Community Transportation Infrastructure: How the CTP and TAP build local projects.

• Author: Lavrakas, Dimitra

From bridges, roads, and trails to storm water drainage, habitat connectivity, and scenic overlooks, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' (DOT&PF) Community Transportation Program (CTP) and Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) are all about getting from here to there. In September, DOT&PF opened the application period for the most recent funding cycle with up to $120 million to spend on CTP projects and up to $30 million for TAP projects,

"It's been years since we put out a call for projects under the CTP Program," said DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson in a press release. "These funds help our communities build transportation infrastructure that is sustainable, improves safety, addresses resiliency, and supports economic development."

Cash for Communities

CTP projects for this round of funding can address any of the following goals: improve existing surface transportation facilities; improve or make new transportation facilities that provide access to important resources or connect communities; improve rural ports and barge landings; connect different types of transportation modes, such as transit and trails or roads; enhance travel and tourism; add electric vehicle charging infrastructure; or reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

TAP projects may include on-road and off-road facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists; safe routes for non-drivers, formerly called Safe Routes to School; converting abandoned railroad corridors into trails for non-motorized transportation users; creating turnouts, scenic overlooks, and viewing areas; supporting historic preservation and rehabilitation; supporting environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; conducting vulnerable road user safety assessments; or installing streetlights.

During the application phase last September and October, communities could submit a Notice of Intent to Apply complete with project title, location, scope, a short justification, and a completed screening. Phase II from November through February is the Call for Projects, a period to determine eligibility and prepare a scope, schedule, and cost estimate. This is the time communities develop full applications for projects found eligible. This month and next, DOT&PF is preparing packets that score each project. The Statewide Project Evaluation Board meets next month and will announce in May which projects receive funding.

All projects require a 9.03 percent local funding...