MPOJC Funding Opportunities
The MPOJC receives approximately $3.5 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), approximately $350,000 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds, and approximately $300,000 in Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funds annually to allocate to regional transportation projects. MPOJC entities and other stakeholders work cooperatively through committees and the Urbanized Area Policy Board, which includes elected officials from each MPOJC community, to make decisions regarding which transportation projects will receive funding.
Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program
Funds improvements to any roadway or bridge on the federal-aid system, transit capital projects, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, enhancement projects, environmental restoration, and the establishment of native species. Regional STBG funds are formula funds that are provided to MPOJC and programed by the Urbanized Area Policy Board using a competitive grant process.
Surface Transportation Block Grant Applications 2025
1. Iowa City
Burlington Street Bridge – Building Better Connections Project
Description: Replacement of two Burlington Street/Highway 1 bridges over the Iowa River, reconstruction of portions of Grand Avenue, Byington Road, and Melrose Avenue to allow for two-way traffic, bicycle facilities and pedestrian accommodations, and rehabilitation/ replacement of the pedestrian overpasses that cross Riverside Drive and Grand Avenue.
Total Project Cost: $70,000,000
Requesting: $10,000,000 in STBG funding
2. North Liberty
Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2
Description: The joint project between the Cities of North Liberty and Coralville would construct Forevergreen Road Extension – Phase 2 from the western limits of the eastern section of future Forevergreen Road extension – Phase 1 to Naples Avenue. The intersection of Forevergreen Road/Naples Avenue is planned as a roundabout. The newly constructed urban section would include two vehicle travels lanes, a 10-foot-wide off-street multi-use trail on the north side, and a storm system.
Total Project Cost: $6,795,000
Requesting: $2,264,000 in STBG funding
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Funds enhancement activities that have a direct relationship to surface transportation facilities including: facilities for bicycles and pedestrians (including safety and education activities), landscaping and other scenic beautification, historic preservation, and the preservation of abandoned railway corridors for bicycle and pedestrian uses. Regional TAP funds are formula funds that are provided to MPOJC and programmed by the Urbanized Area Policy Board using a competitive grant process.
Transportation Alternatives Program Applications 2025
1. Iowa City
North Dodge Street Improvements Project (Pedestrian Facilities)
Description: This project will include sidewalk, curb ramp, and crosswalk improvements within the Dodge Street corridor from Burlington Street to Governor Street.
Total Project Cost: $707,600
Requesting: $565,372 in TAP funding
2. North Liberty
West Forevergreen Road Trail (Covered Bridge Road to South Jasper Avenue)
Description: The project proposes constructing 4,680 linear feet of 8-foot-wide, multi-use trail along the south side of West Forevergreen Road, which is classified as a major arterial roadway. The trail would be constructed out of portland cement concrete (PCC) and would extend from the western edge of the Fox Valley Subdivision to the east terminus of the west Forevergreen Road/South Jasper Avenue roundabout.
Total Project Cost: $832,000
Requesting: $465,500 in TAP funding
3. Coralville
North Ridge Trail Reconstruction
Description: This project will replace a 0.24 mile long section of the existing deteriorated asphalt trail with a 10 foot wide concrete trail. It will also include the addition of a 105’ long section of new 8’ wide sidewalk crossing CRANDIC railroad along the south side of Forevergreen Road.
Total Project Cost: $385,000
Requesting: $303,620 in TAP funding
4. Coralville
Iowa River Trail Connection
Description: This project will construct a 0.45 mile long section of 12 foot wide concrete trail from the 1st Avenue trail, stretching along the north side of the Iowa River Landing, and connecting to the Iowa River Trail by the Iowa River.
Total Project Cost: $575,000
Requesting: $347,750 in TAP funding
Carbon Reduction Program (CRP)
The purpose of the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) is to reduce transportation emissions through the development of State carbon reduction strategies and by funding projects designed to reduce transportation emissions. CRP funding may be used on a wide range of projects that support the reduction of transportation emissions such as public transportation, traffic monitoring, truck stop electrification, and the purchase of zero-emission construction equipment. Regional CRP funds are formula funds that are provided to MPOJC and programed by the Urbanized Area Policy Board using a competitive grant process.
Carbon Reduction Program Applications 2025
1. Iowa City
Iowa River Trail – West Bank
Description: Construction of a 10-foot-wide trail/wide sidewalk along the west bank of the Iowa River and Riverside Drive/Old Highway 218.
Total Project Cost: $4,250,000
Requesting: $2,876,400 in CRP funding
2. University Heights
Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project
Description: Modify the existing Melrose Avenue corridor from Sunset Street to the east city limit to create a complete street facility that extends on-street bike lanes from Iowa City, re-aligns the north and south legs of the intersection with Koser/Golfview Avenue to improve safety in the area, improves crosswalks, adds additional roadway/pedestrian lighting, install new traffic signals and pedestrian buttons to current design standards.
Total Project Cost: $3,345,000
Requesting: $1,175,000 CRP funding
3. North Liberty
Ranshaw Way Phase 6 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvements
Description: The project would fund the construction of the proposed pedestrian tunnel in conjunction with the Ranshaw Way (Hwy 965) Phase 6 project, which is planned for City Fiscal Year 2027. The City was awarded Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funding in 2021 in the amount of 3.9 million dollars of the estimated 11.3 million dollar cost for the project, which will reconstruct Ranshaw Way from Hawkeye Drive south to Forevergreen Road, a section of roadway approximately 4,000 feet (.76 mile) in length. Existing conditions include a mostly two vehicle lane roadway in varying condition, with gravel shoulders and open ditches. Notably, there are no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations along this roadway section.
Total Project Cost: $2,470,000
Requesting: $877,000 in CRP funding
4. North Liberty
Dubuque Street Improvements – Phase 3
Description: The project would reconstruct Dubuque Street within the City of North Liberty from just south of the East Cherry Street intersection (Dubuque Street Phase 1 limits) to just south of the East Zeller Street intersection (future Dubuque Street Phase 2 limits). Existing conditions include a two-lane asphalt roadway in varying condition, with minimal gravel shoulders and open ditches. The reconstructed urban section would include two vehicle travel lanes, a new roundabout at a busy intersection, a storm sewer system, and relocating overhead utilities underground. The project will also reconstruct the existing 4-foot-wide sidewalks to 5-feet-wide within the project area, which will include ADA compliant curb ramps. The existing 10-foot wide multi-use trail on the east side would remain.
Total Project Cost: $4,495,000
Requesting: $1,765,000 in CRP funding
5. Coralville
Dubuque Street NE & Forevergreen Road Roundabout
Description: Construct a four-legged, single-lane roundabout to create a new intersection of Dubuque Street NE, Rustic Ridge NE, and Forevergreen Road. Includes a 10’ shared use path along the north side of Forevergreen Road that will connect to the Dubuque Street Trail.
Total Project Cost: $2,829,000
Requesting: $1,585,371 in CRP funding
Iowa DOT Funding Opportunities
Iowa DOT Grants and Programs
Use the link below to view a guide compiled by staff of the Iowa Department of Transportation to help local governments, organizations, and individuals with preliminary searches for funding assistance from the DOT. Programs that fit more than one grouping are listed more than once in the table of contents, and duplicate information for these programs is also contained in the body of the Funding Guide.
Iowa DOT Grants and Programs Page
Trails Funding
Trails may be developed, managed, and maintained using local funds. There are numerous ways such funds can be dedicated for trail use. Bond referenda, assessments, special financing districts, park/trail dedication, or general fund money may be used at a local government’s discretion. Often, this money is used as the local match for other federal or state trail grants.
Iowa DOT Trails Funding Page
