Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research (Section 5304)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
The program helps rural areas and tribal governments participate in the statewide planning process, ensuring that the needs of nonmetropolitan communities are reflected in planning and funding decisions. The program also enhances coordination between Transit and Land Use.
Section 5304 funding has enabled better integration of public transportation with housing, economic development, and environmental goals through data analysis, scenario planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Finally, creation of Performance-Based Planning Frameworks. States have used 5304 grants to develop measurable goals and performance indicators that align with national priorities such as safety, state of good repair, and emissions reduction. States should also develop of transportation plans and programs, planning, design, and evaluation of a public transportation project and technical studies related to public transportation.
Program Objective
The goals of the FTA’s Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program (Section 5304) are to support comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing transportation planning processes that improve mobility and accessibility in areas outside metropolitan urbanized regions. Specifically, Section 5304 aims to enhance transportation planning in rural and nonmetropolitan areas by providing funding and technical assistance to States and local agencies, promote coordination among local, regional, and State agencies to develop efficient transportation systems that address the unique needs of rural communities, support the development and implementation of Statewide Transportation Improvement Programs (STIPs) that include nonmetropolitan areas, advance multimodal transportation planning, integrating transit, highways, freight, bicycle, pedestrian, and other modes to improve connectivity and accessibility and incorporate performance-based planning and asset management practices tailored to nonmetropolitan contexts.
This Assistance Listing 20.535 created in August 2025 was included in the previous ALN 20.505, please refer to former ALN 20.505 for FY24 and FY25 financial obligations. The new Assistance Listing 20.535 will be utilized by DOT at the start of FY 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- State
- Planning Commission
Only State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) are directly eligible applicants for assistance. However, funding may be passed through from the State DOT to other eligible subrecipients, such as; rural local governments, Tribal governments, Regional planning organizations, Nonmetropolitan local officials, and Public transportation operators in rural and small urban areas.
The program is structured to ensure that nonmetropolitan and tribal transportation needs are integrated into the overall statewide transportation planning process. States are encouraged to involve and support local and tribal entities in developing planning activities and documents.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
The award procedure for the FTA Section 5304 Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program follows a formula-based, non-competitive process. Each federal fiscal year, FTA apportions funds to State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) based on a statutory formula, which considers factors such as population and transit service data.
FTA publishes the apportionment tables, showing each state’s allocated amount for Section 5304 funding.
The State DOT submits a grant application through FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). The application includes the Statewide Planning Work Program (SPWP), budget details, and required certifications and assurances. FTA reviews the application for completeness and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Once approved, FTA issues the grant award through TrAMS, enabling the State DOT to obligate and draw down funds. States may distribute funds to rural local governments, tribal entities, or regional planning organizations to carry out planning activities consistent with the program’s goals.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
Program details & compliance
Description
The State and Non-Metropolitan Planning program provides assistance to States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to assist with the transportation planning within the State and urbanized areas. A feature of the program is heavy reliance on public input for design of the transportation system through project selection.
Mission Categories
Primary: Urban Mass Transit
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
In metropolitan areas, activities assisted under this section may include preparation of transportation plans including transportation improvement programs and management systems; studies related to transportation management, operations, capital requirements, economic feasibility, performance-based planning, public transportation agency safety plans, transit asset management plans, evaluation of previously funded capital projects; and other related activities in preparation for the construction, acquisition, or improved operation of transportation systems, facilities, and equipment, public participation in transportation planning, security and emergency transportation planning. In nonurbanized areas of the state, eligible activities include planning, and technical studies and assistance. A State may authorize the use of a portion of these funds to supplement and administer Metropolitan Planning.
Restrictions
Funds must be used for statewide transportation planning, including long-range plans and short‑range planning programs. States must develop a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that covers a four-year period. The long‑range plan may include a financial plan showing expected public/private resources, and possible financing strategies.
Required Documentation
When applying for FTA’s Section 5304 Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program, applicants must provide documentation and credentials beyond those required under 2 CFR 200. These typically include a completed SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and Statewide Planning Work Program (SWP or SPR Work Plan). Applicants must submit a detailed planning work program outlining tasks, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and budget estimates. You must also have a "Letter of Transmittal" or Certification from the State DOT which is a formal letter confirming the state's commitment to the program and authorizing the submission on behalf of the state. In addition, supporting documentation for project eligibility. This can include maps, demographic data, needs assessments, or existing transportation plans that support the purpose of the proposed planning activities. Documentation of Coordination with Stakeholders should also be in included as evidence that the planning effort was coordinated with local agencies, rural transportation providers, tribal entities, and the public (e.g., meeting summaries, letters of support, or collaboration agreements). Also needed is budget and justification; a breakdown of anticipated costs by activity or task, along with justification explaining the use and necessity of the funds. Finally, State Assurances and Certifications are needed to apply. A full documentation of items will be included in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Matching Requirements
The matching requirements for the FTA Section 5304 – Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program are as follows; Federal Share: Up to 80% of the total project cost. Local Match Requirement: At least 20% must come from non-federal sources. This match can be provided by the state, local governments, or other non-federal entities. In-Kind Contributions: In some cases, in-kind contributions (e.g., staff time, equipment use) may be used as part of the local match, provided they are properly documented and allowable under FTA regulations. States may also use toll revenue credits as a non-federal match, if eligible.
These matching requirements ensure shared responsibility between federal and non-federal partners in transportation planning efforts.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
49 U.S.C. § 5304 — Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning
Title 49, Subtitle III, Chapter 53 (“Public Transportation”)