ODOT receives $31.9 million federal grant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The sidewalks, roads and bridges Oregonians rely on to get around are poised to become more environmentally friendly in the coming years, thanks to a recent grant from the Federal Highway Administration.
Earlier this month the federal Low-Carbon Transportation Materials program awarded ODOT up to $31.9 million to research and test ways to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction materials like concrete, asphalt and steel.
Justin Moderie, ODOT state construction and materials engineer, said improving production methods or adjusting the ingredients in a construction material— while still preserving its strength and life expectancy — will be a key part of their work.
“Materials like concrete, asphalt and steel are the backbone of our transportation system, so we’re looking at ways to make them better for the environment,” said Moderie. “This grant will help us work with academic experts and our construction partners to advance the use of lower-emission materials while building and maintaining Oregon’s transportation infrastructure.”
Producing construction materials and products generates nearly 15% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
ODOT was one of 39 state departments of transportation to receive funding from the federal grant program. It’s funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Reducing emissions from ODOT operations and materials is one of the ways we’re working to reduce emissions from transportation and address climate change. Our latest data says that by 2050, Oregon is on track to reduce emissions from transportation by about 60%. Learn how on the agency's transportation emissions website.
