Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program

The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program, administered through the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), offers flexible federal funding to support infrastructure projects aimed at preserving and improving the condition and performance of the transportation network. The STBG program is part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) surface transportation initiatives, allowing for a broad array of eligible uses that include not only highways but also bridges, tunnels, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects such as intercity bus terminals. The program is designed to enhance regional mobility and access, foster economic development, and promote safety and sustainability across all eligible modes of transportation. MAPA, the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, is responsible for selecting projects under the STBG program through a competitive selection process. Eligible entities must propose projects that align with the region’s transportation goals as identified in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Long Range Transportation Plan. Typical eligible activities under this program include planning, design, and construction of roadways, transit system improvements, and non-motorized transportation networks such as bike lanes and sidewalks. The goal is to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and increase the longevity and safety of regional transportation assets. To be considered for funding, applicants must refer to MAPA’s most recent Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and review the project selection policy guide. This document provides the criteria used to evaluate applications, including cost-effectiveness, regional significance, environmental benefits, and readiness for implementation. Projects are scored competitively, and MAPA then uses the results to inform funding decisions. While specific scoring rubrics and application materials are not detailed in the public-facing overview, they are available through the TIP and its amendment documents posted on MAPA’s website. The FY2026 Transportation Improvement Program Call for Projects for STBG funding is now closed, with award notifications scheduled for release before the end of July 2025. The most recent TIP document was published on October 28, 2024. It outlines six years of federally funded projects within the MPO boundary, including those funded through the STBG program. Though this round is no longer accepting applications, MAPA has indicated the program is recurring, and applicants should monitor the TIP page for announcements about the next cycle. All inquiries regarding the STBG program or TIP submissions can be directed to MAPA's transportation department. Email communication should be sent to transportation@mapacog.org, and phone inquiries may be directed to 402-444-6866. The MAPA office is located at 2222 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68102. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with MAPA during public comment periods and committee meetings, which are listed on the agency’s events calendar. Because STBG is federally sourced and locally administered, funding levels and requirements are subject to federal transportation authorization laws and guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Future cycles are likely to open around October each year, in alignment with the federal fiscal year. Interested applicants should begin preparing early and consult the TIP for eligibility and application expectations.