Alaska’s tribes, cities, and boroughs will have new opportunities to build local transportation improvements with funding from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Two programs; the Community Transportation Program and the Transportation Alternative Program are now open for grant applications. The funds are designed to help communities build transportation infrastructure that is sustainable, improves safety, addresses resiliency, and supports economic development.
Shannon McCarthy, the DOT’s Director of Communications tells KSRM:
“So this is actually a program that we have had on the books for a number of years, but we haven’t had a big call for projects. Just because this is the kind of funding that’s pretty limited, traditionally. Because of the new Infrastructure Bill, we now have a more substantial chunk of money that we can ask communities to take a look at what their needs and submit grant applications.”
On the Community Transportation Program, McCarthy says:
“Both of these programs are actually designed to help communities realize their transportation improvements. CTP is for the smaller programs. If you wanted to connect two different kinds of modes. If you wanted to work on like a bike trail or a pedestrian access, those are the kind of things, they’re smaller and they are things that would be typically managed by the communities themselves once they’re complete.”
Additionally, TAP can be used for pedestrian and bike facilities, trails, turnouts, and scenic overlooks, in addition to stormwater and habitat connectivity.
The estimated funding for this three-year award cycle will be between $100 and $120 million for CTP projects, and between $20-30 million for TAP projects. All projects require a 9.03% local match. The department will be working with communities to help determine which projects are eligible, and assist communities in strengthening the applications.
CTP Projects are limited to two project submissions per public entity with a not-to-exceed federal share amount of $15 million. TAP projects will be limited to two project submissions per community with a limit of $5 million in federal funding, although the total cost of the project may exceed the federal share if the community has identified additional, alternative non-federal funding.
Local governments interested in applying for CTP or TAP funding, must complete a Notice of Intent to Apply (NOIA) by October 31, 2022.
