Local Assistance Division
Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside
Overview
The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law Dec. 4, 2015. It is the first long-term transportation bill passed since SAFETEA-LU and runs through Fiscal Year 2020. This legislation continues the former Transportation Enhancement program’s long history that began in 1991 with the passage of ISTEA.
The Act converts the long-standing Surface Transportation Program (STP) into the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG), which includes a set-aside amount called the Transportation Alternatives or “TA Set-Aside” as set forth in 23 U.S.C. 133(h). The set-aside funding includes all activities that were previously eligible under TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program set forth in MAP-21); encompassing a variety of smaller-scale, non-traditional transportation projects. Administered by VDOT, these projects must focus on non-motorized transportation opportunities and enhancements to the transportation experience. 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!
The legislation provides four (4) main categories of eligibility including the 1) Transportation Alternatives activities, 2) the Safe Routes to School activities, 3) the Recreational Trails activities and lastly 4) the “Boulevard” activities which are intended to reconnect communities along abandoned interstate right of way by installing new bicycle and pedestrian facilities. VDOT administers projects qualifying under the TA, SRTS and Boulevard categories. The Recreational Trails activities however, are administered separately by the VA Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR).
Next VDOT application deadline: Pre-application deadline July 1, 2019 with final applications due NLT October 1, 2019.
Applicant workshops have been scheduled for April – see the 2019 schedule below!!!
Transportation Alternatives Program Information
- 2019 TA Workshop schedule
- Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020 TAP Allocations Funding Breakdown
- In-Kind Contributions supplemental guidance
- Transportation Alternatives program guide - interim 2017
- TAP project eligibility guidance
- MPO and TMA listings
- CTB resolution adopting TA selection policy
- District coordinators for TA / Enhancement program
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Program 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 2016 TAP final allocations worksheet
- Fiscal Year 2015 Transportation Alternatives allocations
- Fiscal Year 2014 Transportation Alternatives allocations
- Fiscal Year 2014 allocations shown by funding distribution
Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program
Program History
The Transportation Enhancement Program was created with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. With this act, Congress required each state to set aside 10 percent of its Surface Transportation Program funds for transportation enhancement projects. This program offered broad opportunities and federal funding for creative projects that integrated transportation into our communities and environment. The legislation designated 12 activities meant to improve non-motorized transportation, enhance the public’s traveling experience, revitalize communities and improve the quality of life. This program continued with enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1998 and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005. SAFETEA-LU expired Sept. 30, 2009, and through a series of continuing resolutions, Congress extended the program funding through Sept. 30, 2012.
PDFs 
Transportation Enhancement Program Information
- Enhancement Program procedure manual
- TE project eligibility (revised 2009)
- Funding
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations
- Sample resolution (revised 2009)
Program Allocations
- 2012 selections (Fiscal Year 2013 allocations)
- 2011 selections (Fiscal Year 2012 allocations)
- Stimulus funding (ARRA)
- 2009 selections (Fiscal Year 2010 allocations)
- 2008 selections (Fiscal Year 2009 allocations)
- 2007 selections (Fiscal Year 2008 allocations)
- 2006 selections (Fiscal Year 2007 allocations)
Contact Us:
Pam Liston 804-786-2734
Virginia Department of Transportation
Local Assistance Division
1401 E. Broad St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Fax: 804-371-0847
E-mail: EnhancementProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov
