The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is now accepting applications for three of their grant programs. The application deadline for all three programs is December 17, 2010.
Director’s Task Force Transportation Enhancement (TE)
Current federal legislation supporting this program was enacted in September 2009, and Congress is developing the legislation that will become the next highway bill. In the interim, the NDDOT will continue to plan for projects. TE projects are divided into three categories: (1) bikeway and pedestrian facilities, (2) environmental and scenic, and (3) historic. Projects must be transportation-related activities that will strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the transportation system. Applications will be considered for the federal fiscal year 2012.
Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
As with the aforementioned program, this program is awaiting funding through the next highway bill. If funded, the NDDOT expects to receive approximately $1 million in federal funding for the Safe Routes to School program. Minimum funding is set at $80,000 with maximum funding set at $200,000. These funds can be used to assist with building safer street crossings, constructing bike paths, improving signs, and establishing programs that encourage children and their parent(s) to walk and bicycle safely to school. Applications will be considered for the federal fiscal year 2012.
Special Road Funds (SRF)
The intent of this program is to help finance highway projects which typically have some funding, but that need additional support. Potential projects must provide access to and/or be located within recreational, tourist, and historical areas within the boundaries of the state of North Dakota. The NDDOT is soliciting projects that can be built in late 2011 or 2012.