New York State is offering $97.4 million in funding for projects and programs that promote active transportation and support healthy lifestyles. The funding, provided through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), is designed to advance safe, reliable, and resilient transportation systems that connect communities and enhance quality of life.
Eligible projects include multi-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, safe routes to school, community improvement initiatives, and environmental mitigation efforts. Projects will be selected through a competitive process based on public benefit, cost-effectiveness, geographic balance, and alignment with New York’s Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act. Awards will range from $500,000 to $7 million, with NYSDOT providing up to 80% of eligible project costs; sponsors must provide a minimum 20% match.
Eligible applicants include:
- Local governments (counties, towns, cities, villages)
- Transit agencies
- State or local natural resource or public land agencies
- Tribal governments
- Local or regional transportation or recreational trail entities
Partners eligible to apply with the above entities include school districts, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation authorities, and certain non-governmental organizations.
Projects can include:
- Planning, design, and construction of pedestrian, bicycle, and non-motorized facilities
- Safe routes to school programs
- Conversion of abandoned railroad corridors into trails
- Community improvements and environmental mitigation
- Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas
Applications are being accepted through March 12, 2026. Program guidance, applications, and workshop schedules are available on the NYSDOT TAP website: https://www.dot.ny.gov/tap-cmaq.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the program’s benefits, saying it supports healthier, greener transportation options, connects communities, and boosts local economies. NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez noted that the funding allows communities to invest in safe, accessible, and affordable transportation options for residents.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
