- Regional Opportunities - Local funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Congestion Management Agencies, Transportation Improvement Authorities, or other regional agencies. Counties or cities may administer some funding sources. These funding sources are supported by federal, state, or local revenue streams.
- Statewide Opportunities- State-level funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by Departments of Transportation, state transportation programs, Offices of Traffic Saftey or other state agencies.
- Federal Opportunities - Federal funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by federal agencies, authorities or federal revenue streams.
- Outside Opportunities - Outside funding sources and programming opportunities are generally administered by organizations, grants or other revenue streams outside of state, local or federal transportation funding revenue streams.
- Conceptual Approaches to Funding
Funding can make or break an active transportation project, which makes equitable funding opportunities important for communities to access. In recent years, many planners and agencies have recognized how redlining and disinvestment in certain communities has led to lack of safe infrastructure and less access to public transportation options. Here are a few key funding opportunities that aim to address this:
- California Public Utilities Commission Equity and Access Grant Program: The CPUC strives to include the needs and voices of underserved and underrepresented communities in its decision-making processes. In 2022, the California Legislature appropriated $30,000,000 in the Budget Act of 2022 (AB 179) for capacity grants to Tribes and community-based organizations (CBOs) for participation in CPUC decision-making processes and supporting activities. The Equity and Access (E&A) Grant Program was created to implement this legislation.
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The Equity, Engagement, and Education Grant Account Cycle 1 is now open from September 8 to October 31, 2023. Please refer to the EEE Grant Account Application Coversheet and Grant Guidelines to apply.
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- Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program: The BIL created the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, which makes $10 million available over five years to provide states, local governments, and tribal governments with grants to support project development leading to future applications to DOT credit or grant programs. The grants can support legal, technical, and financial advisors to help advance infrastructure projects. The first notice of funding opportunity includes two fiscal years and makes $3.4 million available to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the program page or email RuralandTribalTA@dot.gov. Applications open on August 14 at 2 PM ET and close on September 28, 2023.
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The Thriving Communities Program provides intensive technical assistance to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to help them identify, develop, and deliver transportation and community revitalization opportunities. For the FY 2023 program, DOT has added a Thriving Communities Regional Pilot Program set-aside to which states, Tribes, and regional planning organizations can apply. This set-aside will allow pilot program participants to provide TCP activities at a state or regional scale to communities within their jurisdictions. This year, DOT anticipates funding at least four pilots at approximately $1 million each.
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Under the NOFO, DOT is accepting applications for both the Thriving Communities National Capacity Builder Program and a new Regional Pilot Program. Interested applicants must identify community partners and together submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) via DOT webform by 4:59 p.m. (ET) November 15, 2023, to be considered for selection.
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Safe Routes to Parks Accelerator Program: The program will help interagency teams from three states make funding and practice changes to support safe, convenient, and equitable access to parks and other everyday destinations across their respective states. Each state will assemble a Safe Routes to Parks team that includes representatives from various state agencies, including, but not limited to transportation, public health, and conservation & natural resources. Over 12 months, Safe Routes Partnership will provide consulting services customized to support each state team.
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Each team is required to fill out a brief form and submit a 1-2 page Letter of Interest that highlights why they would like to participate in the program. Letters of interest are due by October 9, 2023 and can be emailed to parks@saferoutespartnership.org. If you have any questions, please email parks@saferoutespartnership.org.
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