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Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

page updated 5/10/23

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federally-funded initiative to expand access to non-motorized transportation choices that are safe, reliable, and convenient. TAP supports the design and construction of bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use paths (including rail-trail corridors) by reimbursing local communities for up to 80% of the costs of these projects.

TAP was created under a federal law known as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). It consolidates several previous stand-alone programs—including Safe Routes to School, Recreational Trails, Transportation Enhancement, and Scenic and Cultural Byways—into a single flexible program.

Project selection process

TAP funds are awarded through a two-tiered competitive process:

  1. Regional review and prioritization. Applications from communities within the SNHPC region are first reviewed by SNHPC staff and then scored by a subcommittee of the Transportation Advisory Committee. The TAP applications and scoring are then reviewed and prioritized by the MPO Policy Committee and submitted to NHDOT for consideration.
  2. Statewide review and prioritization. All submitted TAP projects are reviewed and prioritized by NHDOT. Prioritization criteria include: Project Readiness and Support; Financial Readiness; Feasibility; Stress Analysis; Improve Safety Conditions; Network Connectivity; and RPC Rankings.

TAP projects in our region

The most recent solicitation for TAP projects took place in 2021, and two projects from the SNHPC region were awarded TAP funds.

  • The City of Manchester received an award of $1,000,000 for their "Canal Street Complete Streets" project, comprised of a 4,800 LF multiuse path between Granite and Brook Streets.
  • The Town of Derry received an award of $825,000 to complete the Derry Rail Trail with a 1,900 LF extension between Madden Road and the Londonderry town line.

SNHPC will post a notice and conduct outreach when the next TAP solicitation is announced. 

Canal Street Complete Streets Diagram
City of Manchester – Complete Streets Concept for Canal Street

Derry Rail Trail expansion diagram

Town of Derry – Rail Trail Expansion

 

Additional resources: