Transportation Alternatives

Transportation Alternatives (TA) projects and activities encompass smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrians and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, safe routes to school and other transportation-related activities.

Since 1991, the Federal Transportation Acts have provided funding for transportation alternatives/enhancement activities, through a set-aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant STBG) program.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA/BIL) TA - (federal funding)

Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) act Transportation Alternative - STBG set-aside allocations (federal funding)

Distribution formula

In 2022, the federal transportation act allocations for the Transportation Alternatives (TA) were modified as follows:

  • Over 200,000 population – Distributed based on 2020 Census data as required.
  • Urbanized areas greater than 50,000 but no more than 200,000 – Distributed based on 2010 Census data as required.
  • Urban areas greater than 5,000 but no more than 49,999 – Distributed based on 2010 Census data as required.
  • Under 5,000 population – Distributed based on 2010 Census data for this population area.
  • Flexible:
     Prior to distribution, $2.4 million (even year) and $1.7 million (odd year) is provided to the statewide Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
     Distributed based on 2010 Census data for the total population of the area.

Reporting

IIJA/BIL FAST Act requires WSDOT to report to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on the status of Transportation Alternatives (TA) projects. FHWA then compiles all the states reports and submits the national report annually to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary, as well as making it available to the public. The reports are to be based on each federal fiscal year (FFY) and are due to FHWA in early December.

Annually, each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) and County that receives a TA allocation is to submit to WSDOT a report for that FFY’s TA allocation that includes (TBD). Items likely to be required are:

  • Number of project applications received that FFY;
  • Cost of the projects for which applications were received that FFY;
  • Number of projects selected for funding that fiscal year, including:
     Costs of the projects selected, and
     Location of the projects selected.
  • Types of projects to be carried out, based on the following seven categories:
     Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities
     Recreational (recreational trail projects only)
     Turnouts, Overlooks, Viewing Area
     Historic Preservation
     Environmental and Wildlife
     Safe Routes to School
     Other – Inventory, control or removal of outdoor advertising

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.