Transportation Alternatives program: statutory split steers half to environmental mitigation

The House Committee on Transportation heard that the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program for FY27 carries a proposed allocation of about $4.514 million. Joel Parago of AOT told members TA supports 51 ongoing projects in 34 communities, with 22 expected to be under construction in FY27.

Statutory requirements: Parago emphasized that state law requires taking the first 50% of the TA allocation for environmental mitigation projects (for example, stormwater treatment work and salt‑storage sheds) and the remainder is available for other eligible TA uses, with a preference for pedestrian and bicycle projects within that pool. Grants are capped by statute at $600,000 per award, and the TA solicitation is run jointly with the municipal mitigation funding program.

Allocation and common uses: Parago said many environmental mitigation awards have funded salt sheds, rain gardens and similar projects intended to improve water quality and meet the Municipal Roads General Permit requirements. The TA annual allocation is roughly $4.3 million, and the agency typically evaluates applications early in the calendar year and announces awards in the first quarter.

What members asked: Representatives sought clarification on where legacy Safe Routes to School funds fit and whether TA still supports Safe Routes projects. Parago answered that legacy Safe Routes money is now grouped in the Bike & Ped program but remains eligible under the TA umbrella.

Next steps: AOT said TA and municipal‑mitigation awards were under evaluation at the time of the presentation and that award lists are available on the agency website.