Call for Projects

Notice is hereby given that the Region 1 Planning Council (R1), the federally-designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Rockford Urban and Metropolitan Area, is seeking eligible projects for the local apportionment of Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) funds. 
The Call for Projects is from February 28, 2025, through March 28, 2025.  Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on Friday, March 28, 2025. The total funds available through this call for projects is $423,061.

Applications and questions can be submitted to:
Brandon Rucker, Associate Planner (Transit)
127 N Wyman St., Suite 100, Rockford, IL 61101
Email: brucker@r1planning.org  ׀ Office: 815-319-4180

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities the Section 5310 program aims to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options. This program supports transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are the co-designated recipients of the allocated funds to the Rockford urbanized area. The MPO, in coordination with RMTD, has created a process to help determine the best use of the Section 5310 funds received. Additional information on this program can be found on The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) website.

•    Section 5310 Project Application Form
•    Vehicle Cost Memo
•    Funding Guidance

Notice is hereby given that the Region 1 Planning Council (R1), the federally-designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Rockford Urban and Metropolitan Area, is seeking eligible projects for the programming of Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternative Program (TAP), and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funds.  

This Call for Projects is from October 15, 2024, through November 29, 2024.  Completed applications must be submitted no later than 4:30pm on Friday, November 29, 2024. At this time the MPO intends to review applications for FY 2025-2029 apportionments allocated to the Rockford Urbanized Area.*  

Annual Allocations
Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG): $4,538,700
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP): $622,690**
Carbon Reduction Program (CRP): $632,630

Application Materials can be found below:

• Policies & Procedures for the Distribution of Federal Transportation Funds (Guidelines)
  
  
• 2025 Project Solicitation Schedule
  
  
• Eligible Roadways
  
  
• Application Form

Questions may be submitted by email, telephone, or mailed to: Tim Verbeke, 127 N Wyman St., Suite 100, Rockford, IL 61101, Phone: 815-319-4185 | Email: tverbeke@r1planning.org

The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) provides flexible funding for a wide variety of projects, including highways and transit. Surface Transportation Block Grant funds are the most versatile and may be used for any project that is recommended in or consistent with the R1 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. 

Funds can be used on any federal-aid roadway classified above a local road or a rural minor collector and bridge projects on any public road.

Eligible projects can include highway projects and bridge improvements (construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, and operational), transportation system management, public transit capital improvement projects, commuter rail, carpool projects, bus terminals and facilities, bikeways, and pedestrian facilities.

The goal of the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) is to allocate resources to well-planned smaller scale, but critically important projects that provide and support connected alternate modes of transportation that are safe for all users, enhance the transportation system through preservation of visual and cultural resources, and improve the quality of life for members of the communities impacted.

Projects must enhance the transportation system be serving a transportation need or providing a transportation linkage, use, or benefit. Each project or activity must demonstrate a relationship to surface transportation. Project categories include: Pedestrian/bicycle facilities (on-road and off-road), sidewalks; Conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails; Streetscapes (stand-alone landscape projects are ineligible); Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities; Vegetation management in transportation rights-of-way; Archaeological activities relating to impacts from implementation of a transportation project; Storm water management, control and water pollution prevention or abatement related to highway construction or due to highway runoff; Reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or restore and maintain connectivity among terrestrial or aquatic habitats; and Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) establishes the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), which provides funding to projects and programs that reduce transportation emissions. Funding can be used for a wide range of projects that support this goal, including: Operational projects that improve traffic flow, such as the construction of roundabouts, left-turn lanes or other managed lanes; Intelligent Transportation Systems; Certain traffic control measures, such as traffic signal coordination, intersection improvements, and incident management; Construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities; Promotion of alternative travel modes, including ridesharing; Acquisition, installation, or operation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure or hydrogen, natural gas, or propane vehicle fueling infrastructure; Construction of a bus rapid transit corridor or dedicated bus lanes; and Purchase of new public transportation facilities and equipment. 

*The amounts for FY 2026 - 2029 are subject to change based on future annual allocations. 

**Available TAP funding for FY 2025-2026 is $3,266,383.