Transportation Alternatives (TA Set-Aside or TAP)
The Iowa DOT’s Transportation Alternatives (TA Set-Aside or TAP) program funds scientific and community-focused projects like trails, bike/pedestrian facilities, and environmental improvements across Iowa.
Funder: Iowa Department of Transportation
Due Dates: October 1, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: ~$5 million available statewide for this cycle; typical awards reimburse up to 80% of eligible project costs, no formal minimum/maximum per project.
Summary: Supports smaller-scale transportation and community enhancement projects in Iowa, including trails, bike/pedestrian facilities, and environmental improvements.
Key Information: 20% local match required; reimbursement basis only; projects must have statewide or multi-regional impact for Statewide program.
Description
The Iowa Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside or TAP) Program provides competitive grants for smaller-scale transportation projects that expand travel choices and improve community quality of life throughout Iowa. Funded activities include the construction and planning of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, historic preservation, vegetation management, and environmental mitigation (e.g., stormwater, habitat connectivity).
The program operates in two main tracks:
- Statewide TA Set-Aside: For projects with statewide or multi-regional impact, significant trail linkages, or safe routes to school. These applications are submitted directly to Iowa DOT.
- Regional TA Set-Aside: For projects with primarily local or regional impact, administered by Iowa’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Planning Affiliations (RPAs).
Projects must comply with federal-aid highway requirements and are subject to a competitive selection process.
