The State of Illinois is offering a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant opportunity aimed at supporting smaller-scale projects that enhance the transportation system in Rockford's Metropolitan Planning Area. The program, which follows guidelines set by the Illinois Department of Transportation, has a total funding of $3,266,383 available, with the expectation of awarding two grants. Applications are open from October 15 to November 29, 2024, and a mandatory technical assistance session will be held on October 22.

Eligible projects must relate to surface transportation and include activities such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, conversion of abandoned railroad corridors, streetscape improvements, stormwater management, wildlife mortality reduction, and historic preservation of transportation-related structures. Projects must be located on public property and cannot involve routine maintenance tasks like re-striping trails.

The program requires a 20% local cash match, as in-kind contributions are not permitted. Funding covers up to 80% of construction costs and 50% for right-of-way acquisition. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as system performance, safety, connectivity, economic linkages, environmental resilience, and project readiness, with a total possible score of 112 points. Final grant awards will be announced in February 2025.