Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

 

TAP funding is available to projects which improve the quality of life of the community, as a whole as well as providing economic and social benefits. TAP funds can be used for a variety of alternative transportation projects, including the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities; conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trail use; and infrastructure-related projects to provide access for and improve the safety of children, older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Administration

TAP funds are made available through the Federal Highway Administration and are administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. The competitive solicitation process is undertaken by the Department of Transportation, working through the metropolitan planning organizations in the state, such as NYMTC. The program provides up to 80% of the cost of each project, with the remaining share coming from the local project sponsor.


2014 Awards

Governor Cuomo announces $70-million in Funding for 68 Bycycle and Pedestrian projects.

click to download PDF → Press Release


Guidance and Applications

The NYSDOT Guidance and Application Process will be posted prior to the next solicitation.


Eligible activities

Funds may be used for projects or activities that are related to surface transportation and described in the definition of "Transportation Alternatives." [23 USC 101(a)(29)]

  • Construction, planning, and design of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation.
  • Construction, planning, and design of infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to access daily needs.
  • Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other nonmotorized transportation users.
  • Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas.
  • Community improvement activities, including—
    • inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising;
    • historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities;
    • vegetation management practices in transportation rights-of-way to improve roadway safety, prevent against invasive species, and provide erosion control; and
    • archaeological activities relating to impacts from implementation of a transportation project eligible under 23 USC.
    • Any environmental mitigation activity, including pollution prevention and pollution abatement activities and mitigation to—
    • address stormwater management, control, and water pollution prevention or abatement related to highway construction or due to highway runoff; or
    • reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or to restore and maintain connectivity among terrestrial or aquatic habitats.

    In addition the following projects or activities are eligible:

    • The recreational trails program under 23 USC 206.
    • The safe routes to school program under §1404 of SAFETEA–LU.
    • Planning, designing, or constructing boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or other divided highways.

    Workforce development, training, and education activities are also eligible uses of TAP funds. [§52004; 23 USC 504(e)]

    Click for FHWA TAP Fact Sheet →


    TEP Archives

    Link to NYMTC's Transportation Enhancement Program archive page.

    click to go to TEP archive →