Time running out for communities to apply for bike and pedestrian funding
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Time is running out for many local communities across the state to partner with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) on future projects aimed at better access for bicycle users and pedestrians.
ODOT is currently accepting applications for its federally-funded Transportation Enhancement Program, which has invested nearly $182 million in pedestrian and bicycle projects across the state since the start of the program in 1992.
Transportation Enhancement funds can also be used to improve downtown streetscapes, preserve historic transportation sites, beautify scenic locations, and establish transportation museums.
With approximately $20 million in future funding available, ODOT's Transportation Enhancement Program targets the state's rural and suburban communities which are not currently served by a Metropolitan Planning Organizations - which have their own Transportation Enhancement efforts.
Communities that are interested in the ODOT funds have less than two weeks left to apply. Letters of interest for Transportation Enhancement funding are due to the department by February 1.
Competition is on the rise: in 2008, ODOT received $24 million in project requests and awarded $21 million in funding.
While the awards will be announced later this year, this round of funding won't be made available until the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, giving local communities enough time to finalize planning and identify the required 20 percent matching funds.
In addition to local communities, citizen advocacy groups or other private organizations can also sponsor projects by working with their local government officials.
Further information on applicant and project qualifications, standard operating procedures, corresponding policies and guidance is available on the ODOT Office of Local Projects web site at http://www.dot.state.oh.us/local.
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