The RPA currently receives an annual allocation of approximately $1,688,600 in federal transportation funding under the Surface Transportation Program (STP). These funds are distributed through an annual grant application process managed locally by the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission. Up to 80% of project costs are eligible for grant funding. The annual deadline for applications is January 8 each year. 

Eligible activities under the STP fund include work on new or existing roadways, transportation planning, and transit. Roadways must be classified under the Federal Functional Classification System higher than a “local” road classification. Transit projects are for capital purchases for public transit systems such as new buses.  Transportation planning activities include funds for operations of the RPA, and special transportation  planning studies.

In an effort to create fairness of distribution of the STP funds, the RPA devised a formula to divide the money annually based on factors such as population, and Farm to Market factors.  Below is an approximate breakdown of how funds are allocated annually:

The RPA has set up a formal application system, where applications are submitted first to the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission for initial review of eligibility.  Applications are then formally reviewed by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and scored on a point-system.  After review, the TAC makes recommendation of projects for funding consideration into the annual Transportation Improvement Program.  After receiving the TAC’s recommendations, the Policy Board then holds a public hearing, and makes the final decision on project programming. 

last updated September, 2006