The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TASP) was authorized by the most recent Federal Transportation Act: Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FASTACT) that was signed into law on December 4, 2015. The TASP replaces the former Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which redefined the former Transportation Enhancements activities and consolidated these eligibilities with the Safe Route to School (SR2S) and Recreational Trails Programs. Borne out the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, Transportation Enhancement Program has evolved into the TASP through the enactment of TEA-21, SAFETEA-LU, MAP 21 and FASTACT over the past 25 years. The TASP builds on the legacy of the Transportation Enhancement and Alternatives Programs by expanding travel choices, strengthening the economy, improving air quality and protecting the environment.
The TASP, as authorized under Section 1109 of the FASTACT (23 U.S.C.133[h]), provides funding for programs and projects defined as "transportation alternatives", including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities; infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation, by that, enhancing mobility; community improvement activities; and vegetation, storm water and outdoor sign management; and bicycle and pedestrian education.
YORK AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (YAMPO) TASP PROCESS
Project sponsor candidates may apply for Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TASP) funds in odd years, such as 2017, 2019, et cetera. Funding is available through a competitive selection process. Eligible sponsors include public entities, such as local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, school districts, public land or natural resource agencies (NOTE: non-profit agencies are only eligible for the Program if they collaborate with public agencies). Project sponsors are responsible for pre-construction costs of the project; TASP funds are to be used cover the construction costs only.
The Program provides eleven "project/activity categories" for which projects can be considered eligible (for a list refer to last paragraph). The TASP now allows an applicant can apply for both local (YAMPO) and statewide funds through one project application.
For this funding round, the YAMPO TASP application cycle opens on July 10, 2017. PennDOT will hold a Webinar for the TASP on July 13, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. TASP applications are due by September 22, 2017. The YAMPO will receive the project applications for review by late September 2017. The applications will be evaluated scored and ranked in October and November 2017. The YAMPO Board will approve the evaluated/ranked project applications on or before January 5, 2018.
For further questions about the TASP, contact Jeph Rebert, Senior Transportation Planner at
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or (717)771-9870x1726.
To view the current PennDOT TASP Guidance and Procedures (2018) Manual, which includes a list of eligible projects, click here.
