KDOT announces funding for alternative transportation program projects is available

The Kansas Department of Transportation is announcing call for projects for the 2015 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program. The TA program is administered by KDOT and will provide funding for alternative transportation projects.

“These types of non-motorized projects have the potential to benefit people of all ages and abilities across Kansas,” Mike Spadafore, KDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, said. “We anticipate seeing a variety of projects that will strengthen our shared transportation system, both locally and statewide."

Projects include on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure for non-driver access to public transportation, projects that enhance mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians, improvements to the scenic or environmental assets in our state, preservation of  historic transportation structures and Safe Routes to School projects, among others.  

An estimated $14 million in federal funds are anticipated to be available; all selected projects will be required to meet a 20 percent local funds match. 

The TA 2015 Program Guidance, which includes timeline, application, eligibility, scoring criteria and project selection notes, is available for download at: http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/TransAlt.asp

Important Dates:

·         Sept. 1, 2015 – Call for projects announced and website live with application and guidance documents

·         Sept. 9, 2015, 10 am - 12 pm – TA workshop in Topeka at KDOT headquarters, 700 SW Harrison, 4^th Floor Auditorium.  This will be geared towards eligible project sponsors.  Space is limited; please RSVP by Sept. 7, 2015 to mspadafore@ksdot.org
KDOT will host this workshop to inform eligible project sponsors about the process and go over changes from past calls for projects. Staff from various state and federal agencies will be available to discuss TA program information and the candidate project application process.

·         Nov. 20, 2015, 4:00 pm– Applications are due (five paper copies and one digital copy in PDF format) at KDOT headquarters.

·         December 2015 – January 2016 – Site visits for all projects

·         Spring 2016 – Final decision by KDOT and announcement of awards

For more information, please contact Spadafore at mspadafore@ksdot.org or call (785) 296-7448.