The RPA receives an annual allocation of federal transportation funding through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG).  These funds are distributed within the RPA through a grant program managed by the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission.  The deadline for applications is the beginning of April each year.

 

Eligible activities for STBG funding include: work on new or existing roadways, bridges, public transit capital investments, and transportation planning.  Roadways must have a federal functional classification of “major collector” or higher to be eligible.  Bridges must be on a roadway with an appropriate federal functional classification.  All projects must be at least $20,000 in size.  Through the STBG program, up to 80% of the project’s costs are eligible for reimbursement.

 

The RPA has an application system where projects are submitted to the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission for review of eligibility.  Eligible projects are then reviewed by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which makes a recommendation to the Policy Board on whether to fund a project and the funding level.  Projects approved by the Policy Board are included in the region’s Transportation Improvement Program, which becomes part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

 

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission prior to submitting an application to ensure it meets federal functional classification requirements and discuss the level of funding available.