Minnesota communities, schools and their partners are invited to apply for funding on local projects that enhance transportation goals, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

For the 2018-19 application cycle, MnDOT is conducting a joint solicitation for the Transportation Alternatives and Safe Routes to School State Infrastructure programs. Applicants submit a single letter of intent to be considered for both programs. A regional representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a funded project. Applicants will then submit a full grant application.

A total of $6.5 million is available in federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives program in Greater Minnesota — each region has a sub-allocation of funds. The Safe Routes to School State Infrastructure program provides $2 million in state bond funds statewide. Both of these programs offer a competitive grant for Greater Minnesota communities, schools and regional agencies to fund pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School and more.

Projects selected for the Transportation Alternatives program must be implemented in 2023; projects selected for the Safe Routes to School State Infrastructure program must be implemented in 2019, 2020 or 2021.

Grant solicitation timeline:

Oct. 31: Deadline for applicants to submit letters of intent.

Jan. 4: Deadline for applicants to submit full applications.

April 16: Grant recipients announced.

For grant details see the Transportation Alternatives website at www.mndot.gov/ta/.