Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is part of the Competitive Programs that East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) administers.  TAP projects, like all federally funded transportation projects, are included in the Transportation Improvement Program that EWG develops for the St. Louis region. TAP provides funding for a variety of transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safe routes to school projects, community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity. This program is authorized by the current transportation law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Eligible Activities

TAP projects must have a direct relationship to surface transportation and funding may be used for any phase of the project, including preliminary engineering/design, environmental, right-of-way, or construction. Under 23 U.S.C. 213(b) eligible activities under TAP consist of:

• • Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Project
    • Construction of on-road or off-road trail facility
    • Provide safe routes for non-drivers (includes SRTS infrastructure projects)
    • Conversion of abandoned railroad corridor for use as a trail for non-motorized transportation
  • Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Non-Infrastructure Project
    • Safety and educational programs for pedestrians and bicycles (only eligible for grades K-12)
  • Community Improvement Activity
    • Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas
    • Inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising
    • Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities
    • Vegetation management practices in transportation rights-of-way
    • Archeological activities related to implementation of a transportation project
  • Environmental Mitigation Activity
    • Storm water management, control, and water pollution prevention or abatement
    • Reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or habitat connectivity

Eligible Sponsors

TAP funds are available to eligible Illinois and Missouri sponsors in the jurisdictions in the St. Louis region.

Eligible applicants include:

• Local government
• Regional transportation authority
• Natural resource or public land agency
• School district, local education agency or school
• Nonprofit entity
• State at the request of an eligible entity listed above

Project Funds

TAP projects are funded with both federal and local funds at the following levels:

Both Illinois and Missouri Projects

• Up to 80% federal / 20% local funding for:
  • Preliminary engineering
  • Right of way acquisition
  • Construction
  • Construction engineering

2023 TAP Projects

Click here for a list of projects that received TAP funds in the last round.

2020 TAP Projects

Click here for a list of projects that received TAP funds in 2020.