New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $97.4 million in new funding on Nov. 12 for transportation projects that promote alternative travel options and healthy lifestyles for residents. The funds fall under the state’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides the funding available through TAP, which the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) manages.
Projects selected under this program advance community-centered transportation efforts by supporting alternative transportation systems such as multi-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists. The program focuses on improving quality of life for New York residents, protecting the environment and supporting local economies, according to officials.
Several entities are eligible for funding, including:
- Local governments (counties, towns, cities and villages).
- Transit agencies.
- Natural resource or public land agencies.
- Tribal governments.
- Local or regional governmental transportation or recreational trail entities.
Other organizations can also partner with eligible entities on projects. These include school districts, metropolitan planning organizations that serve an urbanized area with fewer than 200,000 residents, regional transportation authorities and non-governmental organizations.
TAP funds many different types of projects that promote non-vehicular transportation. Examples include:
- Infrastructure projects that enhance safety for non-drivers and expand public transit access and mobility options.
- Development of roadside facilities like turnouts and scenic viewing locations.
- Programs that support and promote safe walking and biking routes for students traveling to school.
- Development of both street-level and separated pathways for walking, cycling and other non-motorized travel.
- Repurposing unused rail corridors into recreational trails for walkers, cyclists and other non-motorized users.
- Creation of boulevard-style roads utilizing the footprint of former divided highway corridors.
- Community enhancement efforts, including managing outdoor signage, protecting historic transportation structures, maintaining vegetation and conducting archaeological assessments.
- Projects addressing environmental impacts.
NYSDOT will provide funding to cover up to 80% of project costs. The department requires a minimum 20% match from the project sponsor to be eligible. Applicable project costs may include design or engineering services, planning, right-of-way acquisition, construction and inspection.
Officials will award funds through a competitive solicitation structure, rating eligible projects based on criteria. These include public benefit, project type, significance, cost-effectiveness, eligible funding source, geographic balance and alignment with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Projects must also be related to surface transportation and be completely open to the public. Awards given under TAP will fall between $500,000 and $7 million for any individual project.
NYSDOT will accept applications for the $97.4 million funding round through March 12, 2026.
Photo by Nout Gons from Pexels
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