(February 25, 2013) – From sidewalks for elementary schools to wetlands creation and shared-use paths, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) seeks proposals for transportation-related projects to be partially funded through the newly established Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).  The TAP program has $20 million in federal money available for a variety of alternative transportation projects including:  planning, design and construction funds for on and off-road facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized transportation. SHA invites local governments and government-sponsored community groups to submit applications beginning March 1.    

“The non-traditional projects funded by the Transportation Alternatives Program will benefit communities throughout the State and improve the quality of life for Maryland residents and visitors,” said Melinda B. Peters, SHA Administrator.  “We have program staff to help applicants with the process and requirements to make sure groups are able to move these types of community enhancements forward.”

The TAP Program was created under the new federal transportation authorization bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), and replaces funding previously made available through the Transportation Enhancement and Safe Routes to School programs.  The new program includes a broad range of eligible activities, including projects to provide safe routes for non-drivers, as well as community improvement and environmental mitigation activities.    

Among the key changes from previous programs, design and planning activities also will now be eligible for partial funding, and projects will be considered for up to 80 percent of eligible program costs. Eligible project sponsors under the new program include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit authorities, school districts, and natural resource or public land agencies. 

The new TAP Program also provides for more direct involvement of the State’s three major metropolitan planning organizations in the project selection process.  MDOT has coordinated with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and WILMPCO (Wilmington Area Planning Council) to develop a solicitation process for these entities to select relevant projects within their member jurisdictions. 

The TAP guidelines and applications may be downloaded online at:  http://www.roads.maryland.gov/index.aspx?pageid=144.  All applications should be submitted to SHA beginning March 1, 2013 through May 15, 2013.  Questions concerning project eligibility or program requirements may directed to Ms. Jessica Silwick, SHA’s Transportation Alternatives Liaison.  She may be reached at 410-545-5675, or toll-free at 1-888-204-4828.  Applicants may also e-mail jsilwick@sha.state.md.us.  Proposals may be submitted to Ms. Silwick at 707 North Calvert Street, State Highway Administration, Mail Stop C-502, Baltimore, MD 21202.               

###
​