The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced applications for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) are currently be accepted.  The deadline is November 10, 2016.  This federally funded program is administered by NJDOT in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO).

This program will provide funding for non-traditional transportation projects (land and water) developed at the local level to expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life and protect the environment.

Eligible projects must fall into the following seven categories:

  1. Design and construction of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation.
  2. Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized transportation users.
  3. Construction of scenic turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas .
  4. Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities both land and water such as building structures and canals.
  5. Community improvement activities, specifically streetscaping and corridor landscaping.
  6. Environmental mitigation to address stormwater management, control, and water pollution prevention or abatement related to highway construction or due to highway runoff.
  7. Reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or to restore and maintain connectivity among terrestrial or aquatic habitats.

Previously eligible activities and projects NOT included under TAP are:

  • Pedestrian and bicycle safety and education programs
  • Acquisition of scenic or historic easements and site
  • Establishment of transportation museums

It is recommended that projects have a requested funding amount between $150,000 and $1 million.  Applying for TAP grant funding doesn’t have to be difficult.  The following tips will help strengthen your application and increase the chances of receiving a grant:

Ensure your municipality is on board.
Support from the municipality is critical and necessary applications must include a Resolution of Support.  This assures that all parties affected by the proposed project are on board with the construction and the public has had a chance to provide any feedback.  It is also important that there is local commitment to maintenance of the project. Once construction projects are approved and completed, maintenance must be considered and assured.

Create a comprehensive program.
A good grant proposal: 1) outlines all aspects of infrastructure (access, street crossings, speed reduction, etc.) and proposes a project that addresses stated barriers, problems, and safety issues, 2) documents the infrastructure problems using speed studies, crash data, photos, or anything else that details the severity of the problem and demonstrates a true funding need, 3) promotes non-automotive forms of transportation and/or 4) identifies an urgent need for the project (resources could be lost if the project is not implemented). Furthermore, a project that is part of a larger transportation, land use or economic development plan also improves the quality of the application.

Earn extra points on your application.
Projects eligible for TAP funding that demonstrate benefits to the community, economy, tourism, quality of life and environment will be given extra consideration.  In addition, municipalities with Designated Centers, Transit Villages and Complete Streets policies will also earn extra points.  Indicating that your project is “construction-ready” is also critical as it shows a level of commitment and readiness.

The application deadline is November 10, 2016. 

For assistance with questions about applying for TAP grants, please contact your SRTS Regional Coordinator

Complete the application online using NJDOT’s SAGE system.

For more information about applying for TAP grants, please check our funding webpage

Review the TAP Grant Strategies and Tips to strengthen your grant application.