(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – Local governments, tribes, transit agencies, non-profits and school districts will have a streamlined way to apply for funding smaller-scale transportation projects with a new draft guidebook. The draft is now Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities' (DOT&PF) new guidebook for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and is available for review and public comment. The guidebook, which focuses on simplifying the application process, is available here: dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/cip/stip/projects/TAP.shtml

Public review and comment is open until Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Comments may be emailed to TAP.dot@alaska.gov. The public may also attend a virtual public meeting: 

• Date: September 24, 2025 2:00 PM AKDT
• Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Webinar Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81482933621?pwd=WAgwBHYTCHRqROal7BGu2kTFi1bBXh.1
• Passcode: 439083
• Webinar ID: 814 8293 3621
• Phone: +1 253.215.8782
  

The new TAP Guidebook streamlines project selection criteria into four focus areas: fiscal considerations, economic need, community support, and the proposed scope of work. It provides a step-by-step process for how to apply for funds and how potential projects will be evaluated.

The TAP program provides federal funding to expand alternative methods of transportation such as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, conversion of abandoned railway corridors to walking/biking trails, Safe Routes to School – construction and non-construction, historic transportation facility preservation and rehabilitation, and scenic and environmental improvements. 

Project sponsors within the metropolitan planning areas of Anchorage and Fairbanks should contact their respective Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for information on participating in local TA (Transportation Alternatives) programs. These areas receive dedicated TA funding, which their MPOs independently allocate and administer through their own project selection processes. 

# # #

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”