NYSDOT Transportation Alternatives (TAP)

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has announced the availability of up to $97.4 million in funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). This initiative is aimed at advancing projects that promote active transportation, such as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, multi-use paths, and related activities that align with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and NYSDOT’s Transportation Master Plan 2050. The overarching goals of this funding opportunity are to foster community-centered, safe, equitable, and resilient transportation systems across New York State. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public agencies such as local governments (counties, towns, cities, and villages), transit agencies, tribal governments, and natural resource or public land agencies like the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Parks. Additionally, local or regional governmental transportation or recreational trail entities may apply. Certain organizations—such as school districts, MPOs serving populations under 200,000, regional transportation authorities, and non-governmental organizations—may apply only in partnership with one of the primary eligible entities. Eligible projects span a broad scope of transportation-related improvements that support non-vehicular mobility. This includes the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users; Safe Routes to School programs; community improvement efforts like vegetation management and preservation of historic transportation facilities; environmental mitigation activities; and the transformation of abandoned railroad corridors into trails. All projects must relate to surface transportation and provide full, year-round public access unless otherwise justified. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive, data-driven process involving both NYSDOT and non-NYSDOT subject matter experts. The review criteria include project benefits, safety improvements, alignment with state transportation priorities, cost-effectiveness, and the applicant’s ability to deliver the project. Up to 100 points are available in the evaluation, with heavy weighting on readiness factors like schedule, budget, and right-of-way assurance. Sponsors may request additional funding for unanticipated cost increases, but this is not guaranteed. The funding covers up to 80% of total eligible project costs, with a required 20% local match from the sponsor. The award range is between $500,000 and $7 million per project. Project costs may include planning, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and inspection. All projects must begin construction within 24 months of executing a State Local Agreement, and any delays may result in withdrawal of the award. Sponsors must be registered in the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS) and attend a TAP Informational Workshop to qualify. The application process includes the submission of a mandatory pre-review package and a final application through the SFS portal. The final deadline for applications is March 12, 2026. Applicants who are not selected can request a debrief within 30 days of receiving notification. Questions may be submitted via email to TAP-CMAQ@dot.ny.gov, and a FAQ page will be maintained on the NYSDOT website. All required documentation and guidance materials are available online at www.dot.ny.gov/TAP-CMAQ.

Attend informational workshop; ensure timely ROW acquisition and SFS registration; construction must begin within 24 months or award may be rescinded.