Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Forecasted
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) supports Wisconsin project sponsors in building and planning walking, bicycling, and school-route improvements that help people make everyday trips without a car.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Application) | December 2026 (Local Resolution of Support)
Funding Amounts: Reimbursement of up to 80% of approved costs; minimum 20% sponsor match
Summary: Funds smaller-scale Wisconsin projects that improve walking, bicycling, school routes, and other surface transportation alternatives.
Key Information: Sponsors must finance all project costs up front and commence work within four years of award.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) administers the Transportation Alternatives Program using the federal Transportation Alternatives set-aside. It supports smaller-scale surface transportation projects, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities, Safe Routes to School activities, planning studies, and improvements to historic transportation facilities. WisDOT emphasizes human-powered trips for daily needs rather than purely recreational use.
Projects outside Transportation Management Areas (TMAs) compete through WisDOT’s statewide process. Projects within TMAs are ranked and selected through their metropolitan planning organizations. WisDOT assesses eligibility before projects advance to competitive scoring.
