The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) administers the Small Urban Program, which allocates federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds to urban areas with populations between 5,000 and 49,999. This initiative supports both road and transit capital projects within these small urban locales. To qualify, road projects must be situated on the federal-aid highway system and lie within the designated federal urban area boundaries. Additionally, all proposed projects should align with regional land use and development plans.

The program operates on a funding rotation schedule, with specific fiscal years designated for project submissions. For instance, MDOT has issued a call for projects for fiscal years 2024 through 2026, inviting eligible communities to submit their proposals within this timeframe. Detailed information regarding the application process, including necessary forms and instructions, is available through MDOT's official channels.

MDOT provides resources to assist applicants in understanding program requirements. These resources include the Small Urban Program information and instructions, a map of Michigan's Small Urban Program communities, and descriptions of eligible work types and associated codes. Applicants are encouraged to consult these materials to ensure their proposals meet program criteria.

For road projects, applicants should complete the Small Urban Road Application (Form 2606), while transit-related projects require the Small Urban Transit Application (Form 2638). It's essential for applicants to familiarize themselves with the eligible work type descriptions and codes to accurately complete these forms.

MDOT emphasizes the importance of consistency between proposed projects and regional development plans. This alignment ensures that funded projects contribute effectively to the broader transportation and land use objectives of the region.

For further assistance or to request accommodations for accessing program-related tables and maps, interested parties can contact Mark Kloha, the program manager, at 517-242-7212.