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Application deadline nears for funding local activities

Local communities, schools and agencies may apply in the next few weeks for funds that benefit bicyclists, pedestrians, persons with disabilities and those concerned with environmental impacts of transportation-related activities.

Community Choices for Idaho announces that Notice of Intent Applications for fiscal year 2014 must be received by July 15 at 5 p.m. (MDT) from groups interested in local infrastructure projects. Projects may include bicycle paths, sidewalks, streetlights and safety-related projects needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Other projects eligible for consideration include converting abandoned railroad corridors to public trails, constructing vehicle turnouts and overlooks, managing outdoor advertising, preserving and restoring historic transportation facilities, transportation-related archaeology activities and environmental mitigation.

As much as 30 percent of total program funding may be applied to non-infrastructure efforts related to Safe Routes to Schools and planning-related projects that address active modes of transportation.

On June 19, the Idaho Transportation Board approved the Community Choices for Idaho program as a way to solicit locally identified projects for funding consideration and provide a process to identify and leverage federal funds.

The Notice of Intent Application is the first step of a two-part screening process to ensure a project meets eligibility requirements under ITD and federal guidelines, said Ted Vanegas, with ITD’s Division of Transportation Performance.

“Eligible applicants with eligible project types will be invited to submit a more detailed project application for final consideration,” he said.

For more information about the Community Choices for Idaho Program or to receive application forms, email itdpdteam@itd.idaho.gov or call (800)-527-7985.