Surface Transportation Program (STP)

The Surface Transportation Program (STP), administered by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), is a federally funded initiative aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure across northeastern Illinois. This program supports a diverse range of projects including roadways, bridges, public transit capital improvements, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The STP is structured into two main components: the Shared Fund, overseen by CMAP’s STP Project Selection Committee, and the Local Program, managed by individual Councils of Mayors and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) with CMAP oversight. The STP Shared Fund is designed to prioritize regionally significant transportation projects that individual municipalities or local councils may not be able to fund independently. Eligible projects are those that align with regional planning objectives and demonstrate substantial long-term impact. Categories include eliminating pedestrian and bicycle barriers, bridge rehabilitations, improving bus speed and reliability, addressing safety concerns in specific corridors, mitigating delays at highway-rail crossings, expanding or reconstructing roads, upgrading transit infrastructure, and enhancing truck routes. Funding through the Shared Fund is competitive, with an emphasis on multi-jurisdictional collaboration. Eligible applicants include government entities capable of levying taxes such as municipalities, counties, townships, park or forest preserve districts, and transit agencies. Private entities and nonprofits may only participate as partners and must demonstrate financial or in-kind contributions. Projects must exceed a local agency's capability and deliver broad benefits across the region. The Local Program allows individual subregional councils and the City of Chicago to develop and administer STP projects tailored to local needs. These programs follow methodologies that incorporate regional planning factors and adhere to CMAP’s active program management policies. The application window for the Local Program is open from October to December 2025. Prospective applicants should coordinate with their planning liaison within their respective Council of Mayors. Projects are evaluated based on how well they align with strategic regional goals, their feasibility, and their potential to deliver long-lasting transportation improvements. CMAP has approved a five-year Shared Fund plan allocating $160 million to 29 projects. In June 2025, eight additional projects were approved for funding in the 2026–2030 federal fiscal years. Contingency projects may also be considered if extra funds become available. Applicants are encouraged to review guidance and training materials available through the CMAP eTIP portal. For inquiries related to Chicago-based projects, applicants may contact Grant Davis at grant.davis@cityofchicago.org. CMAP continues to monitor and update funding allocations and program statuses through quarterly reports and regional accounting summaries to support transparency and informed reprogramming decisions.

Non-municipal applicants should obtain municipal support letters and demonstrate active project contribution.