Transportation Alternatives Grant Program

The Transportation Alternatives Program is administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation through its Local Government Coordination office as part of a federally funded initiative designed to enhance surface transportation systems. The program supports community-based infrastructure and planning projects that expand travel options, improve safety, and enhance environmental, cultural, and historic aspects of transportation systems. Funding originates from federal highway legislation and is distributed at the state level through a competitive application process overseen by WYDOT and the Wyoming Transportation Commission. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that improve non-motorized transportation and related infrastructure. Eligible project types fall within ten federally defined categories, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safe routes for non-drivers, conversion of abandoned railways to trails, scenic overlooks, historic preservation of transportation facilities, vegetation and stormwater management, and wildlife mitigation efforts. All proposed projects must demonstrate a clear relationship to surface transportation and provide community benefit through improved access, safety, or connectivity. Funding is distributed annually, with approximately $4.6 million allocated statewide for Transportation Alternatives projects. Awards are provided on a reimbursement basis, with a federal share covering 90.49 percent of project costs and a required local match of 9.51 percent. Funds may be used for planning, design, and construction activities directly related to eligible project categories. However, applicants must ensure compliance with federal guidelines and demonstrate readiness to implement projects efficiently within the required timelines. Eligibility to apply is limited to public entities that complete a required Statement of Intent process prior to application submission. The Statement of Intent opens on March 1 and closes on April 15, and serves as a prerequisite for accessing the full application. Following submission of the Statement of Intent, WYDOT conducts mandatory site visits to assess project feasibility and alignment with program goals. Additionally, applicant agencies must have at least one employee who has completed Local Public Agency Certification prior to submission. The application period for the program opens on June 1 and closes on July 15 at 11:59 PM. Applications submitted in June are reviewed by WYDOT and returned for potential revisions, while those submitted in July are considered final and will not receive feedback prior to evaluation. Completed applications must be submitted electronically to both the Local Programs Coordinator and the appropriate WYDOT District Representative. The review process involves an Advisory Selection Committee composed of representatives from multiple state and federal organizations, which evaluates proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Wyoming Transportation Commission for final approval. Projects selected for funding are announced following commission approval, typically later in the calendar year. For example, as shown in the award notice for a prior cycle, multiple municipalities and counties received funding for pedestrian improvements, pathway construction, and infrastructure enhancements, with individual awards ranging from approximately fifty thousand dollars to over one million dollars. The program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities for eligible applicants to submit new projects in subsequent years.

Submit application in June to receive review and correction feedback before final deadline