Funding Programs
SPC is committed to assisting our local governments and agencies in the preparation, planning, and
execution of their community’s priority projects and investments.
Programs
- Summer 2023 Transportation and Community Funding Programs
- Local Bridge Funding Guidebook
- Local Bridge Workshop Presentation (May 12, 2022)
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program provides funds for transportation projects and programs that will contribute to attainment or maintenance of the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM).
The CMAQ program supports two important goals of the federal Department of Transportation: improving air quality and relieving congestion. These goals were strengthened in provisions added to the CMAQ Program by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP‑21; Pub. L. 112-141) and continued in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act; Pub. L. 114-94). These provisions emphasize cost-effective emission reduction and congestion mitigation activities when using CMAQ funding.
The SPC region receives a yearly sub-allocation of approximately $18 million to award to eligible projects.
The application period for the next round of CMAQ funding will open up on August 23, 2021. Interested applicants can find the guidance and application information on this site on or after August 23 or by contacting Lillian Gabreski at lgabreski@spcregion.org for more information.
- 2021 Final CMAQ Program Guidance
- 2021 SPC CMAQ Program Information
- Application Checklist
- Candidate Project Description
- Project Budget and Schedule
- Project Delivery Checklist
- Commuter Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements
- Transportation Demand Management
- Traffic Flow Improvements
- Diesel Emissions Reductions and Alternative Fuel Technologies
- Transit Improvements and Programs
- Other Projects
- Additional Information
Local Transportation Project Delivery Workshop
SPC and PennDOT staff hosted a virtual workshop to assist local sponsors in the SPC region in understanding their roles, responsibilities, and requirements in delivering a transportation project. Presentation slides and a recording of the workshop are available under ‘resources ‘ below.
- Resources
Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program provides funding for programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities; infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility; environmental mitigation; recreational trail program projects; and, safe routes to school projects.
Though run concurrently, the SPC TA application and grant process is separate from the state PennDOT process. Projects may receive funding from both programs, but will need to fill out two separate applications. The SPC region receives a yearly sub-allocation of approximately $1.8 million to award to eligible projects.
The next round of TA funding will open up on June 28th, 2021. Interested applicants can find the guidance and application information on the site at the end of June, or contact Lillian Gabreski at lgabreski@spcregion.org for more information.
- 2021 SPC TA Set-Aside Program Information
Statewide TA Program Information
Information pertaining to the Statewide TA program is available on the PennDOT website. Guidance and application forms will be available on the website in mid-June.
Examples of Previously Funded TA Projects
In the last five years, SPC’s Transportation Alternatives Program has designated over $9 million in federal funding to projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The following are a selection of recent projects:
Homewood Pedestrian and Transit Connectivity Project
The Homewood Pedestrian and Transit Connectivity Project built upon community priorities and the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Homewood TOD Study of 2015, which examined possible infrastructure improvements to initiate Transit Oriented Development in the neighborhood. Through the project, the URA aimed to improve safety and accessibility by rehabilitating existing, and creating new, multi-modal connections and facilities near the E. Busway Homewood station, Faison elementary school, and regional employment and education centers. The project received $500,000 in SPC TA funding and $498,793 in PennDOT TA funding.
Wharton Street Bike and Pedestrian Path Project
The Wharton Street Bike and Pedestrian Path Project is a City of Pittsburgh initiative to better connect pedestrian and bicycle access in the South Side neighborhood. The project is an east-west bicycle and pedestrian route that includes the construction of a path/ramp under the Birmingham Bridge at Wharton Street. In order to light this path, Cobra head light fixtures were mounted to the steel beams of the bridge. The City was awarded $869,000 in SPC TA funds to complete this section of the project.
