Transportation Alternatives Program - Metropolitan Planning Organization +200,000 population selected

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), specifically the TAP-L, is a federally funded capital grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). This solicitation, identified as TASA-1, seeks to fund bicycle and pedestrian projects that support non-motorized transportation and contribute to the completion of the Northeastern Illinois Greenways and Trails Plan (RGTP). The program has a total funding pool of 44,300,000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from a floor of 1,000,000 dollars to a ceiling of 44,300,000 dollars. An expected five awards will be granted to projects that align with the RGTP, improve the bicycle environment, connect population and employment centers, and promote inclusive growth. Applications must be submitted by December 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM CST. Bicycle facility projects are generally required to be featured in an approved planning document and have commenced phase I engineering, though exemptions are available for hardship communities. Applicants must possess a valid Unique Entity ID (UEI) from sam.gov and adhere to extensive federal and state compliance standards, including the Prevailing Wage Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and various environmental regulations such as the Clean Air Act. Cost sharing is required for these awards. Evaluation and ranking are conducted by the CMAQ, CRP, and TAP Project Selection Committee based on strategic alignment and planning status.