The West Virginia Division of Highways announces the opening of its online grant application system for 2016 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) potential projects. Both are federal grant programs administered by the WVDOH and reimbursable, commonly at an 80 percent federal, 20 percent non-federal match.
The TAP is for non-traditional transportation projects (on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and users of other non-motorized forms of transportation) including sidewalk construction, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting, and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trails. A full list of eligible projects may be found at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/guidance/guideta.cfm.
The RTP is a set-aside of the TAP to provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized trails for projects that include pedestrian, bicycle, in-line skating, equestrian, and cross country skiing. A full list of eligible projects can be found at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/guidance/Rt9908_toc.cfm.
The application process has two phases: an Intent-to-Apply (ITA) phase and an Application Phase. The ITA phase will be open until Jan. 15, 2016, and the Application phase through Mar. 15.
Additionally, this year, there are a few notable changes. In the past, the majority of ITAs requested funding for a combined Design and Construction phase award. This year, applicants may apply for each phase separately.
Also this year, potential projects located within Economically Distressed Areas or At-Risk Areas as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission, are eligible for 100 percent federal funding. A map of both areas may be found at http://arcgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c2f1b23bdd8943c4988b313e2fdb3aa4.
Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the WVDOH Planning Division at 304-558-3113.
