Metropolitan & Statewide Planning and NonMetropolitan Transportation Planning - 5303, 5304, 5305

Provides funding and procedural requirements [23 CFR part 450] for multimodal transportation planning in metropolitan areas and states. Metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes adhere to a cooperative, continuous and comprehensive framework for the development of long-range plans and short-range programs reflecting transportation investment priorities. 

Eligible Recipients

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Federal planning funds are first apportioned to State DOTs. State DOTs then allocate planning funding to MPOs.

Eligible Activities

FTA’s Metropolitan Planning Program and State Planning and Research Program funds are available for transportation planning activities that:

• support the economic vitality of the states, metropolitan areas, and nonmetropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
• increase the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
• increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
• protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth, housing, and economic development patterns;
• enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system across and between modes for people and freight;
• promote efficient system management and operations;
• emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system; and
• improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system. 

Major new fixed guideway projects, or extensions to existing systems seeking funding through FTA’s discretionary Capital Investment Grants program typically receive these funds through a construction grant agreement that defines the scope of the project and specifies the total multi-year federal commitment to the project. 

Statutory References

• 49 USC §5303 – Metropolitan Planning
• 49 USC §5304 – Statewide Planning
• 49 USC §5305 – Planning Programs

Funding Availability

Funds are available for four years.

Allocation of Funding

Funds are apportioned to states by a formula that includes each state’s urbanized area population in proportion to the total urbanized area population for the nation, as well as other factors. States can receive no less than .5 percent of the amount apportioned. These funds, in turn, are sub-allocated by states to MPOs by a formula that considers each MPO’s urbanized area population, planning needs and a minimum distribution.

Match

Generally, the federal share is not to exceed 80% of the cost of the projects funded under the program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  amended 49 U.S.C. 5305(f) to allow a federal share of up to 100 percent for eligible planning activities that help communities with lower population densities or lower average incomes, compared to surrounding areas, expand access to public transportation. 

Public Transportation Innovation - 5312

Program Overview

Provides funding to develop innovative products and services assisting transit agencies in better meeting the needs of their customers. 

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients are determined for each competition, and may include: universities, public transportation systems, state DOTs, non-profit and for-profit entities, amongst others.

Funding Opportunities

Funds may be allocated on a discretionary basis. Grant opportunities are posted on http://www.grants.gov/ under the CFDA Number 20.514. Interested parties may subscribe on that website to receive notification of all FTA research opportunities by entering 20.514 where it requests the CFDA Number.

• Current Notices of Funding Availability 

Eligible Activities

Research, development, demonstration and deployment projects, and evaluation of technology of national significance to public transportation.

Research Grant Program Requirements

FTA Research, Technical Assistance and Training Program Requirements

Additional information

Research & Technology

Grant Authorization

49 U.S.C. 5312

Mobility on Demand (MOD) Sandbox Demonstration Program - 5312

Funds projects that promote innovative business models to deliver high quality, seamless and equitable mobility options for all travelers.

Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program - 5324

Helps states and public transportation systems pay for protecting, repairing, and/or replacing equipment and facilities that may suffer or have suffered serious damage as a result of an emergency, including natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. It provides authorization for Section 5307 and 5311 funds to be used for disaster relief in response to a declared disaster.

Human Resources & Training - 5314 (b)

Under this new program, FTA may make grants or enter into contracts for human resource and workforce development programs as they apply to public transportation activities. Such programs may include:

• Employment training;
• An outreach program to increase minority and female employment in public transportation activities;
• Research on public transportation personnel and training needs; and
• Training and assistance for minority business opportunities.

Flexible Funding Programs - Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program - 23 USC 149

CMAQ provides funding to areas in nonattainment or maintenance for ozone, carbon monoxide, and/or particulate matter. States that have no nonattainment or maintenance areas still receive a minimum apportionment of CMAQ funding for either air quality projects or other elements of flexible spending.  Funds may be used for any transit capital expenditures otherwise eligible for FTA funding as long as they have an air quality benefit.

Flexible Funding Programs - National Highway Performance Program - 23 USC 119

Provides support for the condition and performance of the National Highway System (NHS), for the construction of new facilities on the NHS, and to ensure that investments of Federal funds in highway construction are directed to support progress toward the achievement of performance targets established in a State’s asset management plan for the NHS.

Flexible Funding Programs - Surface Transportation Block Grant Program - 23 USC 133

Provides funding that may be used by states and localities for a wide range of projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance of surface transportation, including highway, transit, intercity bus, bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Mobility for All Pilot Program Grant Announcement of Project Selection and Implementation Guidance

FY20 Mobility for All Project Selections