|
Funding Opportunities
Funding Available for Bicycle, Pedestrian and Multimodal Planning -
The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the 2026 Multimodal Planning Grant Program, which provides state planning funds for identifying bike and walking paths and transit connections.
Multimodal planning helps communities grow with transportation systems that are safer, more connected and accessible for all users – whether driving, walking, biking or using transit.
For this reason, NCDOT encourages municipalities to develop comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian transportation plans with matching grants that turn local priorities into data-driven, fundable projects. The grant program helps municipalities:
- Develop a framework for a robust bike/pedestrian environment
- Identify projects to submit for prioritization and funding in the State Transportation Improvement Program
- Strengthen ability to secure funding from outside sources
- Develop an internal approach for implementation
- Promote bike/pedestrian education and safety in municipalities
- Develop local policy supportive of bike/pedestrian infrastructure development
State grants require local matching funds commensurate with population. Watch this webinar for more information on match funding and general program information.
Plans funded through this program provide a comprehensive strategy for expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities in a community, rather than support a single project. They may also address facilities, programs, policies and design guidelines that promote safe walking and biking. Eligible applicants include:
- Municipalities of any size and counties with populations under 100,000 seeking to update an existing bicycle or pedestrian plan that is at least five years old.
- Municipalities with populations of less than 10,000 seeking an abbreviated plan focused on prioritizing project identification and implementation for small towns.
- North Carolina colleges and universities.
Applications must be submitted online by April 13 at 5 p.m. Award recipients will be notified by June.
For more information, reach out to Karyl or contact Bryan Lopez at 919-707-2606 or balopez@ncdot.gov.
As a Reminder: CMAQ - Rolling Call
CPRPO can submit projects for funding each year through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. This program provides funding for projects that will positively impact air quality in areas designated as non-attainment for national air quality standards or areas previously in non-attainment. Our area's eligibility extends to Orange County and the four northeastern townships (Baldwin, Center, New Hope, and Williams) of Chatham County, including the Town of Pittsboro.
The call for CMAQ projects is rolling, and our target annual funding amount is $158,845. This is Federal funding and requires a 20% match by the implementing local government or local agency. There are several eligible project types, but typically in our area, the funding has been used in the past for sidewalks and transit projects.
Please reach out to Karyl if you have questions or a project idea!
| 
