Local Assistance Division
Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside
Overview
The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law December 4, 2015. It was the first long-term transportation bill passed since SAFETEA-LU, running five (5) years through September 30, 2020. This legislation was significant in that it continued the former Transportation Enhancement program’s long history of improving non-motorized transportation that began in 1991 with passage of ISTEA. A continuing resolution was signed October 1, 2020 extending the FAST Act for one (1) additional year.
This reimbursement program is intended to help local sponsors fund community based projects that expand non-motorized travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historical and environmental aspects of the transportation infrastructure. The program does not fund traditional roadway projects nor does it provide maintenance for these facilities. Instead it focuses on providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities, community improvements and mitigating the negative impacts of the highway system. The Transportation Alternatives Set-aside builds upon the legacy of the TE program by expanding non-motorized travel choices, strengthening the local economy, improving the quality of life and protecting the environment. Popular projects include bicycle and pedestrian trails, preservation of historic transportation structures including train depots and lighthouses, as well as roadway pull-offs and overlooks!
Application Deadlines: SMART Portal will open for pre-applications: May 17, 2021
Pre-application deadline: July 1, 2021 *MANDATORY*
Full application deadline: October 1, 2021
TA Applicant Workshop Schedule:
Transportation Alternative Applicant Webinar
The Local Assistance Division will be holding a Transportation Alternatives (TA) Applicant Workshop on Wednesday, April 14th from 10am-noon. The webinar will review program eligibility, the application process, and scoring criteria.
The TA Applicant Workshop is strongly recommended for localities and other project sponsors that are interested in applying for FY 2023/2024 federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) funding. In addition to local governments, schools, regional park authorities, federally recognized tribes and federal natural resource agencies are eligible to apply.
Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSVXCWX
Application Documentation:
The following forms may be needed in order to successfully submit a TA pre-application and / or TA full application for consideration:
Request to Administer – this form provides details to evaluate the applicant’s experience and resources for administering a federal-aid project. This form must be completed and provided as an attachment to the pre-application IF the applicant anticipates administering the TA project if funding is awarded.
Scheduling Tool – by entering an estimated start date for project development the tool will provide a tentative development schedule including estimated phase dates (PE / RW / CN). The completed schedule must be printed and uploaded as an attachment to both the pre-application and full application.
Third-Party Contribution Plan – this form will require that you provide details regarding the proposed non-cash third-party contributions to be used as all or part of the local match requirement. The completed form must be printed and uploaded as an attachment to both the pre-application and full application IF the applicant proposes to utilize contributions for all and part of the 20% local match.
Cost Estimate Template – this provides an example of the detail required for the cost estimate provided as part of the pre-application and full application. Each project is unique, but there are many details that will be common to all projects. To ensure that the appropriate level of detail is provided, it is strongly recommended that this template be followed when developing your cost estimate.
Full Application: Note that when submitting the full application, a local resolution, evidence of an advertised public participation meeting, and possibly an MPO endorsement (if project is in an MPO area), are required to be included as attachments in order for the submission to be successful.
Transportation Alternatives Program Information
Transportation Alternatives program guide - interim 2017
MPO and TMA listings
CTB resolution adopting TA selection policy (2013)
Program Allocations
Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 TAP Allocations
Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020 final TAP allocations
Fiscal Year 2018 TAP final allocations
Fiscal Year 2017 TAP final allocations
Fiscal Year 2016 TAP final allocations
Fiscal Year 2015 Transportation Alternatives allocations
Fiscal Year 2014 Transportation Alternatives allocations
Contact Us:
Pam Liston
VDOT
Office: 804-786-2734
Fax: 804-371-0847
Pamela.Liston@VDOT.virginia.gov
