Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) 

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), is a competitive grant initiative that channels federal funding into local infrastructure projects aimed at promoting alternative transportation modes. Originating under the federal MAP-21 legislation in 2012 and currently maintained through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the program seeks to diversify transportation options, enhance safety, protect the environment, and bolster the economy. TAP is closely aligned with Governor Jared Polis's 10-year transportation plan, which emphasizes sustainability, improved transit access, and infrastructure resilience. TAP supports a range of small-scale projects that advance non-motorized travel and address environmental concerns. Examples of eligible projects include the development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as trails, sidewalks, ADA enhancements, and safe crossings; environmental mitigation work such as stormwater management and habitat connectivity; improvements to community aesthetics through vegetation management or historic preservation; and initiatives under the Safe Routes to School program. Notably, projects aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users are also eligible. Eligibility to apply for TAP funding is broad. Qualified applicants include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, public land agencies at all government levels, tribal governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. These entities may also collaborate with state departments like CDOT or DOLA to execute project deliverables. Projects are selected through a competitive scoring process guided by evaluation criteria published ahead of each grant cycle. Applications for TAP funding are accepted every three years, contingent on the availability of funds. The next call for applications is expected to be announced in late Spring 2026, following the release of updated TAP guidelines during the winter of 2025–2026. The process typically does not involve a pre-application step such as a letter of intent, but all federal requirements and guidelines apply to selected projects. Projects funded in the most recent 2023 cycle span a wide geographical range across Colorado and support multimodal trail connections, street revitalizations, sidewalk improvements, and transit infrastructure enhancements. Grants under TAP generally require a cost-sharing arrangement, with the applicant responsible for funding 20% of the total project cost. Federal funds provided through CDOT account for the remaining 80%. More than $42 million in TAP funds were awarded to 37 communities during the 2023 cycle, with project awards ranging from several hundred thousand to several million dollars. For questions, applicants can contact CDOT via the program email at [email protected]. Additional information about the application process, including scoring criteria and prior recipients, can be found in the TAP Guidelines available on the CDOT website.

Emphasize multimodal connectivity, safety improvements, and alignment with environmental or community enhancement goals. Projects that integrate multiple objectives may score more competitively.