The South Dakota Department of Transportation began accepting applications for $2.1 million worth of Transportation Alternatives or TA program grants on April 29; an annual effort that uses a set-aside of the Surface Transportation Block Grant to fund projects that enhance the intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options.

[Above photo by the South Dakota DOT.]

The department said in a statement its TA program encompasses a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as: pedestrian and bicycle facilities; recreational trails; safe-routes-to-school projects; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; and environmental mitigation related to storm water and habitat connectivity.

The deadline for “letters of intent” for TA grants is July 15 – with full applications due by October 1 – and an 18.05 percent local match is requirement for each project, the South Dakota DOT added.

The agency noted that its TA program – administered by its Office of Project Development – typically issues grants up to maximum of $400,000, although the agency said it may approve a larger amount for phased projects, with the minimum grant amount set at $50,000 for infrastructure projects. However, the South Dakota DOT stressed there is no set minimum grant amount for non‐infrastructure projects.