Application Information

The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) , Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), and Transportation Alternatives (TA) program are a reimbursement grant program. A local match of 13.5% is required for all projects and toll credits may be used for local match. Only after a Local Agency Agreement has been approved by WSDOT can project costs become eligible for reimbursement. This means project sponsors must incur the cost of the project prior to being repaid. Any work conducted prior to a signed Local Agency Agreement is not eligible for reimbursement.

All projects must follow federal and state regulations. Including environmental, right of way, ADA, and etc. As part of the application process, local agencies will be required to include a reasonable timeline for the implementation of preliminary engineering, right-of-way, and construction. It will be essential for agencies to obligate project phases on time according to the identified timeline and RTC Project Delay Policy or grant awards may be lost.

The STBG/CMAQ/CRP grant process is limited to four applications total from each agency for all three programs. Applications must meet the following criteria for submission:

• • Consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), local comprehensive plans, and Congestion Management Process (Projects that add capacity must be listed in the RTP)
  • Federally classified facility of Urban Collector or above (map)
  • Primary purpose of project is not preservation or maintenance
  • Reasonable cost estimate and request is consistent with regional cost limits
  • Reasonable timeline for implementation
  • If operation improvement, the project is consistent with regional TSMO Plan

The Rural STBG grant process is limited to one application from each agency. Applications must meet the following criteria for submission:

• • Consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), and local comprehensive plans (Projects that add capacity must be listed in the RTP)
  • Federally classified facility of Urban Collector or above (map)
  • Primary purpose of project is not preservation or maintenance
  • Reasonable cost estimate and request is consistent with regional cost limits
  • Reasonable timeline for implementation

The following is a summary of eligible activities authorized in the MAP-21 Transportation Alternatives program. Eligible projects must meet one or more of the eligible activities and relate to the surface transportation system (except for recreation trails). There is no requirement for equal distribution of funding among the various eligible activities. For a full explanation of eligible activities please review the Federal Highway Administration Guidance page.

• • Construction, planning, and design of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation
  • Construction, planning, and design of infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers
  • Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails
  • Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas
  • Inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising
  • Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities
  • Vegetation management practices in transportation right-of-way
  • Archaeological activities relating to impacts for implementation of transportation projects eligible under this title
  • Any environmental mitigation activity related to highway construction due to highway runoff

In addition, eligible Transportation Alternatives projects include any project eligible under the Recreational Trails Program, Safe Routes to School Program, and within the right-of-way of former interstate routes. Please note that Washington State is using a portion of Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program funds to conduct statewide Safe Routes to School and a Recreational Trails programs. Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trail projects are encouraged to seek funding through the statewide programs prior to seeking regional TA funding.

The TA grant process is limited to two applications total from each agency. Applications must meet the following criteria for submission:

• • Consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and local long-range plans
  • Contains at least one eligible Transportation Alternatives Category
  • Provides connections within the transportation system
  • Does not supplement the construction of a previously or currently RTC funded road project
  • Is open to public access
  • A community engagement process has been held or is planned to be held for the project

Applicants must complete the application in the space provided and can provide up to five pages of additional attachments. Attachments should include a vicinity map, cross-section, Plan page, and other information such as pictures and text which will assist in the evaluation of the project. All applications will be submitted electronically to RTC.

• • STBG/CMAQ/CRP Application (PDF, 2MB)
  • STBG Rural Application (PDF, 255KB)
  • TA Application (PDF, 1MB)