Transportation Alternatives Program
Transportation Alternatives Program supports Vermont communities with pedestrian, bicycle, and environmental mitigation projects to improve non-driver access and address transportation-related impacts.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Transportation
Due Dates: December 4, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,200,000 federal funding per TAP award; typically $40,000–$70,000 total for scoping studies; minimum 20% local match
Summary: Funds transportation-linked pedestrian, bicycle, non-driver access, community improvement, and environmental mitigation projects in Vermont.
Key Information: Projects other than scoping studies must advance to construction or federal funds must be repaid.
Description
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), through its Municipal Assistance Section, administers the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). It supports smaller-scale projects with a strong surface transportation link, including walking and bicycling facilities, safe routes to school, and infrastructure helping non-drivers access public transportation and daily needs. Funding supports scoping studies or projects proceeding through design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
TAP also supports historic transportation preservation, transportation-related archaeology, vegetation management, and environmental mitigation addressing highway runoff or wildlife habitat connectivity. The Fall 2026 application combines TAP with the Municipal Highway and Stormwater Mitigation Program (MHSMP). VTrans determines whether awarded funding comes from TAP, MHSMP, or both. Bicycle and pedestrian projects receive additional scoring weight, as do eligible salt and sand sheds that prevent water contamination.
