Funder: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application) | December 2027 (Local Resolution of Support)
Funding Amounts: Up to 80% reimbursement of approved costs; minimum project costs of $20,000–$300,000 by location and type
Summary: TAP supports Wisconsin surface transportation planning, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transportation enhancements, and Safe Routes to School projects.
Key Information: Sponsors must finance all costs upfront, provide a cash match, and commence projects within four years of award.
Description
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is Wisconsin’s implementation of the federal Transportation Alternatives set-aside, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). It funds smaller-scale surface transportation projects, including infrastructure, non-infrastructure activities, and planning studies. The program emphasizes human-powered, daily transportation—such as travel to school or work—rather than purely recreational activities.
Supported work includes bicycle and pedestrian facilities, safer routes for non-drivers, abandoned railroad corridor conversions, transportation-related historic preservation, environmental mitigation, and Safe Routes to School activities for grades K–12. Safe Transportation Alternatives for Rural Schools (STARS) supports school travel programming, planning, and small infrastructure improvements in rural communities. WisDOT administers statewide selection outside Transportation Management Areas (TMAs), while TMAs select projects within their jurisdictions.
