Transportation Funding Programs

In addition to promoting increased investment in the region's transportation network, MAPC coordinates several transportation funding programs that are administered through the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).  This list is updated annually.

The first three programs below are funded through the Boston Region MPO.  

If you are interested in applying for any of these funds please contact MAPC Transportation Manager Eric Bourassa at ebourassa@mapc.org or 617-451-2770, ext. 2043.

• Transportation Enhancement Program
• Clean Air Mobility Program
• Massachusetts State Trail and Greenway Programs
• Scenic Byways Program
• Safe Routes to School Program

Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP)

Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program administers federal funds for projects to preserve, restore, or enhance components of the multi-modal transportation system that have not traditionally been funded by the Federal Highway Administration. Applications are submitted by a municipality or public agency. Projects are reviewed quarterly by MAPC for readiness and eligibility, and then recommended to the State Enhancements Steering Committee for their review and approval.

Applications for the program are currently due on a rolling quarterly basis. The following are the due dates for applications to both MassDOT and MAPC.

• February 28, 2010
• May 30, 2010
• August 31, 2010

TEP materials

• Transportation Enhancement Program Guidelines (released 2003)
• Executive Office of Transportation TE Program
• National TE Program Clearinghouse

The Clean Air and Mobility Program (CLAMP)

The MPO has launched the Clean Air and Mobility Program in order to fund a wider variety of projects that improve air quality and mobility, and reduce congestion in the region using federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. This program expands on three previously existing programs: the Suburban Mobility, Transportation Demand Management (TDM), and Bike Rack Infrastructure Program. These activities will still be eligible for funds in the Clean Air and Mobility program; however, the program will broaden the scope of possible projects.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Support new transit services in areas un-served or underserved by the existing transit system
• Serve as a funding source for implementing small-scale roadway, intersection, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that are recommended in MPO evaluations and studies
• Develop a broader range of proposals from public entities in the region to expand the variety and scope of CMAQ investments
• Improve the effectiveness of CMAQ funds in reducing emissions and congestion in the region

There is $2 million in funds available in federal fiscal year 2010 for CMAQ-eligible projects and programs. The deadline for proposals for funding in the Clean Air and Mobility program is April 1, 2010. There will be four public seminars to provide opportunities to discuss the program with MPO staff. MPO staff will also provide technical assistance to applicants.

Regional transit authorities, municipalities, transportation management associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit transportation advocacy groups in the MPO region are invited to submit proposals. All projects must have an RTA, a municipality, or a transportation agency as a fiduciary agent. Joint proposals are accepted.

Applications will be evaluated and selected based on criteria such as vehicle emissions reductions, mobility, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, population served, or modal and geographic balance (compared to other projects to be funded). Eligible projects and programs fall into three categories; transit operations, Transportation Demand Management (TDM)/Transportation Systems Management (TSM) programs or projects, and infrastructure projects.

CLAMP materials

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Clean Air and Mobility Program
• 2010 Clean Air Mobility Program Schedule of Important Dates
• 2010 Clean Air Mobility Program Flyer

Listed below are some examples of eligible projects and programs, with links to their corresponding federal guidance.

Projects and programs must demonstrate air quality benefits and be eligible for federal aid. (Please view the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) website for more detailed federal CMAQ guidance.) Infrastructure improvements must be initiated according to the Massachusetts Highway Department Project Development and Design Guide. Another requirement is compliance, when applicable, with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All projects must meet the criteria of the Statewide CMAQ Committee and must either reduce vehicle emissions or, for activities promoting non-automobile modes, must not increase emissions in the region. Transit operations proposals must be for new service. They cannot be used to supplement or replace funding for existing service.

For more information on the Clean Air and Mobility program, please contact Eric Bourassa, Transportation Manager, MAPC, at ebourassa@mapc.org or 617-451-2270, ext. 2043; or Hayes Morrison, TIP Program Manager, MPO staff, at hayesm@bostonmpo.org or 617-973-7129.

Massachusetts State Trail and Greenway Programs

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) also oversees the Recreational Trails Program to provide funding support for a variety of trail construction and stewardship projects throughout Massachusetts.

Greenways are corridors of land and water that protect and link a wide variety of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. DCR provides Greenway grants of up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations, municipalities, and regional planning associations to support innovative greenway and trail projects throughout Massachusetts. DCR will also consider requests of up to $10,000 for multi-town greenway and trail projects.

Recreational Trails Program
Greenway Grants

Scenic Byways Program

National Scenic Byways is a program of the Federal Highway Administration that enables communities to seek funding to preserve and enhance the entire corridor of a road having unique qualities and regional significance. To be eligible, a road must first be designated as a State scenic byway. Then the sponsoring agency can apply for funds to protect historic, cultural, scenic, and environmental resources and maintain their unique character.

• National Scenic Byways Program
• Scenic Byways nomination guide
• Scenic Byways designation process
• Scenic Byways intrinsic qualities
• Designation readiness worksheet

Safe Routes to School Program

The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program (SRS) promotes healthy alternatives for children and parents in their travel to and from school. In 2000 a successful pilot program was developed by WalkBoston and funded by Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation. Now with an expanded program administered by MassRIDES, 20 schools will qualify for a free customized program to increase the health and mobility of school-age children. SRS is presently accepting applications.

Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program (SRS)
SRS Application