FUNDING RESOURCES FOR REGIONAL PLANNERS
There are multiple options to fund improvements in the study area; for projects including roadway improvements such as new signals, medians and turn lanes. Additional improvements may include the incorporation of multimodal trails, park and ride facilities, and attractive signage and streetscape improvements. Given the budgetary constraints on the state and local municipalities, it is important to consider alternative funding sources for these projects.
In addition to federal, state and local grants and low interest loans, it is vital to investigate appropriate public-private partnerships and programs offered by non-profit foundations and organizations. Below is a summary of possible funding sources for the improvements. It will be important to research other opportunities as programs change frequently over time.
National Highway System Funds
(www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/guidance.htm)
The programs listed below may be used for traditional street improvements and enhancements, as well as for the establishment of trail, pedestrian and bicycle resources. Landscaping, beautification and the removal of outdoor advertising are all eligible activities under Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Transportation Enhancement Program. Funds for projects that increase bicycle and pedestrian access are somewhat difficult to locate since funds are limited and demand is increasing as communities realize the importance of multimodal transportation. At the time of printing, the US Congress has not concluded budget negotiations and so, state and federal transportation funding for many of the programs included below are uncertain.
Surface Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds may be used for either the construction of bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways, or non-construction projects.
Job Access and Reverse Commute Grants
National Scenic Byways Program
BikesBelong (www.bikesbelong.org)
Funding for bicycle and pedestrian access should also be pursued through private corporations and foundations. One of the most promising private sources is through BikesBelong (Bikes-Belong.org). This non-profit foundation awards grants for the construction of bike trails and parks.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
These grants are awarded to municipalities. Grants may be used for infrastructure improvement, community facilities, public services or planning. While streetscape construction would be part of the infrastructure improvement use, a park and ride facility could also be funded through these grants.
Developer Contributions
Contributions to infrastructure improvements are most often seen in the form of impact fees, but it is far more time efficient if a municipality can come to an agreement with a potential developer without having to utilize the legislative requirements of impact fee collection. Additionally, municipalities have reduced certain fees or rents for developers that agree to install improvements above and beyond the minimum requirements.
There are numerous private organizations dedicated to funding safe and attractive communities. Almost every major corporation has a related foundation and most professional groups engage in some sort of charitable giving. For example, the Home Depot Foundation (www.homedepotfoundation.org/) funds tree planting for communities, while the Norfolk Southern Foundation states that its mission is to fund projects that create “safe, attractive and desirable” community environments.
PowerBar funds trail and river projects each year through its D.I.R.T Grant program. Call 1-800-58-POWER
Active Living by Design is a private foundation that strives to make communities safe and convenient for people to be physically active. (www.activelivingbydesign.org/)
The Conservation Fund and Eastman Kodak provide matching funding for greenway and trail implementation. (www.conservationfund.org/)
In addition to federal, state and local grants and low interest loans, it is vital to investigate appropriate public-private partnerships and programs offered by non-profit foundations and organizations. Below is a summary of possible funding sources for the improvements. It will be important to research other opportunities as programs change frequently over time.
National Highway System Funds
(www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/guidance.htm)
The programs listed below may be used for traditional street improvements and enhancements, as well as for the establishment of trail, pedestrian and bicycle resources. Landscaping, beautification and the removal of outdoor advertising are all eligible activities under Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Transportation Enhancement Program. Funds for projects that increase bicycle and pedestrian access are somewhat difficult to locate since funds are limited and demand is increasing as communities realize the importance of multimodal transportation. At the time of printing, the US Congress has not concluded budget negotiations and so, state and federal transportation funding for many of the programs included below are uncertain.
Surface Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds may be used for either the construction of bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways, or non-construction projects.
Job Access and Reverse Commute Grants
National Scenic Byways Program
BikesBelong (www.bikesbelong.org)
Funding for bicycle and pedestrian access should also be pursued through private corporations and foundations. One of the most promising private sources is through BikesBelong (Bikes-Belong.org). This non-profit foundation awards grants for the construction of bike trails and parks.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
These grants are awarded to municipalities. Grants may be used for infrastructure improvement, community facilities, public services or planning. While streetscape construction would be part of the infrastructure improvement use, a park and ride facility could also be funded through these grants.
Developer Contributions
Contributions to infrastructure improvements are most often seen in the form of impact fees, but it is far more time efficient if a municipality can come to an agreement with a potential developer without having to utilize the legislative requirements of impact fee collection. Additionally, municipalities have reduced certain fees or rents for developers that agree to install improvements above and beyond the minimum requirements.
There are numerous private organizations dedicated to funding safe and attractive communities. Almost every major corporation has a related foundation and most professional groups engage in some sort of charitable giving. For example, the Home Depot Foundation (www.homedepotfoundation.org/) funds tree planting for communities, while the Norfolk Southern Foundation states that its mission is to fund projects that create “safe, attractive and desirable” community environments.
PowerBar funds trail and river projects each year through its D.I.R.T Grant program. Call 1-800-58-POWER
Active Living by Design is a private foundation that strives to make communities safe and convenient for people to be physically active. (www.activelivingbydesign.org/)
The Conservation Fund and Eastman Kodak provide matching funding for greenway and trail implementation. (www.conservationfund.org/)
