Transportation Alternatives Program – Metropolitan Planning Organization +200,000 population selected
🏛 Illinois Department of Transportation
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and eligible transportation entities in regions with populations over 200,000. State and local governments, transit agencies, and other traditional transportation authorities may apply. Non-profit organizations are eligible only for safety-related projects. Projects must advance pedestrian/bicycle facilities, trails, safe routes to school, historic preservation, or environmental mitigation.
Eligible activities include building and improving pedestrian paths, bike lanes, and recreational trails. Projects can fund safe routes to school initiatives and community enhancements like historic preservation. Environmental projects addressing stormwater management and habitat connectivity are also supported.
Projects are selected through a competitive process managed by your regional MPO. Specific eligibility requirements and restrictions vary by MPO. Check with your local MPO for detailed application procedures and any additional requirements.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The TAP program provides a fund source for a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity. Provide transportation alternatives.
Metropolitan Planning Organization +200,000 population All TAP projects to be funded through a competitive process. Eligible applicants include all entities that were eligible to apply for TAP funds. Further uses and restrictions are available per MPO. Non-profit organizations are only eligible applicants for safety related projects. Beneficiaries: N/A Federal Assistance Listing: 20.205 — Highway Planning and Construction20.287 – Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 494-00-1461).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project proposal and scope of work
- Detailed budget and cost estimate
- Evidence of cost-sharing/local match commitment
- Letters of support from community stakeholders
- Alignment with MPO transportation plan
- Proof of applicant organization's legal status
Program contact
- 👤 Adam Gabany
- 📧 Adam.Gabany@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.205 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,337,684,526
-
$635,177,703
-
$619,100,141
-
$533,192,000
-
$492,273,339
-
$488,422,692
-
$480,295,260
-
$446,503,594
-
$417,644,437
-
$404,722,313
Top States by Funding
- TX 27 awards $6,892.7M
- CA 15 awards $3,222.5M
- NC 9 awards $2,846.8M
- FL 9 awards $2,529.8M
- SC 6 awards $1,248.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2019 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2020 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2021 | $57,937,910 | |
| 2023 | $90,000,000 | |
| 2024 | $21,205,650 | |
| 2025 | $21,642,988 | |
| 2026 | $22,089,072 |
FAQ
Who can apply for TAP funds?
State and local governments, transit agencies, and traditional transportation authorities are eligible. Non-profit organizations can only apply for safety-related projects. Check with your regional MPO for additional eligibility details.
What types of projects does TAP fund?
TAP funds pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation projects. Projects must advance transportation alternatives and community benefits.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. The exact match percentage and terms are determined by your regional MPO.
How competitive is this program?
Projects are selected through a competitive process. Strong applications address community need, align with regional transportation plans, and demonstrate clear public benefit.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards typically range from $1,000,000 to $44,300,000, though actual awards depend on project scope and MPO decisions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your regional MPO early to understand their specific TAP application procedures and scoring criteria.
- Demonstrate clear community need and alignment with your MPO's long-range transportation plan.
- Show strong local support through letters of support and documented community engagement.
- Include detailed project timelines, budget justifications, and plans for project maintenance post-completion.
- Emphasize public health, safety, or equity benefits to strengthen your competitive position.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to coordinate with your regional MPO before applying. Many applicants miss local requirements and deadlines. Applications lack specific project costs and realistic timelines. Weak applications fail to connect projects to regional priorities or transportation plans.
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