The money will help councils to gather important information on their streetlights, bridges, roads and other assets, in order to manage them as effectively as possible. It is being paid in response to bids from local authorities across the North East.
Paul Clark said "High quality local highways are vital to communities; connecting people with work, shops, services, families and friends.
"I am very pleased at the extremely high level of interest from local authorities in this funding. It demonstrates a real understanding of the importance of asset management in delivering a good service to the public."
This funding will be shared between the 14 local authorities in the North East that submitted a bid. Further details.