The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) has released its first Alternative Congestion Relief/Transportation Demand Management (ACR/TDM) Program Call for Projects (CFP). The goal of this CFP is to promote the use of sustainable transportation options and enhance mobility across San Mateo County, with a focus on encouraging cities to apply for citywide TDM plans.
TA staff has proposed making $4.7 million available for three competitive sub-categories: Intelligent Transportation System Planning and Design, TDM Projects/Programs and TDM Planning. Many different projects could qualify for funds, including bike parking, vanpools, wayfinding/signage, transit pass subsidies, electronic bike subsidies, pedestrian/bicycle crossing treatments near transit and many others.
A 10% match is required for most sponsors, although an equity-based match of 5% can be requested for projects in MTC Equity Priority Communities or Reimagine SamTrans Equity Priority Areas. Applications are due by Friday, May 27.
“The new ACR/TDM grant program will fill the gap where other multi-modal transportation options don’t exist,” said TA Board Chair Rico E. Medina. “It allows for our communities to fund creative solutions to first/last mile and other transportation challenges.”
ACR and TDM are strategies that encourage the use of sustainable transportation options to enhance mobility. ACR/TDM initiatives work toward ensuring that people’s trips are safe, reliable and convenient while discouraging driving, managing congestion, and reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
Any projects funded through this Calls for Projects will have a $200,000 cap, so the funding will be primarily focused on first/last mile connections and smaller projects. Unlike many other TA funding categories, the program includes funding targets for projects in small/coastal communities and mid/large jurisdictions to help balance funding across the county.
The program also continues dedicated funding for Commute.org and provides additional funding to help them jumpstart a countywide TDM monitoring program. The monitoring program will establish a one-stop shop for developments to report on progress toward their TDM requirements and helps free up local jurisdiction staff time. The data they track will be made available to local governments, but will allow Commute.org the opportunity to work directly with developments to identify infrastructure improvements or targeted programs that could help meet trip reduction goals.
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About the Transportation Authority (TA): Created to administer Measure A, San Mateo County’s ½ cent sales tax, the TA provides funding for transportation projects and programs in San Mateo County. In 2004, more than 75 percent of San Mateo County voters reauthorize Measure A for an additional 25 years. In 2018, voters approved Measure W, the San Mateo County Congestion Relief Plan an additional ½ cent sales tax. The TA will administer half the revenue of Measure W and the San Mateo County Transit District will administer the other half to fund and implement the Congestion Relief Plan.
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Media Contact: Dan Lieberman, 650-622-2492