Transportation Alternatives Program

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), administers the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program to support projects that enhance the quality of life in Georgia communities. This program enables local governments and eligible entities to pursue non-traditional transportation-related initiatives that contribute to community improvement, such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, streetscape enhancements, and Safe Routes to School infrastructure. The TA Program funds projects that support regional or statewide non-motorized transportation networks and those that offer clear transportation connections. Projects must align with documented plans from GDOT, county, or regional authorities. Eligible project types include pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, streetscape improvements that enhance safety and aesthetics in traditional downtowns or historic areas, Safe Routes to School initiatives compliant with 23 U.S.C. 208, and other projects like recreational trails, railway corridor conversions, scenic turnouts, historic transportation facility preservation, and environmentally focused enhancements on transportation facilities. Authorized applicants for the TA Program include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resources or public lands agencies, school districts, local education agencies or schools, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations partnered with a government sponsor. All applicants must demonstrate their ability to meet federal design standards, provide matching funds, plan for long-term maintenance, and effectively manage project execution. GDOT strongly recommends applicants be certified under its Locally Administered Project (LAP) program. Applicants are expected to provide evidence of community involvement and support, address documented deficiencies, and show alignment with broader non-motorized transportation systems. Projects should be financially viable, include clear planning, and be staffed by agencies capable of managing federally funded transportation projects. The program is administered across various sub-allocation areas in Georgia, and potential applicants are encouraged to consult GDOT’s LAP Manual and resources available at www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/LAP.aspx. Interested parties can submit questions and comments about the TA Program via email to the Georgia Department of Transportation. Further details and resources are accessible on the GDOT website. For inquiries or additional information, applicants can contact the Georgia Department of Transportation’s main office located at One Georgia Center, 600 West Peachtree NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. The main phone number is (404) 631-1990. There is no specific timeline or deadline mentioned for this program on the referenced page, and it is not confirmed whether the program operates on a recurring basis or with a rolling deadline structure.

GDOT recommends applicants be certified through the Locally Administered Project (LAP) program; the LAP Manual provides guidance on federal funding compliance.