 Time for Change – highlighting changes to active transportation related funding and assistance
Get ready for some immediate changes to ODOT’s active transportation related funding and assistance. Changes to the Safe Routes to School program eligibility and project caps, timeline for School travel plans and active transportation planning assistance, and removal of local match requirements for certain Transportation Alternatives Program projects are intended to better meet the needs of communities in Ohio.
Changes include:
Planning assistance timeline: Applications for School Travel Plans will be due December 9, 2022. School Travel Plan assistance can also be requested during the annual SRTS application cycle (due March 3, 2023). This change gives communities more time to develop plans for the following year’s infrastructure application cycle. Additionally, ODOT is accepting applications for Active Transportation Planning Assistance, also due December 9th. View last round’s Newsletter and the recording of the ATP Development Assistance Overview webinar for all the details on this opportunity and reach out to caitlin.harley@dot.ohio.gov for additional questions.
Eligibility: SRTS projects can now serve students in K-12. In the past, a high school had to include 8th grade to be eligible; now a high school can be eligible as a stand-alone project or combined with other schools in the community.
Adjusted project caps: SRTS infrastructure projects are now capped at $500,000. Non-infrastructure projects are capped at $60,000 for all applicants, with recommended project limits based on the number of schools involved. Additionally, applicants may choose to apply for a two-year non-infrastructure project and request two-year’s worth of funding in a single application ($120,000 cap). This will provide communities with greater flexibility to propose programs and initiatives that meet their needs.
Local match waived: ODOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a key opportunity to fund Active Transportation projects, outside of metropolitan areas. “Bicycle and Pedestrian” and “Safe Routes for Non-Driver” projects will now be funded at 100% using Federal Safety funds as the 20% local match. Letters of Interest are due on October 31. Information can be found on the TAP website. Increased funding is available through FY26 so get your letter in today! Inside a metro area? Talk to your MPO about funding options.
Get ready to apply
Now is the time to start getting ready to apply for planning assistance or projects.
Remember, anytime you are considering an application for ODOT funding or assistance, contact your ODOT district coordinator: SRTS coordinators or Bike & Pedestrian coordinators.
 Announcements
- Have you taken advantage of ODOT’s Active Transportation Academy trainings in the past, or have thought about doing so? Take a quick survey to help us continue to improve our offerings.
- ODOT is hosting two Multimodal Design Guide 201 Training Courses. Register today! Session One Registration: December 6, 12-3PM & December 7, 9AM-12PM. Session Two Registration: January 25, 12PM-3PM & January 26, 9AM-12PM. It's highly encouraged that attendees first watch the MDG 101 Training
- ODOT is hosting a Safe Routes to School Application Overview on October 19 from 1-2PM. Register today to learn more about program updates, the application process, eligibility, and project scoring.
- Looking for SRTS inspiration and success stories? Check out the recording from the webinar on September 20, Stepping It Up: Implementing Your Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan Webinar (video, handouts)
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