Transportation Funding
Transportation funding mechanisms provide an opportunity to demonstrate the important and sometimes overlooked roles of parks and trails in transportation networks, especially as links within active commuting chains.
Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP)
The ATIIP provides grants to states and localities to strategically invest in projects that connect active transportation networks and spines, such as safe bike paths and walking trails, while reducing carbon emissions and creating new jobs. The program will help connect people to destinations within or between communities, including schools, workplaces and other community areas. Active transportation spines can connect communities, metropolitan regions and states. The US Department of Transportation has not yet released information on the application timeline or directions on how to apply, but City Parks Alliance will continue to update this page as information is available.Match from other sources20% state or local matchPark Funding UsePlanning/CapitalEligibility for Accessing FundsLocal or regional governmental organization (including metropolitan planning organizations or regional planning organizations and councils), multicounty special district, state, multistate group of governments, and Tribal governmentsSafe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) will provide $5 billion between 2022-2026 to support local initiatives aimed at preventing serious injuries and fatalities that occur on our nation’s roadways. Project could include the implementation of improvements that expand multimodal networks with separated bicycle lanes and improved pedestrian crossing safety features, installing safety enhancements like sidewalks, and creating safe routes to school and public transit services through multiple activities that lead to people safely walking, biking, and rolling in underserved communities.The City of Atlanta received a SS4A grant in 2023 to improve pedestrian and bike access across the southside of town connecting the Southside BeltLine trail with communities in downtown Atlanta.
Learn MoreMatch from other sources20% state or local matchPark Funding UsePlanning/CapitalEligibility for Accessing FundsMetropolitan planning organizations; Counties, cities, towns, and transit agencies or other special districts that are subdivisions of a State; Federally recognized Tribal governments, Multi-jurisdictional groups comprised of the above entities.Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
RAISE grants (formerly known as BUILD and TIGER) are for investments in surface transportation infrastructure and are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. RAISE funding can support greenways, bike trails, and pedestrian paths, along with roads, bridges, transit, rail, and ports. The Department’s priority criteria in 2023 are: safety, environmental sustainability, mobility and community connectivity, and quality of life. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is now open.Great Rivers Greenway is a public agency in St. Louis with a mission to make the St. Louis region a more vibrant place to live, work and play by developing a regional network of greenways. Great Rivers Greenway, with its partners, oversees 130 miles of greenways that connect communities, offer transportation options for its residences, and provides economic development throughout the city. In November 2021, the Great Rivers Greenway received $15 Million in RAISE grants and $7 Million in Transportation Alternative grants ($12 Other Federal Transportation grants). Great Rivers Greenway worked closely with its Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Local Municipalities and Counties to secure these funds.
Learn MoreMatch from other sources20% state or local match but includes exceptions. Applicants should see the NOFO link below for detailsPark Funding UsePlanning/CapitalEligibility for Accessing FundsLOCAL/STATE/TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, TERRITORY OF THE U.S., PUBLIC AGENCYTransportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continued the Transportation Alternatives set-aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program. The Transportation Alternatives (TA) program is the nation’s largest dedicated source of funding for trail and active transportation projects. It provides federal funds for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments.The Atlanta BeltLine comprises 22 miles of unused railroad tracks circling the core of the city’s in-town neighborhoods. From trails and walkways to open green spaces and parks, the Atlanta BeltLine connects people to neighborhoods, offers transportation options, and promotes redevelopment throughout the city. The Atlanta BeltLine has received numerous federal transportation funds, including Transportation Alternative grants to support the design and construction of the BeltLine’s multi-use trail.
