Program Guidance for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT's) Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TA Set-Aside) is now available. The application cycle officially opened on May 30, 2023. At least $28 Million Statewide and approximately $16 Million Regionally will be available during the 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside.
A webinar was offered to potential applicants on May 24, 2023 at 10 AM,. The webinar was recorded, and is available below.
While watching in the webinar is not required, it is highly recommended that sponsors or their designated project consultants attend.
PennDOT has developed a website to provide general information and all the resources necessary for the TA Set-Aside Program, including Program Guidance, the funding application, contact information, and other resources. PennDOT’s TA Set-Aside Program funding site can be accessed via this link: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (penndot.gov).
The year the TA Set-Aside Application system will remain the same as 2021. Sponsors will be required to register in the new system prior to beginning their application. Detailed registration and application instructions are located in Appendix A and B of the guidance. Use the Regional Program Interest Form to let us know you are interested in the TA Set-Aside Program so we can learn about your project and help where needed.
Project sponsors must now submit a Pre-Application and meet with their PennDOT District and Planning Partner before completing and submitting a Final Application.
The Pre-Application, which must be submitted through the application system no later than July 17, 2023 EXTENDED: July 21, 2023 by 4:00 PM, will collect project sponsor information, project details, and the proposed project alignment/location, which will be used for screening of the project. Submission of this Pre-Application will initiate a workflow to the corresponding PennDOT District. Upon receiving and reviewing this Pre-Application, PennDOT District staff will schedule a meeting with the project sponsor and Planning Partner to discuss the project. Meetings must be scheduled at least one month before the applications are due. Final applications must be submitted no later than September 15th by 4:00 PM.
Examples of eligible TA Set-Aside projects include:
- Enhancing bicycle or pedestrian facilities
- Improve access to public transportation
- Create safe routes to schools
- Conversion of abandoned railway corridors to trails
- Overlooks and viewing areas
- Historic preservation and rehab of historic transportation facilities
- Vegetation management
- Wildlife mortality mitigation projects
Local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource or public land agencies, school districts, local education agencies, or schools, and tribal governments are eligible to apply for the competitive TA Set-Aside funds.
This year, PennDOT is particularly looking for Safe Route to School applications, both construction and non-infrastructure projects. See their newly revised SRTS website for helpful information about these projects.
If you have questions please reach out to Joe Banks, jbanks@dvrpc.org or Joe Natale, jnatale@dvrpc.org.
Additional Documentation
Additional Notes
Recreational Trails Program remains unchanged from SAFETEA-LU. The process is still administered through DCNR’s Community Recreation and Conservation Program, which is conducted annually.
There are several Transportation Enhancement activities that are no longer eligible under the Transportation Alternatives Program:
- Safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicycles for non-SRTS projects.
- Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites.
- Scenic or historic highway programs (including visitor and welcome centers).
- Historic preservation as an independent activity unrelated to historic transportation facilities.
- Operation of historic transportation facilities.
- Archaeological planning and research undertaken for proactive planning. This category now must be used only as mitigation for highway projects.
- Transportation museums.
Resources
- FHWA Transportation Alternatives Guidance
- FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Guidance Information
- PENNDOT DESIGN MANUALS AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
- Publication 13M (DM-2) [pdf]
- Publication 740 - Local Project Delivery Manual [pdf]
- Purchase AASHTO Bike Guide
- PA Trail Design and Development [pdf]
- The Circuit Trails