Surface Transportation Program
DMATS
The STP funds are distributed to the states based on population and population densities of urbanized areas. These federal funds come to DMATS through the Iowa and Illinois DOT. DMATS then allocates the funds according to the LRTP and priorities them based on ranking process. DMATS programs these funds for the four-year period of the TIP based upon funding targets from the Iowa DOT and projected funding levels. DMATS receives a total of approximately $1,150,000 in STP funds each year from IADOT and ILDOT.
RPA 8
The RPA Policy Board adopted a distribution system for uncommitted STP funds. In this system, the funds are distributed by a sub-allocation process. Each jurisdiction's share of the funds will be determined by the Census population. The cities of Clinton, Manchester, Maquoketa and Dewitt will receive a share based on the population within the incorporated limits of the city. The four counties will each receive a share based on the population of the unincorporated area plus the population of all cities in the county under 5,000 population. Jurisdictions eligible for STP funds that do not receive a sub-allocation will have the opportunity to request funding from the county as follows:
- Cities below 5,000 population, transit agencies, and the Iowa DOT can request funds from the four counties.
- Transit agencies providing service within cities greater than 5,000 in population and the Iowa DOT can request funds from the cities over 5,000 population.
RPA 8 receives a total of approximately $2,100,000 in STP funds each year from IADOT.
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
The Transportation Alternatives Program was authorized by the most recent federal transportation funding act, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which was signed into law on July 6, 2012. TAP redefines the former Transportation Enhancements activities and consolidates these eligibilities with the former Safe Routes to School program. Some projects that were previously funded through the discretionary National Scenic Byways Program are now eligible for TAP as are projects eligible under the Recreational Trails Program.
Under MAP-21 the majority of Transportation Alternatives Program funding will be distributed to the MPOs and RPAs to select projects based on local planning priorities. The Iowa DOT retains final approval authority of award, and will continue to work directly with project sponsors to develop each project. The Iowa DOT will solicit applications for the award of $1,000,000 through the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program. This statewide program is intended to provide worthy projects and initiatives that are statewide or multi-regional in nature an opportunity to receive Transportation Alternatives Program funding. As such, applications submitted for projects such as trails that could be considered primarily local impact projects will not be scored favorably in the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program.
DMATS
The DMATS staff is in process of creating an application process for TAP funds. The application will be process and raking procedures will be provided to DMATS policy board in fall of 2014. ECIA staff will open the application process once the DMATS policy board approves and adopts the procedure for the funding of the DMATS's TAP funds. TAP funds will follow the same process as they followed with TE funds for solicitation of applications. In this system, funds will be awarded by a competitive process.
RPA 8
RPA 8 staff is in the process of creating an application process for TAP funds. ECIA staff will open the application process once the RPA policy Boards approves and adopted the procedure for the funding of the RPA's TAP funds. TAP funds will follow the same process as they followed with TE funds for solicitation of applications. In this system, funds will be awarded by a competitive process.
State and Federal Grants
Recreational Trails (State of Iowa)
Established to fund public recreational trails. Projects must have a minimum 25 percent local match (volunteer services and other state grants are not eligible as matching funds). Proposed projects must be part of a local, area-wide, regional, or statewide trail plan. Trails resulting from successful applications must be maintained as a public facility for a minimum of 20 years. Application deadline is July 1. Funding varies by year depending on appropriation from the state legislature.
For more information see: http://www.iowadot.gov/systems_planning/fedstate_rectrails.htm
Recreational Trails (Federal)
Provide and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail-related projects. A minimum 20 percent match is required. Trails resulting from successful applications must be maintained as a public facility for a minimum of 20 years. Application deadline is October 1.
For more information see: http://www.iowadot.gov/systems_planning/fedstate_rectrails.htm
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
This program funds highway/street, transit, bicycle/pedestrian, or freight projects or programs which help maintain Iowa's clean air quality by reducing transportation-related emissions. Eligible highway/street projects must be on the federal-aid system, which includes all federal functional class routes except local and rural minor collectors. Application Deadline - October 1, statewide competitive application.
For more information see: https://iowadot.gov/systems_planning/Grant-Programs/Iowa-Clean-Air-Attainment-Program-ICAAP
Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE)
This state program was established to promote economic development in Iowa through construction or improvement of roads and streets. Funding may be in the form of a grant, loan or combination thereof. Projects must involve construction or improvement of a public roadway.
For more information see: https://iowadot.gov/systems_planning/Grant-Programs/Revitalize-Iowas-Sound-Economy-RISE-Program
Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP)
The Traffic Safety Improvement Program provides funding for traffic safety improvements or studies on any public roads under county, city or state jurisdiction. Eligible projects will fall into one of three categories:
construction or improvement of traffic safety and operations at a specific site with an accident history;
purchase of materials for installation of new traffic control devices such as signs or signals, or replacement of obsolete signs or signals; or
transportation safety research, studies or public information initiatives such as sign inventory, work zone safety and accident data.
Site-specific project funding cannot exceed $500,000 per project. The application deadline is August 15.
For more information see: https://iowadot.gov/traffic/traffic-and-safety-programs/tsip/tsip-program.