Mato Grosso faces R$ 109.7 million reduction in federal infrastructure funds

Mato Grosso faces significant shifts in federal infrastructure funding. A recent ordinance from the Ministry of Planning and Budget resulted in a loss of R$ 109.7 million in budget allocations for three major projects in the state. The largest reduction, totaling R$ 100 million, affected the BR-158 highway, a critical corridor for transporting agricultural production to northern ports. Other affected projects include the BR-242 and the Center-West Integration Railway (Fico).

In response to concerns regarding potential work stoppages due to these cuts, the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) and the Ministry of Transport have denied rumors that BR-158 works would be halted. Minister George Santoro confirmed that 22 kilometers of the highway have already been paved and stated that the project remains within budget with a goal to complete 42 kilometers by 2026.

Simultaneously, infrastructure challenges persist at the state level. In Cuiabá, the state government has ordered a 120-day suspension of works on the Dante de Oliveira Avenue (Avenida dos Trabalhadores), a project that has faced ongoing criticism for delays.