly cast iron, that needs to be replaced as part of this project.

Other key project elements include strategic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant routes; improvements to transit access; and complete streets. Reconstruction of the streets will also reestablish curb and gutter sections increasing conveyance and decreasing ponding.

For several reasons, the project is intended to be split into four phases over several years. It is in its very early stages, and there is the possibility for future BUILD grant applications to assist with project costs.

In August, the City Commission approved a flex fund application for a project in the northwest area of Mandan Proper. This project would extend east of Sunset Drive/Sixth Ave NW and south of Division St NW. The Engineering Department applied for $3.5 million through the North Dakota Department of Transportation flex fund. If approved, construction could potentially start in 2027.

For background information on the original grant application, see the Feb. 27, 2025 Commission Approves BUILD Grant Application article. Stay tuned for additional updates.