OLYMPIA — Washington's Department of Transportation hopes to nab a healthy share of $1.5 billion in new grants being made nationally as part of the federal stimulus program.

Competition, however, is expected to be fierce for the so-called "Tiger" discretionary grants. Tuesday was the deadline for submitting applications.

The state is seeking $300 million toward a new State Route 520 bridge across Lake Washington, $147 million for a Vancouver interchange for the planned new Columbia River bridge, and $35 million to add two lanes to US 395 in north Spokane.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is to announce the grant winners in January. Each state can receive up to $300 million in grants.