Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund (MMOF)

The Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund (MMOF) is a state-funded program administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Originally established by the Colorado State Legislature in 2018 through Senate Bill 2018-001 and expanded significantly by Senate Bill 2021-260, the MMOF program is designed to enhance multimodal transportation infrastructure across the state. The program uses both annual revenues and a one-time allocation of federal COVID Fiscal Recovery Funds to support statewide and local investments in integrated multimodal transportation systems. Of the total MMOF budget, 85 percent is dedicated to locally selected projects through the Local MMOF Program, while 15 percent is reserved for CDOT-directed regional investments. The overarching goal of the MMOF program is to promote a complete and integrated multimodal transportation network that benefits a wide range of communities and demographics in Colorado. Specifically, the program aims to support aging populations by improving mobility options, provide flexible transportation to rural and disproportionately impacted communities, increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities, improve safety routes for children, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that negatively impact human health and climate conditions. Projects must align with at least one of these goals to be eligible for funding. Eligible projects under the MMOF umbrella include a diverse array of transportation initiatives. These range from capital and operating costs for fixed-route and on-demand transit services, to transportation demand management programs, multimodal mobility enabled by emerging technologies, transportation planning studies, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, modeling tools, and greenhouse gas mitigation efforts that reduce vehicle miles traveled. Both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects are supported, though minimum funding thresholds are in place: $300,000 total project cost for infrastructure projects and a $25,000 grant minimum for non-infrastructure projects. Applications are managed through Colorado’s 15 Transportation Planning Regions (TPRs), each of which conducts its own project selection process. Funding is distributed to TPRs based on a formula set by the Colorado Transportation Commission that considers demographic and transportation-specific factors. Interested applicants are required to contact their respective TPRs and submit both draft and final applications, which will be reviewed by CDOT subject matter experts for eligibility, budget integrity, feasibility, and readiness. CDOT will provide feedback during both review phases, and applications must also be sent to mmof@state.co.us. Match funding is generally required at a 50% rate, meaning that applicants must supply at least half of the project budget from non-MMOF sources. However, a match reduction formula approved by the Transportation Commission allows certain counties and municipalities to qualify for a reduced match of 25% or 0%, depending on socioeconomic indicators. Non-governmental applicants, such as transit agencies and school districts, must adhere to the match rate applicable to the jurisdictions they serve. In-kind contributions are allowed but must be pre-approved by CDOT during the application phase. Applications must include required supporting documentation such as letters of support, scopes of work, and verification of matching funds. Award notifications will be formally issued by the TPRs and must also be sent to CDOT. Projects may span multiple fiscal years up to FY2028, and CDOT encourages awardees to request funds at least 18 months prior to expected spending to allow sufficient time for contracting and project planning. Reimbursement will be administered through standard CDOT contract mechanisms and funds must not be expended until a contract is fully executed and a Notice to Proceed has been issued.