Public Meeting Announcement:
When: Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1^st Floor Conference Room, Miller Building, 2825 3^rd Avenue North, Billings

This meeting will present information regarding the local MPO Transportation Alternatives Program Grant. There will be a short presentation at 4:00 pm followed by time for questions.
 
The Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is soliciting requests for grant proposals for the Billings MPO Transportation Alternatives Program. Application period opens January 6, 2023. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) is a set-aside program from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program. Eligible uses of the funds include projects and activities that were previously eligible under the Transportation Alternatives Program under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This includes a variety of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school project and other community improvement projects. See the Billings MPO TA Instructions for eligible projects.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allows for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to administer their own competitive application process with approval and oversight from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls all will be overseeing a local process for the TA funding that is specific to areas with a population of over 50,000. Entities within the MPO may also apply with MDT’s Call for Applications as well, as there is funding that is not tied to population. The timeline for both processes runs concurrently.

Projects submitted must meet Federal and State guideline for eligibility and must identify a local, Federal or State sponsoring agency. Private individuals and organizations may recommend a project if the project is sponsored by the government agency in which the project is located. Example of a sponsoring agency may include, but are not limited to, City, County, Tribal, etc.

Other Sources of Information:
Montana Department of Transportation – Transportation Alternatives Program
Federal Highway Administration – Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Billings MPO TA Instructions
Billings MPO TA Application
 
For more information or if you have questions, please contact:
Lora Mattox, AICP
Transportation Planner
2825 3rd Avenue North, 4th Floor
(406) 247-8622
mattoxl@billingsmt.gov