The Transportation Alternatives Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), is part of the larger federal initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which was signed into law on November 15, 2021. This legislation represents the largest long-term investment in infrastructure in U.S. history, providing federal funding from Fiscal Year 2022 through 2026. The BIL emphasizes transportation safety, equity, and data-driven decisions, increasing the Transportation Alternatives Program funding from $850 million in FY21 to nearly $1.4 billion in FY22.

The Transportation Alternatives Program is a federal reimbursement initiative designed to support local sponsors in funding community-based projects that enhance non-motorized travel options and improve the transportation experience by focusing on cultural, historical, and environmental aspects of transportation infrastructure. The program prioritizes the development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and community improvements, explicitly excluding traditional roadway projects or maintenance. Its objectives include expanding travel choices, strengthening local economies, improving quality of life, and protecting the environment.

VDOT offers the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!) technical assistance program to aid localities in developing project ideas for future Transportation Alternatives applications. The program guidelines are regularly updated, with draft guidelines for 2025 currently under review. The application process for the FY27-28 cycle will require all projects to be included in the applicant’s Capital Improvement Program. The SMART Portal will open for pre-applications in Spring 2025, and a pre-application webinar presentation is scheduled for 2025.

Eligibility for the program extends to Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects, which were codified under the BIL as 23 U.S.C 208. Originally established under the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, the SRTS program was incorporated into the Transportation Alternatives Program in 2013. Although the BIL expanded SRTS eligibility to include grades K-12, it did not allocate dedicated funding for SRTS. Instead, SRTS infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects can apply for funding through Virginia’s competitive Transportation Alternatives Program.

Application requirements include the submission of a detailed project proposal, adherence to project management and cost estimating guidance, and the inclusion of a Third-Party Contribution Plan and Resolution Template. The program also mandates a Request to Administer for projects. Evaluation criteria focus on the project's alignment with program objectives, feasibility, and potential impact on the community.

For further information, VDOT provides district contacts and listings of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) and Transportation Management Areas (TMA). Important dates include the FY25/26 Post Award Webinar on August 27, 2024. Specific contact information for inquiries is not provided in the source text.