Tennessee Transportation Alternatives Program

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), provides funding to support a wide array of non-motorized transportation infrastructure improvements across the state. Originally known as the Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program, TAP has distributed nearly $409 million in grants to Tennessee communities since 1991. These funds aim to enhance the pedestrian and bicycle environment, upgrade accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and preserve historic transportation facilities. The overarching purpose is to improve access, safety, and quality of life through community-focused transportation projects. Under this state-administered competitive grant program, eligible applicants include all local governmental agencies within Tennessee, encompassing those located in Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) areas such as Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. TAP projects range in scale and scope—from the installation of bike lanes and sidewalks to the rehabilitation of historical train depots—ensuring that both small and large communities benefit from enhanced non-motorized mobility and aesthetic enhancements. The TAP application cycle is conducted annually. For the current round, the application window opens on August 1 and closes on the first Friday in October. All applications must be submitted through TDOT's eGrants system. Applicants are required to include a range of supporting materials such as a standardized budget (using the TAP budget template), detailed maps, site photographs, preliminary sketches, and letters of support. Special templates are available for projects involving historic preservation. Submission requirements are explicitly outlined and accessible via the eGrants system and associated resource links. Evaluation of proposals is managed by TDOT and aligned with program goals. While specific scoring criteria are not listed in the public-facing materials, the application structure implies a strong emphasis on project readiness, community impact, ADA compliance, and connectivity. Since the TAP is a federally-funded program administered by a state agency, applicants should anticipate federal guidelines and audit procedures in compliance and reporting. For assistance and submission, all inquiries can be directed to the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The central office is located at the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243. General contact information includes phone number (615) 741-2848 and the email [email protected]. Specific program contacts are not named, but applicants are advised to work through the Local Programs office or regional MPO/TPO contacts as appropriate. Given its long-standing annual cycle and the explicit language of recurring applications, the TAP program is reliably offered each year. Interested entities should monitor the TDOT TAP webpage and prepare their materials well ahead of the August 1 opening. With its track record of funding community-enhancing infrastructure, TAP continues to be a cornerstone of Tennessee’s commitment to accessible, multimodal transportation.