Learn MoreMatch from other sources20% state or local matchPark Funding UsePlanning/Capital/MaintenanceEligibility for Accessing FundsLOCAL/REGIONAL/TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, TRANSIT AGENCIES, NATURAL RESOURCE OR PUBLIC LAND AGENCIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES, NONPROFITSRecreational Trails Program (RTP)
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continued the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as a set-aside from the Transportation Alternatives program. The RTP provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The funds represent a portion of the motor fuel excise tax collected from nonhighway recreational fuel use by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-highway light trucks.Learn MoreMatch from other sources20% state or local matchPark Funding UseCapital/Land Acquisition/MaintenanceEligibility for Accessing FundsLOCAL/STATE GOVERNMENTS, NONPROFITS (ALLOWED IN SOME STATES)Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ)
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program provides funds to States for transportation projects designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, particularly in areas of the country that do not attain national air quality standards. The program has been a key mechanism for supporting investments that encourage alternatives to driving alone, improve traffic flow, and help urban areas meet air quality goals. Eligible projects include bicycle and pedestrian facilities.The Loop Dallas is building a 50-mile circuit trail by the same name that will encircle the core of the city. By connecting 39 miles of existing trails in Dallas with 11 miles of newly built trails, The Loop Dallas will increase access to public transportation and green space, ensuring residents can access these resources across the city to commute, for recreation, and wellness.
A catalyst for mobility and economic opportunity, The Loop Dallas will make the city more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly, creating a sense of community and making abundant green space part of its identity. By bringing connections to more neighborhoods and creating a stronger, more united Dallas, The Loop Dallas’ urban trail system can be considered the single most important investment Dallas can make for its residents for generations to come.
In 2019, The Loop Dallas, a 501 (c) 3 formally partnered with the City of Dallas to lead efforts to complete four missing links needed for the 50-mile circuit. One of the projects, the Hi Line Connector, received $8 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds to overcome the physical barrier created by I-35E. In securing these funds, The Loop Dallas worked closely with its Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) who administered the funds. The Loop Dallas used private philanthropic dollars to drive project management, design and other soft costs and navigate right of way challenges. In 2021, the CMAQ funding was supplemented with additional infrastructure funding from a tax increment financing district bringing the project hardcost total to $11.5 million. This signature project will unite the iconic placemaking of the Katy Trail with the burgeoning Design District in one of the most advanced active transportation projects in Texas.
Learn MoreMatch from other sources20% state and local match, typicallyPark Funding UsePlanning/CapitalEligibility for Accessing FundsSTATE DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS (ELIGIBLE PROJECT SPONSORS CAN PARTNER WITH PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND NONPROFITS)Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP)
According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Transportation, highway construction has displaced more than 475,000 households and more than a million people. Highways across the country have cut through neighborhoods, disrupted the pedestrian landscape, worsened air quality, and lowered property values. During this time, impacted communities have suffered lost homes, small businesses, and places to gather. The impacted neighborhoods were largely racial minority and/or low-income communities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $1 billion towards the new Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program designed to remove, retrofit, or mitigate eligible facilities, restoring community connectivity, and improving people’s lives. The RCP Program will also provide technical assistance and capacity building support through the Reconnecting Communities Institute.Learn MoreMatch from other sources20% state or local matchPark Funding UsePlanning/CapitalEligibility for Accessing FundsPLANNING GRANTS: STATE/LOCAL/TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS, AND NONPROFITS CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION GRANTS: OWNERS OF FACILITIES WHERE ALL REQUIRED PLANNING AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETEDCarbon Reduction Program (CRP)
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act established the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), which provides funds for projects designed to reduce transportation emissions, defined as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from on-road highway sources. Eligible projects include the construction, planning, and design of on-and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation. This recognizes the important role that trails and active transportation play in addressing and mitigating the climate impacts of the transportation sector, the largest carbon-emitting sector in the U.S. For more detailed information click here.Learn MorePark Funding UsePlanning/CapitalEligibility for Accessing FundsCITY/COUNTY GOVERNMENTSThriving Communities Program
The Department of Transportation created this program to provide technical assistance and capacity building. The program supports communities with planning and project development of transformative infrastructure projects that increase affordable transportation options, enhance economic opportunity, reduce environmental burdens, improve access and quality of life, and provide other benefits to disadvantaged communities.Learn MoreTransportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (TIFIA)
The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program provides Federal credit assistance in the form of long-term and low-interest direct loans, loan guarantees, and standby lines of credit to finance surface transportation projects.Learn More
Additional Resources
Transportation Resources for Urban Park Professionals
Searchable library including cross-sector MOUs, equity action plans, agreements for park maintenance and operations, green infrastructure development and maintenance, community benefits, arts and cultural programming, guides and technical tools.
Rails to Trails Conservancy
Access New Federal Funding for Trails and Use RTC’s Funding Tool
