Active Transportation Funding Programs

Bike and Pedestrian projects can be funded under several state and federal programs. Below are some of the most common programs statewide to construct bike and pedestrian facilities.

Transportation Alternative (TA) Set Aside Program

Transportation Alternative (TA) Set Aside Program was established through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to provide federal funding to improve non-motorized Transportation, including on and off-road bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

For more information, please visit the TA Set aside website.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)

The CMAQ program provides federal funding to states and localities for transportation projects and programs that help improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. This funding is intended for areas not meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), referred to as nonattainment areas, and for areas that previously did not meet the standards but now do, referred to as maintenance areas. Hampton Roads is designated as an attainment area for the current ozone standard and a maintenance area for the previous standard.

For guidance on project selection for CMAQ funding, check out our Guide to the HRTPO CMAQ/RSTP Project Selection Process.

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. The RAISE Grant program was previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants. Congress has dedicated nearly $9.9 billion for thirteen rounds of National Infrastructure Investments to fund projects with a significant local or regional impact.

For more information, visit the RAISE Grant website.