MONTPELIER — The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has issued a grant solicitation for new Transportation Alternatives projects. In 2015, awards totaled over $2 million for design/construction projects and feasibility studies throughout the state.
The Transportation Alternatives (TA) program provides grant funding for smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, Safe Routes to School projects, community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity. Roughly 50 percent of the TA funding (approximately $1.1 million) is reserved for environmental mitigation projects relating to stormwater and highways.
“Transportation Alternatives projects include a multitude of eligible activities,” said VTrans municipal assistance bureau project manager Scott Robertson. “Bicycle and pedestrian improvements are critical in providing accessibility and connectivity for multiple modes of public transportation. The environmental mitigation component of TA applications also provides essential improvements related to stormwater runoff and pollution control and/or abatement.”
In 2015, funding was provided for design/construction and scoping projects for a range of applications including constructing handicap accessible walkways, building pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, constructing shared use paths and bike lanes, constructing salt/sand sheds for storage piles near rivers, highway runoff improvements (i.e., detention ponds, gravel wetlands and culvert replacements) and many other initiatives.
To view the VTrans Transportation Alternatives Program Guide and Application, visit: http://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/local-projects/transport-alt.
To request an application or for more information about the program or application process, contact Scott Robertson at802-828-5799or [email protected].
Applications are due in-hand or by email by1 p.m. onThursday, Oct. 20.