Transportation Alternatives Program The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), was signed into law November 15, 2021. It is the largest long-term investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history and provides federal funding for Fiscal Year 2022 through 2026. This legislation continues and increases the Transportation Alternatives Program funding from $850 million in FY21 to nearly $1.4 billion in FY22. BIL emphases transportation safety, equity, and data-driven decisions. This federal reimbursement program is intended to help local sponsors fund community-based projects that expand non-motorized travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historical, and environmental aspects of the transportation infrastructure. The program focuses on providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and community improvements. It does not fund traditional roadway projects or maintenance. The Transportation Alternatives Program expands travel choices, strengthens local economy, improves quality of life, and protects the environment. VDOT administers the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!) population-based technical assistance program to support localities in developing project ideas toward future TA applications. Transportation Alternatives Program Information

  • Transportation Alternatives Program Guide
  • VDOT District Contacts
  • MPO and TMA Listings
  • Quarterly Status Report
  • FY25/26 Post Award Webinar: Project Implementation (August 27, 2024) Transportation Alternatives Application Information SMART Portal will open for pre-applications in Spring 2025.
  • Transportation Alternatives Pre-Application Webinar Presentation (2025)
  • Transportation Alternatives Policy
  • FY27-28 Transportation Alternatives Application Timeline
  • Transportation Alternatives Application Questions
  • Project Management Guidance
  • Cost Estimating Guidance
  • LAP Schedule Tool
  • Third-Party Contribution Plan
  • Resolution Template
  • Request to Administer
  • SRTS-NI Budget and Workbook Template
  • SRTS-NI Program Plan Template ***Beginning in the FY27-28 cycle, all projects submitted for Transportation Alternatives Program funding are required to be included in the applicant’s Capital Improvement Program. *** Transportation Alternatives Program Allocations Safe Routes to School In 2021, the BIL codified Safe Routes to School as 23 U.S.C 208 and retained funding eligibility under the Transportation Alternatives Program. The program was initially created in Section 1404 of the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), and was incorporated into the new Transportation Alternatives Program under Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) in 2013. While the BIL codified SRTS and expanded program eligibility to kindergarten through 12th grade (previously K-8), the BIL did not provide any dedicated funds for the SRTS program. SRTS infrastructure projects and non-infrastructure programs are eligible to apply for funding through Virginia’s competitive Transportation Alternatives program. Contact Synthia Waymack, Transportation Programs Coordinator Virginia Department of Transportation - Local Assistance Division 1221 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219 804-786-2586 Ready, Set, Go! Transportation Alternatives Grant Program VDOT is providing a second round of Ready, Set, Go!, a grant program that supports our local partners with smaller populations in refining projects for future Transportation Alternatives (TA) applications. This program is provided with 100% funding and requires no local match from selected applicants. VDOT will contract and designate a consultant team to assist selected localities in developing content for a single future TA application, including a sketch, cost estimate, and other relevant information. Participating in the Ready, Set, Go! program alone will not result in readiness to submit a complete TA application, but localities that participate will receive guidance about other application requirements. Ready, Set, Go! Timeline
  • Successful applications received by September 30 in odd-numbered years (e.g. 2023) are prioritized for completion by the next Transportation Alternatives pre-application cycle
  • Successful applications received between September 30 in odd-numbered years (e.g. 2023) and September 30 in even-numbered years (e.g. 2024) will be worked into the ongoing process; the schedule for each will be provided on an individual basis
  • Successful applications received after September 30 in even-numbered years (e.g. 2024) may not receive deliverables in advance of the next Transportation Alternatives pre-application cycle The Transportation Alternatives program provides 80% federal funding for non-motorized improvements in a variety of eligible categories. All applicants for Transportation Alternatives funding are required to provide a minimum 20% local match for funded projects. Ready, Set, Go! Program Information Contact Jay Scarborough, Acting Federal Programs Manager Jay.Scarborough@vdot.virginia.gov  804-786-2746 Last updated: May 18, 2026