Local Assistance Division

Transportation Alternatives Program Overview

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), was signed into law November 15, 2021. It is the largest long-term investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history and provides federal funding for Fiscal Year 2022 through 2026. This legislation continues and increases the Transportation Alternatives Program funding from $850M in FY21 to nearly $1.4B in FY22. The new bill emphases transportation safety, equity, and data-driven decisions. 

This federal reimbursement program is intended to help local sponsors fund community-based projects that expand non-motorized travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historical, and environmental aspects of the transportation infrastructure. The program does not fund traditional roadway projects or maintenance. The program focuses on providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and community improvements. The Transportation Alternatives Program continues prior legislation of this kind by expanding travel choices, strengthening local economy, improving quality of life, and protecting the environment. Popular projects include bicycle and pedestrian trails, historic transportation structure preservation, and roadway pull-offs and overlooks.

Ready, Set, Go! Transportation Alternatives Grant Program

VDOT is excited to provide a pilot grant program designed to assist Virginia's smaller population local partners in identifying, evaluating, and reporting achievable, affordable, and targeted non-motorized improvements. If selected for funding, a consultant-led team will assist <50,000 population communities to prepare for their potential FY25-26 Transportation Alternatives application (next round begins in Spring 2023). These project evaluations will provide the preliminary information needed to apply for federal Transportation Alternatives funding.

Coming in 2023

  • Pre-applications open May 15
  • Pre-applications are due by June 30
  • Pre-applications reopen on August 15
  • Full applications are due by October 2

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to discuss proposed project ideas and budgets with District VDOT staff prior to submitting a pre-application. Updated contact information can be found below. An updated TA Program Guide is anticipated to be released in conjunction with the pre-application window.

Click here for the pre-application training video and powerpoint. 

Recently LAD presented a Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternative Program Policy Initiative Webinar to collect feedback and answer questions. Click here to see the presentation and slides. 

Transportation Alternatives Program Information

Transportation Alternatives Application Forms

Program Allocation 

VDOT State Trails Office 

The VDOT State Trails Office (STO)'s purpose is to:

  • Provide information on existing and future regional trail networks;
  • Collaborate with stakeholders on opportunities to improve statewide trail connectivity and accessibility;
  • Ensure equity and geographic diversity in the process of trail development and implementation.

As the planning process gets underway, the STO seeks to engage with stakeholders and with the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please take this short survey and consider providing your contact information so we may engage with you throughout the process.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) State Trails office is developing a statewide trail plan. As the planning process gets underway, the STO is engaging with stakeholders and the public.

We ask that you participate in this initial short survey and provide your contact information so that we may engage with you throughout the process.

Engage With Us


Contact Us:

Brittany Voll 
VDOT 
Office: 804-786-8918 
Email: Brittany.Voll@VDOT.virginia.gov 

Torsha Bhattacharya
VDOT State Trails Office
Office: 804-786-4643
Email: torsha.bhattacharya@VDOT.Virginia.gov

Page last modified: May 15, 2023