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Kern COG highlights two statewide Cycle 8 funding opportunities — $950M TRCP, $619M ATP; local agencies urged to apply
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Summary
Kern COG staff briefed members on two Cycle 8 statewide funding competitions: CalSTA’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), estimated at $950,000,000, and the Active Transportation Program (ATP), estimated at $619,000,000 with applications due June 22, 2026. Staff urged creative applications and interagency coordination.
A staff presenter told the Kern Council of Governments committee on March 19 that CalSTA has released the 2026 Cycle 8 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) with an updated funding estimate of "$950,000,000" and that the program prioritizes greenhouse-gas reductions, ridership increases, statewide rail integration and transit safety improvements. The presenter described TIRCP as competitive and distinct from formula TIRCP funds provided directly to operators.
The same meeting included an update on the California Transportation Commission’s Cycle 8 Active Transportation Program (ATP). A staff report said the ATP fund estimate for the four-year programming period is approximately $619,000,000 and that project applications are due June 22, 2026. The presenter noted the regional MPO target and explained the local MPO project selection process will conclude before the CTC adopts MPO projects next June.
Executive Director (speaking to the committee) urged member agencies to review the program guidelines and to explore creative project approaches. "It's a sizable pot of money statewide," the director said, adding that Kern County has been successful in past ATP cycles and that many worthwhile local proposals could be competitive this round. Staff emphasized that successful ATP applications often carry no local match requirement.
Committee members asked whether the programs could fund transit-access improvements such as sidewalks or bike lanes leading to stops. A staff presenter replied such projects may be eligible if they can demonstrate greenhouse-gas reductions and increased transit ridership or qualify under the program’s safety-improvement criteria.
What happens next: staff recommended local agencies coordinate with Kern COG staff to review guidelines, consider attending the program workshops announced in the guidelines, and prepare applications before the ATP deadline on June 22, 2026. The TIRCP schedule will be governed by CalSTA’s award announcement and any changes tied to auction proceeds and cash-flow adjustments.
