Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding (formerly Transportation Alternatives (TAP))

Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding (formerly Transportation Alternatives (TAP)) is sponsored by MaineDOT. This federally-funded program helps communities improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists and provides transportation options related to surface transportation under eligible categories outlined under the FAST Act.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding | Maine Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding Please note: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding was formerly known as the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Transportation Enhancements, Quality Communities, and Safe Routes to School Funding programs.

General Information about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding This program assists with funding sidewalks, pedestrian crossing improvements, off-road transportation- related trails, downtown transportation improvements, projects that address safety and/or ADA compliance concerns, etc. The goal of this program is to improve transportation and safety, encourage healthful activities, and promote economic development, while improving the livability and vitality of local communities MaineDOT annually allocates the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program about $4 million in federal funds for this statewide program.

Each project has a 10% local match requirement. MaineDOT is currently accepting applications for projects to be constructed 3 years out. Communities seeking construction outside of this timeline would need to contact the Program Manager to discuss this request.

Application Process Step 1 - Phone Call: Call the MaineDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager at (207) 624-3000 to discuss project ideas at any time. Step 3 - Complete Application: To be considered for future funding, an eligible applicant must complete MaineDOT’s current Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding Application. The application must be completed in its entirety and include detailing and specific information.

To maximize the likelihood of your project being selected for funding and to ensure that you have provided all of the required information, MaineDOT encourages communities to utilize the most current Application Scoring Form as a guide when completing the application.

Step 4 - Secure Local Match: Before a community can submit their application to MaineDOT for consideration, they MUST secure their non-federal matching funds (a minimum of 10% of the total project cost). Local guidelines and requirements will determine the process your community will follow to secure the required non-federal match.

Documentation indicating that the non-federal match has been secured must be provided as part of the community’s application materials. Step 5 – Submit the Application and Supporting Materials: MaineDOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program has an open and rolling application process. However, to be considered for the next annual funding period, completed applications must be submitted by no later than July 31st.

Step 6 - Application Review: Projects will bereviewed based upon the application’s overall alignment with program goals. Step 7 – Announcement: Projects selected for future funding will be announced in January of each year once MaineDOT releases its updated 3-Year Work Plan. Recipients will receive notification after the MaineDOT Work Plan is released.

For more information: Please contact MaineDOT at (207) 624-3000. Application Materials Application Form: (please note that a site visit by the MaineDOT Program Manager and documentation that the required non-federal match has been secured are required before the Application Form may be submitted.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding Program Application MaineDOT Program Criteria: MaineDOT encourages applicants to utilize the Criteria to guide them in the development of their responses to the individual questions on the Application Form.

Application Review Criteria MaineDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program MaineDOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding was previously known as the Transportation Alternatives (TAP), Transportation Enhancements (TE), Quality Communities (QC), and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding programs.

It is a federally-funded program to help communities improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, and to provide transportation options that relate to surface transportation under the eligible categories outlined under the FAST Act and prioritized by MaineDOT.

These priorities include: Safe Routes to School for non-drivers Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities Development of Trails and Paths that Serve a Transportation Purpose The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program principally supports locally-initiated projects that improve the community transportation environment, economic vibrancy, safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, downtown revitalization initiatives and environmental mitigation.

There is a required 10% non-federal share required. More detailed information on this funding under the FAST Act can be found here: http://www. fhwa.

dot. gov/environment/transportation_alternatives/guidance/guidance_2016. cfm