The Rural Task Force (RTF) Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), facilitates the development and funding of transportation projects in rural counties across Michigan. Established under the Transportation Economic Development Fund Act of 1987, the program provides a platform for coordination between local government entities to support regional economic development and mobility. Funding is made available through both federal and state sources to promote the development of all-season road networks and public transit infrastructure in eligible areas.
This program is targeted exclusively at Michigan counties with populations under 400,000, accounting for 78 out of the state’s 83 counties. Each rural task force includes representatives from county road commissions, cities and villages with populations under 5,000, and rural transit agencies. These groups work together in a structured, cooperative planning process to select and prioritize eligible road and transit projects that align with regional needs and available funding allocations.
RTFs administer two funding streams: the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) and the Transportation Economic Development Fund Category D (TEDF D). STBG funding supports federally eligible road and transit capital projects with a standard 80% federal to 20% local cost share, though a sliding scale may allow for a higher federal share. TEDF D funding, on the other hand, is designed for infrastructure improvements essential to establishing an all-season road system and requires a 20% non-state match.
Application cycles for these funds follow the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) fiscal cycle, which begins each October 1. Project proposals must be submitted to MDOT’s Local Agency Programs or Office of Passenger Transportation as a Complete Biddable Package by set annual deadlines. Transit project funding requests must be submitted by the third Wednesday in May, while road projects must be ready by August 1 to be guaranteed obligation during the current fiscal year.
Each RTF holds local county meetings followed by regional task force meetings to evaluate and approve project submissions. Projects are assessed based on regional priorities, multimodal needs, and the availability of funding. The process prioritizes fairness, transparency, and consensus-based decision-making.
Applicants must be local government entities such as county road commissions, municipalities under 5,000 in population, or public rural transit providers. Projects must meet federal and state eligibility criteria, and funding is contingent on proper documentation and timely submission. Interested applicants should consult with their local Regional Planning Agency and the MDOT RTF Program Manager for guidance. Contact information is available at Michigan.gov/MDOT-ADA.
