Hawaiʻi DOT makes Transportation Alternatives funding available

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT), Highways Division has made funding available for projects that enhance intermodal transportation in the state. The available funds are provided through the federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) set-aside funding (FY 2023).

The funding will be awarded to projects that support connectivity to destinations for non-motorized transport users such as pedestrians, cyclists, children, seniors and transit dependent individuals.

In the previous funding cycle, Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit Agency was awarded funds for island-wide bus stop improvements that aimed to improve mobility for disadvantaged populations, including elderly, disabled, minority and low-income populations. The previous cycle also saw funds awarded to People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaiʻi for the expansion of existing Hawaiʻi Island Bikeshare in Kailua-Kona and Hilo.

Non-construction projects such as studies, as well as construction projects such as bike routes, sidewalks, bus stops, wayfinding, traffic control and more are eligible for the funds.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and state or local agencies responsible for managing roadways, public land, education, and mass transit. Eligible applicants that do not routinely use federal-aid highway funds must obtain the commitment of a sponsoring transportation agency (e.g., Department of Public Works, mass transit agency) to manage the project per federal regulations.

The TA program covers 80 percent of the project cost, and the applicant/sponsor is responsible for the remaining 20 percent. The federal share is paid on a reimbursable basis.

The deadline for applications is April 1, 2023, and more information is available at HDOT’s website.