Local Assistance Division
Transportation Alternatives Program Overview
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 $850M in FY21 to nearly $1.4B in FY22. The new bill 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 does not fund traditional roadway projects or maintenance. The program focuses on providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and community improvements. The Transportation Alternatives Program continues prior legislation of this kind by expanding travel choices, strengthening local economy, improving quality of life, and protecting the environment. Popular projects include bicycle and pedestrian trails, historic transportation structure preservation, and roadway pull-offs and overlooks.
Ready, Set, Go! Transportation Alternatives Readiness 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.
Click here to access the Ready, Set, Go! application.
2023-25 Ready, Set, Go! Timeline
- Applications open September 12
- Applications are due by November 17
- Project selections are announced in April 2024
- Consultant-VDOT team works with selected localities between May 2024 and February 2025
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
2023-24 Transportation Alternatives Application Timeline
- Pre-applications open May 15
- Pre-applications are due by June 30
- Pre-applications reopen on August 15
- Full applications are due by October 2
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Public Hearings on draft Six-Year Improvement Program are held in April-May 2024
- Commonwealth Transportation Board action on final Transportation Alternatives awards in June 2024
Click here for the pre-application training video and PowerPoint.
Transportation Alternatives Program Information
- District Contacts -Transportation Alternatives Program
- Transportation Alternatives program guide
- MPO and TMA listings
- Quarterly Status Report
Transportation Alternatives Application Forms
- Call for Transportation Alternative Application FY 25-26 Letter
- Transportation Alternatives Application Question
- Cost Estimate Workbook
- LAP Schedule Tool
- Third-Party Contribution Plan
- Resolution Template
Program Allocation
- Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 - Final TA Allocations
- Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 - Final TA Allocations
- Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020 - Final TA Allocations
- Fiscal Year 2018 - Final TA Allocations
VDOT State Trails Office
The VDOT State Trails Office (STO)'s purpose is to:
- Provide information on existing and future regional trail networks;
- Collaborate with stakeholders on opportunities to improve statewide trail connectivity and accessibility;
- Ensure equity and geographic diversity in the process of trail development and implementation.
As the planning process gets underway, the STO seeks to engage with stakeholders and with the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please take this short survey and consider providing your contact information so we may engage with you throughout the process.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) State Trails office is developing a statewide trail plan. As the planning process gets underway, the STO is engaging with stakeholders and the public.
We ask that you participate in this initial short survey and provide your contact information so that we may engage with you throughout the process.
Contact Us:
Brittany Voll
VDOT
Office: 804-786-8918
Email: Brittany.Voll@VDOT.virginia.gov
Torsha Bhattacharya
VDOT State Trails Office
Office: 804-786-4643
Email: torsha.bhattacharya@VDOT.
