FY 2025-26 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant

The "FY 2025-26 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Application" outlines various grant opportunities provided by Caltrans to support transportation planning projects in California. Here is a summary of key elements across different grant categories: Grant Overview and Funding Sources: The program aims to support the development of multimodal transportation and land use projects that align with California's sustainability and climate goals. This includes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing community resilience to climate change. Grants are funded through various state and federal sources, including the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) and State Highway Account (SHA) funds under Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). Grant Categories and Purpose: Sustainable Communities Grants: Focus on local and regional transportation and land use planning to support Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) strategies, contributing to state GHG reduction targets and promoting social equity. Climate Adaptation Planning Grants: Support the identification of climate vulnerabilities in transportation infrastructure and the development of climate adaptation strategies. Strategic Partnerships Grants: Address needs on the State Highway System and related multimodal systems through planning studies and collaboration with Caltrans. Applicant Eligibility: Eligible applicants include public agencies, Native American Tribal Governments, regional transportation planning agencies (RTPAs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), transit agencies, cities, counties, and other public entities. For some grants, a local match requirement is specified, but exceptions exist for Native American Tribal Governments. Funding Allocation and Priorities: The program emphasizes benefiting under-resourced communities, including rural and tribal areas. Specific grant categories aim for at least 50% of funding to benefit these communities. There are grant minimums and maximums, varying by grant type. For example, Sustainable Communities grants have a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum of $700,000. Application Requirements and Evaluation: Applicants must submit a detailed application, including a project description, objectives, a scope of work, and a budget. The application should demonstrate alignment with Caltrans’ objectives, including safety, sustainability, innovation, and equity. The review process involves two tiers: district-level and interagency reviews, considering past grant performance and project alignment with state goals. Grant Management and Reporting: Awarded grants are subject to quarterly reporting, and final products must be ADA-compliant. There are detailed requirements for local match, invoicing, and compliance with accounting standards. Climate Adaptation Planning grants include additional requirements for case studies to be shared in the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP) Clearinghouse. The guide aims to support transportation projects that advance sustainability, climate resilience, and equity across California's diverse communities.