Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program

The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program administered by the South Carolina Department of Transportation is a federally funded reimbursement grant program supported by the Federal Highway Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program originated under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act and continues through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which extends funding through 2026. The program is designed to support non-motorized transportation infrastructure and planning projects that improve accessibility, safety, and connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-drivers across South Carolina. It replaces earlier Transportation Enhancement programs and aligns with federal and state transportation priorities. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that enhance safe, accessible, and integrated transportation networks, particularly for underserved and high-need populations. Eligible uses include planning, design, and construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, Safe Routes to Schools infrastructure, and other transportation-related improvements that promote non-motorized travel. The program emphasizes safety improvements, alignment with SCDOT’s Complete Streets Policy, and integration with existing transportation plans such as TIPs, STIPs, and LRTPs. Projects must be transportation-focused rather than recreational and must demonstrate clear community benefits, such as improved access to schools, employment, or essential services. Funding is structured as a reimbursement model, with the program covering up to 80 percent of eligible project costs while requiring a 20 percent non-federal match from applicants. However, SCDOT may provide full match assistance for projects in Tier III and Tier IV counties or municipalities with populations under 5,000, recognizing disparities in local funding capacity. The minimum grant request is 400,000 dollars, corresponding to a minimum total project cost of 500,000 dollars. There is no fixed maximum award, but requests cannot exceed the total allocation available within the applicable population category for the funding round. Matching funds must be cash contributions and cannot include in-kind support. Eligibility is limited to public and quasi-public entities, including local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and other governmental entities responsible for transportation oversight. Applicants may choose to administer projects themselves as Local Public Agencies or request SCDOT administration. The application process includes a mandatory Letter of Intent phase, followed by a full application for projects deemed eligible and feasible. Applicants must provide detailed project descriptions, cost estimates prepared by licensed engineers, documentation of matching funds, and evidence of community need and support. Applications are evaluated through a competitive scoring process that assesses safety impact, feasibility, planning alignment, prior project performance, public involvement, and benefits to high-need areas. Projects must achieve a minimum score threshold to be considered for funding. Awards are distributed in phases to reduce the risk of funding lapses, and projects must demonstrate progress within six months of award to maintain funding eligibility. The program also prioritizes projects that align with statewide planning goals and address documented safety concerns. The program operates on a recurring schedule with two funding rounds annually, typically in April and October. For the 2026 cycle, Letters of Intent are accepted from April 10 through May 8, followed by application submission and review phases extending into August, with awards announced thereafter. The period of performance allows up to four years for fund obligation and project completion. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate early with the program manager and may participate in workshops for guidance. For additional information, applicants can contact the program manager directly via phone or email.

Prioritize safety alignment demonstrate feasibility include strong cost estimates and ensure project is in planning documents