National Highway Freight Program
Forecasted
National Highway Freight Program supports Washington cities, counties, ports, and tribes with freight infrastructure and operational improvements to move goods more safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Funder: Washington State Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Regional submittal package)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $11.3 million annually anticipated for local projects in FFY 2027–2032, subject to authorization and appropriations; no request cap
Summary: Supports Washington freight infrastructure and operational improvements that preserve infrastructure, improve safety and reliability, and reduce congestion.
Key Information: Cities, counties, ports, and tribal governments must submit projects through their MPO/RTPO.
Description
The National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) is a federal-aid highway formula program administered in Washington by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). It supports local freight transportation projects that improve the efficient movement of goods on the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN). Investments aim to strengthen economic competitiveness, lower freight transportation costs, improve reliability and productivity, and preserve infrastructure in rural and urban areas.
Eligible work spans roadway improvements, operational improvements, technology, intermodal facilities, freight rail, and eligible marine highway and waterway projects. The program emphasizes safety, security, resiliency, congestion reduction, and a state of good repair. WSDOT works with Metropolitan and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (MPOs/RTPOs) to identify regional freight priorities for the state’s freight investment plan.
