Surface Transportation Program - Suballocated (STP-S)

The Surface Transportation Program – Suballocated (STP-S) is administered by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) as part of its competitive transportation funding initiatives for the St. Louis metropolitan region. This program operates under the authority of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), allowing state and local governments to implement projects that enhance the condition and performance of the transportation system. STP-S funding supports a wide array of infrastructure projects, ranging from highway and bridge improvements to pedestrian and bicycle facilities and transit capital investments. All federally funded transportation projects through this program are incorporated into the regional Transportation Improvement Program developed by EWG. STP-S offers significant flexibility in funding various transportation needs. Eligible activities include roadway resurfacing or reconstruction, bridge replacement and rehabilitation, traffic flow enhancements, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, transit capital projects, and safety improvements such as railway-highway grade crossings. However, projects on roads functionally classified as local or rural minor collectors are not eligible unless minimal connecting road work is necessary for federally eligible bridge replacements. In contrast, bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible regardless of roadway classification. Eligible applicants span both Missouri and Illinois jurisdictions within the EWG region and include municipalities, counties, states, public transit agencies like Bi-State Development/Metro, Madison County Transit District, and Great Rivers Greenway. Not-for-profit organizations may also participate if they partner with an eligible sponsor. This inclusive structure ensures broad participation from regional stakeholders invested in transportation infrastructure. Funding shares differ slightly between the two states. In Missouri, STP-S supports up to 80% of project costs across preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and construction engineering. In Illinois, federal funds also cover 80% of construction and construction engineering costs, while sponsors must fully fund preliminary engineering and right-of-way acquisition. These cost-sharing provisions ensure local commitment while leveraging federal investment. The current application cycle opened on November 4, 2024, with a submission deadline of February 7, 2025. During this period, applicants can schedule virtual project review meetings with EWG staff on January 9, 10, 16, and 17, 2025. A subsequent funding cycle is also confirmed, with applications opening November 7, 2025, and due by February 6, 2026. Project sponsors are encouraged to consult the STP-S Project Development Workbook and Scoring Criteria Guide for detailed guidance on submission and evaluation procedures. Inquiries can be directed to the EWG staff via email at stps@ewgateway.org. This consistent, annual cycle allows applicants to plan long-term and aligns regional investment with transportation priorities across the St. Louis area.

Review the Project Development Workbook and Scoring Criteria Guide to ensure understanding of eligibility and evaluation metrics.