Transportation Alternatives

Transportation Alternatives (TA) is a program that uses federal transportation funds, designated by Congress, for specific activities that enhance the inter-modal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options. TA encompasses a variety of smaller-scale non-motorized 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.

Approximately  $8 million is available through a competitive project selection process administered by the South Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Office of Project Development. Projects may be limited to $600,000 depending on annual funding allowance.  The minimum for infrastructure projects will be $50,000. There is no minimum for non-infrastructure projects. Minimum local match required is 18.05%.

A full description of the TA is available via download:
Coming Soon:

Transportation Alternatives Summary and Application Guide 

2027 Grant Applications -- Due October 1, 2026

2027 Grant Applications -- Due October 1, 2026

Application forms are now available for Transportation Alternatives (TA). The TA is a grant program that uses federal transportation funds, designated by Congress, for specific activities that enhance the intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options.

The submittal of the Letter of Intent form, downloadable below, is a mandatory requirement in order to be eligible to submit a full application for funding. The Letter of Intent form submittal deadline is July 15, 2026. This will be the only call for Letters of Intent for the 2027 Fiscal Year.

Letter of Intent

Following the receipt of the Letters of Intent, on-site meetings with project sponsors will be scheduled prior to August 15, 2026.

Application Information

In order to be eligible to submit a full application for funding, an applicant must have previously submitted a Letter of Intent form and completed a site visit or project call with the SDDOT. The Transportation Alternatives Application documents below are coming soon. Please note there are three components that need to be downloaded as part of the Application: the SDDOT TA 2026 Application document, the SDDOT TA 2026 Scope of Services document and SDDOT TA 2026 Scope of Work document. All three documents are required as part of the complete Application. Please see the Application documents and the Transportation Alternatives Summary and Application Guide for additional guidance.

2026 documents coming soon.

• SDDOT TA Summary and Application Guide

• SDDOT TA Application

• SDDOT TA Scope of Services

• SDDOT TA Scope of Work

The completed, three-part Grant Application with supporting documents must be electronically submitted to the SDDOT, as explained in the application, no later than 5 p.m. Central Time, October 1, 2026.