NECCOG approves multiple STIP TA entries, outlines TRIP eligibility and support

The Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments on Oct. 28 approved a grouped set of State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) entries tied to the statewide TA (Transportation Alternatives) program and reviewed the TRIP grant program for rural municipalities.

At the meeting, Maureen Nicholson moved to approve STIP items 1–28 described as Project #0170-5032 (Statewide TA program — federally eligible engineering activities); Kevin Cunningham seconded the motion, which the council approved as presented with all in favor. The council record lists multiple funding conversion and entry lines across FY2023 and FY2024 tied to that project number.

NECCOG staff reviewed TRIP (Transportation Rural Improvement Program) eligibility: grant funding is intended for construction, modernization, or major repair of rural infrastructure, with a stated regional cap of up to $15 million total over three years beginning in FY2023 and a $300,000 minimum project size. Staff clarified that stand-alone sidewalks may be considered depending on roadway classification, that multi-use trails are eligible while recreational-only trails are not, and that bridge projects qualify only if they meet the federal bridge definition in 23 CFR 650.305 (a 20-foot or greater existing span). The program is competitive and municipalities may submit one application per solicitation.

NECCOG named Regional Engineer Syl Pauley and Director of Regional Planning Jim Larkin as contacts available to assist towns with project development and questions about eligibility and application preparation.

The action consolidates many small STIP entries into an approved block and sets the region up to move forward with grant applications and local project development. Staff indicated towns should contact NECCOG early in project scoping to maximize competitiveness. No detailed dollar totals per individual municipality were provided in the meeting minutes.