Transportation Alternatives Program - Metropolitan Planning Organization +200,000 population selected

The Transportation Alternatives Program is a funding opportunity for metropolitan planning organizations with a population of over 200,000. The program aims to provide funding for transportation alternatives, such as on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation, and community improvement activities. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the funding source is federal. The estimated total program funding is $1,486,331, and the award range is $125,000 to $1,400,000. The application deadline is July 31, 2026. • Eligible applicants include city or township governments, county governments, government organizations, nonprofit organizations, and transit agencies. • The program requires a cost-sharing or matching requirement of 20%. • The program does not allow indirect costs. • The application process involves submitting a narrative describing the project, map/sketch plans, breakdown of project costs, timeline, endorsement by the submitting jurisdiction, public input process, and minority impact statement. • The evaluation and scoring of applications will be based on criteria outlined in the TASA Evaluation Manual.