Transportation Alternatives Program

Street view of US-12 /Michigan Ave. in Saline

Transportation Alternatives Program

About the program

The Michigan Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a competitive federal grant program established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. TAP supports projects that enhance Michigan’s transportation system through safe, non‑motorized and community‑focused infrastructure investments.

Approximately $43 million is available annually:

$29 million administered statewide by MDOT (Statewide TAP)
$14 million administered by Metropolitan Planning Organizations in large urban areas

Questions? Contact Michael Smith, TAP Manager, at 517-241-1456 or the Office of Economic Development at 517-241-1456.

Project types and requirements

Application cycles occur three times per year for statewide TAP.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with an MDOT TAP grant coordinator early in the planning process and before beginning an application.

Eligible applicants

Public Act 51 agencies: county road commissions, cities, villages, regional transportation authorities and transit agencies

Non-Act 51 agencies: townships and counties, state departments, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools and tribal governments (these organizations generally need to partner with an Act 51 agency to apply)

Competitive project types
- Pedestrian‑safety‑focused streetscapes
- Safe Routes to School initiatives
- Pedestrian and bicyclist improvements for transit systems
- Regional trail development
- Local-regional trail connections
- Historic transportation facility preservation
What's most competitive?
- Ideas that originate from local residents and businesses
- Robust community engagement
- High likelihood of being constructed on schedule
Project requirements
- A minimum 20% local cash match
- Compliance with federal and state standards
- Completion of planning, environmental review, and other readiness steps