Transportation Alternatives / Enhancement Programs (TA Set-Aside)
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Purpose
To support multi-modal transportation systems, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities, projects that increase access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, recreational trail projects, safe routes to school projects; and projects for planning, designing, or constructing boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former divided highways.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
Varies by state
Decarbonization Considerations
When possible, these funds can be optimized if building new connections to existing transportation networks. Consider whether such funding makes sense to increase access with multi-modal options, offer new last-mile connectivity options for public transit users, or support expansions to pedestrian and bicycle trail networks (or build new ones where none previously existed).
Equity Considerations
TAP/TEP funding can greatly increase regional accessibility, especially for currently disconnected, marginalized, and/or underserved communities. Consider how this funding can enhance last-mile connectivity options for those relying on public transit to increase safety and accessibility of continued commutes via transit.
Helpful Tips
Check if your state offers sub-programs within the Transportation Alternatives Program, including the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) to see if a more specialized subset of funding would be more applicable to your project.
Other Notes
The FAST Act eliminates the MAP-21 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and replaces it with a set-aside of Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funding for transportation alternatives (TA). These set-aside funds include all projects and activities that were previously eligible under TAP, encompassing a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity.