Upcoming and Ongoing Infrastructure Solicitations
The following is a list of several transportation infrastructure solicitations in which APO member jurisdictions and/or agencies commonly participate in when it comes to federal and/or state funding for projects. For those interested in active transportation/Safe Routes to School (SRTS) planning grant solicitations, please visit with SRTS Planning Efforts page.
Highway Safety Improvement Program
Solicitation Status: OPEN
Solicitation Deadline: Nov. 27, 2024
Application Information
FY 2026-2029 Guidebook.
FY 2026-2029 Application.
More information can be found HERE.
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program with the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. The Minnesota HSIP program is structured to:
- Encourage widespread deployment of safety countermeasures.
- Engage local and state agencies.
- Emphasize effective treatments.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT’s) Office of Traffic Engineering (OTE) is conducting the HSIP solicitation for years 2026 through 2029. Funding targeted for the Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (ATP-3), which includes the Saint Cloud APO, is as follows:
- FY 2026: $673,000.
- FY 2027: $1,988,000.
- FY 2028: $3,255,500.
- FY 2029: $4,700,000.
All HSIP projects require a minimum 10% local match with some projects – such as low-cost, multi-county and districtwide safety projects – being eligible to be funded at 100% of the eligible construction costs. The maximum funding award per project is $750,000.
For projects occurring in the APO’s planning area, the APO’s Policy Board MUST provide a letter of support for the project. This letter MUST accompany any application submitted within the APO’s planning area.
The following is a list of APO-specific deadlines related to HSIP. These will help ensure projects will be able to be submitted prior to the Nov. 27 deadline.
Reactive Projects
(for those safety projects in response to a known crash problem that typically are at one location)
| Date | Task to be Completed |
|---|---|
| Oct. 21, 2024 | Application (as complete as possible) must be submitted to APO Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson (ikeogu@stcloudapo.org) by no later than noon. |
| Oct. 31, 2024 | The APO’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will meet to discuss and recommend a prioritization ranking for reactive projects. |
| Nov. 14, 2024 | The APO’s Policy Board will meet to discuss and approve a prioritization ranking for reactive projects. A letter of support will be developed/signed by the APO’s Policy Board Chair. |
| Nov. 15, 2024 | APO staff will provide a letter of support to prospective applicants. This letter of support will also be sent to MnDOT OTE staff. |
Proactive Projects
(for those safety projects designed to prevent crashes that are typically deployed systemwide)
| Date | Task to be Completed |
|---|---|
| Oct. 21, 2024 | Concept should be identified and submitted to APO Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson (ikeogu@stcloudapo.org) by no later than noon. |
| Oct. 31, 2024 | The APO’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will meet to discuss the proposed proactive projects. |
| Nov. 4, 2024 | Application (as complete as possible) must be submitted to APO Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson (ikeogu@stcloudapo.org) by no later than noon. |
| Nov. 14, 2024 | The APO’s Policy Board will meet to discuss and approve proactive projects to continue with the HSIP application process. A letter of support will be developed/signed by the APO’s Policy Board Chair. |
| Nov. 15, 2024 | APO staff will provide a letter of support to prospective applicants. This letter of support will also be sent to MnDOT OTE staff. |
Additional application assistance will be provided through MnDOT’s Office of Traffic Engineering. Feedback on draft applications will be available through the end of October 2024.
Surface Transportation Block Grant Program
Solicitation Status: OPEN
Solicitation Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. Applications are due to APO Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson either by email (ikeogu@stcloudapo.org). Hard copies can also be dropped off at the APO’s office — 1040 County Road 4, St. Cloud, MN 56303.
Application Information
FY 2029 STBGP Application
ATP-3 STBGP FY 2029 Application Guidance
Solicitation Information
Saint Cloud APO FY 2029 STBGP Scoring Rubric
Saint Cloud APO FY 2029 Sample Scoring Sheet
Saint Cloud APO STBGP Equity Analysis
The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) provides flexible funding that may be used by states and localities for projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any federal-aid highway; bridge and tunnel project on any public road; pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; and transit capital projects, including intercity bus terminals.
Funding for this program is handled by the Saint Cloud APO at the local level, but is overseen by the Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (ATP-3) in coordination with MnDOT District 3 staff. Projects are being solicited for federal fiscal year 2029 (Oct. 1, 2028 through through Sept. 30, 2029). A minimum 20% local match is required to cover eligible work.
At this time it is uncertain the anticipated FY 2029 funding target available to ATP-3. Once a funding target has been “assigned” to ATP-3, the Saint Cloud APO’s STBGP funding target will be 20.53% of the total ATP-3 targeted funding amount.
NOTE: All applicants with elements of their proposed project using or potentially impacting another roadway authority’s right-of-way or facility will need to make early contact with that roadway authority on or before Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. Early notification is necessary for review of the project details, provide input and feedback to the applicant on any issues or concerns that may impact project development or delivery. A letter of support from that roadway authority is REQUIRED to accompany the completed application.
Projects eligible for STBGP funding include:
- New alignment roadway construction.
- Roadway expansion defined as adding capacity by constructing a new travel lane.
- Roadway reconstruction.
- Roadway reclamation, reconditioning, and resurfacing.
- Bridge replacement or rehabilitation.
- Safety and/or operational improvements.
- APO SPECIFIC: Planning activities including those activities that occur before the selection of a preferred alternatives. Funds may be used for corridor studies/planning activities where specific construction projects are the intended outcome.
- APO SPECIFIC: Right-of-Way acquisition. Funding for right-of-way is limited to reimbursement for the costs that were paid for the acquired property (to be based on the Fair Market Value), not the value of the property at the time for which reimbursement is requested. Applicants receiving funding for right-of-way must initiate construction within 10 years from the date of acquisition.
Of note, STBGP funding can only be spent on roadways on the existing functional classification system. For roadways defined as “urban” this means funding is available for collectors and above. For roadways defined as “rural” this means funding is available only for major collectors and above.
Transportation Alternatives
Letter of Intent Status: OPEN
Letter of Intent Deadline: Nov. 1, 2024
Solicitation Status: CLOSED
Letter of Intent Information
Transportation Alternatives Guidebook
Transportation Alternatives LOI Worksheet
Transportation Alternatives LOI Application
More information can be found HERE.
The Transportation Alternatives (TA) program provides federal transportation funding for a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and/or bicycle facilities; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments.
Funding for this program, including the solicitation process, is handled through the Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (ATP-3). Projects are being solicited for federal fiscal year 2029 (Oct. 1, 2028 through through Sept. 30, 2029). A minimum 20% local match is required to cover eligible work. ATP-3 has been targeted $2.78 million for FY 2029.
NEW REQUIREMENT: All entities interested in applying for TA funding through ATP-3 are REQUIRED to attend a MnDOT District 3-led workshop about the program and solicitation guidance. Applicants unable to attend the workshops will need to contact MnDOT District 3 Senior Engineering Specialist/Program Coordinator Jeff Lenz (jeff.lenz@state.mn.us) PRIOR to completing the LOI.
After the conclusion of the LOI process, letters will be reviewed by APO staff. Those who will be moving on to the full application stage will be given their full application by no later than Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
Carbon Reduction Program
Saint Cloud APO URBANIZED Area Solicitation (FY 2027 through FY 2029)
Contact: APO Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson (ikeogu@stcloudapo.org) and APO Associate Transportation Planner Alex McKenzie (mckenzie@stcloudapo.org).
Letter of Intent Status: OPEN
Letter of Intent Deadline: 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
Saint Cloud APO CRP Letter of Intent (Google Form)
Solicitation Status: CLOSED
More information can be found HERE.
Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (ATP-3) Solicitation (FY 2027 & FY 2028)
Applies to the rural portion of the APO’s planning area in addition to the 12-county region served by the ATP-3.
Contact: MnDOT District 3 Program Coordinator Jeff Lenz (jeff.lenz@state.mn.us).
Letter of Intent Status: OPEN
Letter of Intent Deadline: 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. LOIs must be submitted electronically to MnDOT District 3 Program Coordinator Jeff Lenz (jeff.lenz@state.mn.us) or via mail (7694 Industrial Park Road, Baxter, MN 56425).
Solicitation Status: CLOSED
ATP-3 CRP Letter of Intent Application (Word Document Download)
ATP-3 CRP Project Toolkit Guide
More information can be found HERE.
Letter of Intent Information
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) established the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) which provides federal funds for projects designed to reduce carbon emissions from surface transportation. This legislation — signed into law in November 2021 — required each state to develop a Carbon Reduction Strategy (CRS) to identify projects and strategies to support the reduction of transportation emissions. MnDOT had completed its CRS in November 2023. This CRS is now being used to inform and guide the CRP project solicitation and selection process.
The CRP provides Minnesota with approximately $20.9 million annually over five years to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions from surface transportation. Program funding is distributed across the state with some funds targeted proportionally based on population. MnDOT Districts, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) — like the Saint Cloud APO — and Area Transportation Partnerships (ATPs) will select projects to receive CRP funding.
Funding for this program, including the solicitation process, is split between the Saint Cloud APO and the Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (ATP-3).
The Saint Cloud APO is conducting a solicitation for projects located WITHIN the urbanized area of the region. For areas within the APO’s planning area, but OUTSIDE the urbanized area, the solicitation will be handled by ATP-3. Unsure of if your project is located within the APO’s urban area? The purple crosshatch designation on the map (to the left) indicates the urbanized area. Still unsure? Reach out to APO Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson (ikeogu@stcloudapo.org) for further information.
The Saint Cloud APO intends to solicit for CRP funds for federal fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029. The APO has been targeted the following funding amounts:
- FY 2027: $270,000.
- FY 2028: $270,000.
- FY 2029: $270,000.
The Central Minnesota ATP-3 intends to solicit for CRP funds for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. The ATP-3 has been targeted the following funding amounts:
- FY 2027: $1,380,000.
- FY 2028: $1,300,000.
The CRP requires a minimum 20% local match to cover eligible work. Those interested in applying will need to complete a Letter of Intent (LOI) for their proposed project and submit them to the appropriate individual (Vicki Johnson or Jeff Lenz) by Friday, Nov. 1.
NOTE: All applicants with elements of their proposed project using or potentially impacting another roadway authority’s right-of-way or facility will need to make early contact with that roadway authority on or before Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. Early notification is necessary for review of the project details, provide input and feedback to the applicant on any issues or concerns that may impact project development or delivery. A letter of support from that roadway authority is REQUIRED to accompany the completed application.
Project eligible for CRP funding fall into three different project categories. Underneath those three project categories are a list of strategies and projects for consideration.
Electrification
The primary goal of electrification projects is the decarbonization of the vehicle fleet in Minnesota.
| Priority Strategy | Project Types |
|---|---|
| Install EV or ZEV charging infrastructure |
|
| Purchase or lease EVs or ZEVs |
|
| Support EV and ZEV through outreach and education |
|
Travel Options
Travel options projects reduce per-capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Reducing VMT supports achieving the carbon reduction goals set forth in the CRS because a reduction in per-capita VMT reduces per-capita transportation emissions.
| Priority Strategy | Project Types |
|---|---|
| Install and maintain infrastructure network improvements for walking, rolling, and bicycling |
|
| Plan, design, and engineer infrastructure network improvements for walking, rolling, and bicycling |
|
| Implement context sensitive design and travel options |
|
| Add high-capacity transit options (operations and capital) |
|
| Add intercity and regional public transit options (operations and capital) |
|
| Implement travel demand management |
|
Low Carbon Infrastructure and System Management
Low carbon infrastructure system management projects reduce carbon emissions throughout the entire transportation process, from construction and maintenance of infrastructure to vehicle operations.
| Priority Strategy | Project Types |
|---|---|
| Optimize transportation system management and operations |
|
| Utilize low carbon methods for constructing and maintaining transportation infrastructure |
|
| Support renewable energy generation |
|
After the conclusion of the LOI process, letters will be reviewed by APO and/or MnDOT District 3 staff. Those who will be moving on to the full application stage will be given their full application by no later than Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation Formula Program
Letter of Intent Status: OPEN
Letter of Intent Deadline: 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. LOIs must be submitted electronically to MnDOT District 3 Program Coordinator Jeff Lenz (jeff.lenz@state.mn.us) or via mail (7694 Industrial Park Road, Baxter, MN 56425).
Solicitation Status: CLOSED
Letter of Intent Information
ATP-3 PROTECT LOI Application (Word Document Download)
ATP-3 PROTECT Program Information
More information can be found HERE.
The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program was authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021. The $7.3 billion PROTECT Formula Program provides funding to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters through support of planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk coastal infrastructure.
Funding for this program, including the solicitation process, is handled through the Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership (ATP-3). Projects are being solicited for state fiscal years 2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027) and 2028 (July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028). A minimum 20% local match is required to cover eligible work. However, IF the project is amended into the Minnesota Resilience Improvement Plan (RIP), the local match required has the potential to drop to a minimum 13% needed. Please contact APO Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Johnson or MnDOT District 3 Senior Engineering Specialist/Program Coordinator Jeff Lenz for additional details.
ATP-3 has been targeted the following funding amounts:
- FY 2027: $700,000
- FY 2028: $700,000
Projects eligible for PROTECT funding must address resilience to at least one of the seven climate hazards as outlined in the Minnesota Resilience Improvement Plan (RIP).
The following is a list of eligible project categories, related climate hazards, and example project types outlined by MnDOT’s Office of Sustainability and Public Health. Note, this is not an exhaustive list.
| Project Category | Climate Hazards Addressed | Project Types/Resilience Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Reconstruction and Elevation of Roads in At-Risk Flood Zones | Heavy precipitation and flooding | Enhance bridge design; Increase freeboard clearance; Riprap and bridge foundations; Channel design/Monitoring (i.e., monitoring as part of a statewide planning process) |
| Roadway Embankment Armoring | Heavy precipitation and flooding | Vegetated riprap; Permanent erosion control mat; Articulated blocks in a sag point |
| Culvert Replacement/Urgent Repairs | Heavy precipitation and flooding, Freeze-thaw cycles, Wildfire | Increasing culvert size; Replacing poor-condition culverts |
| Floodplain Conservation/Preservation | Heavy precipitation and flooding, Freeze-thaw cycles | Restore inland wetlands; Flood setbacks; Bank vegetation and seeding; In-stream structures; Bioswales and bioretention basins; Trees |
| Landslide and Rockfall Protection | Heavy precipitation and flooding, Freeze-thaw changes, Wildfire, Landslides | Surface water management; Rockfall mitigation; Debris flow catchment; Reduce driving force on slopes; Underground drainage; Vegetation and seeding; Bioengineering and biotechnical stabilization |
| Drainage Area Enhancements | Heavy precipitation and flooding, Extreme temperatures, Freeze-thaw cycles | Snow fences; Outcome-focused partnerships with other government units, landowners, and land managers |
| Wildfire Protection | Wildfire | Defensible space; Fire-resistant landscaping; Vegetation management; Hardening |
| Armoring and Natural Design to Protect Lake Superior | Coastal erosion, Heavy precipitation and flooding, Landslides | Sea walls and bulkheads; Revetments and slope protection; Groins and jetties; Living shorelines/shoreline stabilization; Barrier islands; Sand and rock beaches |
After the conclusion of the LOI process, letters will be reviewed by APO and/or MnDOT District 3 staff. Those who will be moving on to the full application stage will be given their full application by no later than Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants
Letter of Intent Status: OPEN
Letter of Intent Deadline: Oct. 18, 2024
Solicitation Status: CLOSED
Letter of Intent Information
More information can be found HERE.
The Active Transportation (AT) Infrastructure Grant program is designed to:
- Connect communities and key destinations within them.
- Boost public health by creating safer environments for people to walk, bike, or roll to their destinations.
- Mitigate safety hazards related to interacting with vehicular traffic.
Funding for this program is appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature. There is up to $12.502 million available during the 2024 AT solicitation statewide – excluding the seven-county Twin Cities metro. Prospective applicants can request between $50,000 and $1 million in funding. This program does not require any local match and can only be used for capital construction costs. Entities eligible to apply for this program include:
- Greater Minnesota counties.
- Greater Minnesota State Aid (populations over 5,000) and Non-State Aid cities.
- Greater Minnesota Townships.
- Greater Minnesota 501(c)(3) Registered Non-Profits.
- Greater Minnesota Federally Recognized Indian Tribes
Eligible projects must:
- Improve safety and ability of people to walk, bike, or roll throughout their community.
- Have a full resolution from applicant governing board supporting the project and application (does not apply to Tribal projects).
- Have a full resolution from sponsor supporting project and establishing sponsorship relationship (if required).
- Have a letter of support from the District Engineer if impacts to trunk highway right-of-way are proposed.
- Have an effective service life of at least 10 years.
- Be ready for construction in calendar year 2025 or 2026.
- Not have received an earmark for the same project.
Projects will be separated into three “selection pools” in which they will be competing. An equitable distribution among the three pools and MnDOT Districts will be taken into consideration.
- Greater Minnesota Counties and State Aid Cities.
- Greater Minnesota Non-State Aid Cities and Townships.
- Greater Minnesota Federally Recognized Indian Tribes.
The full AT application will be available on or around Nov. 4, 2024.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grants
Letter of Intent Status: OPEN
Letter of Intent Deadline: Oct. 18, 2024
Solicitation Status: CLOSED
Letter of Intent Information
More information can be found HERE.
The Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Infrastructure Grant program is designed to:
- Create safer environments for students to walk, bike, and roll to school.
- Provide infrastructure improvements that are comfortable to use.
- Mitigate safety hazards related to interacting with vehicular traffic.
Funding for this program is appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature. There is up to $8.5 million available during the 2024 AT solicitation statewide. Prospective applicants can request between $50,000 and $1 million in funding. This program does not require any local match and can only be used for capital construction costs. Entities eligible to apply for this program include:
- Counties.
- State Aid (populations over 5,000) and Non-State Aid cities.
- Townships.
- Schools and School Districts.
- Federally Recognized Indian Tribes.
Eligible projects must:
- Improve safety and ability of people to walk, bike, or roll throughout their community.
- Have a full resolution from applicant governing board supporting the project and application (does not apply to Tribal projects).
- Have a full resolution from sponsor supporting project and establishing sponsorship relationship (if required).
- Have a letter of support from the District Engineer if impacts to trunk highway right-of-way are proposed.
- Have an effective service life of at least 10 years.
- Be ready for construction in calendar year 2025 or 2026.
- Not have received an earmark for the same project.
Projects will be separated into five “selection pools” in which they will be competing. An equitable distribution among the five pools and MnDOT Districts will be taken into consideration.
- Minnesota Cities of the First Class (Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Duluth).
- MnDOT Metro District Communities (excluding Minneapolis and Saint Paul).
- Greater Minnesota Counties and State Aid Cities (excluding Rochester and Duluth).
- Greater Minnesota Non-State Aid Cities and Townships.
- Federally Recognized Indian Tribes.
The full SRTS Infrastructure application will be available on or around Nov. 4, 2024.
Local Partnership Program
Solicitation Status: CLOSED
The Local Partnership Program (LPP) was created to provide statewide transportation partnership opportunities with local agencies and construct highway improvements that are mutually beneficial at locations that are not currently programmed on state highways. The LPP vision focuses heavily on development of long term and sustainable partnerships, collaboration of transportation system needs, leveraging of agency investments, and minimizing project time and cost.
Within the Saint Cloud APO’s planning area, the LPP process is handled by the MnDOT District 3 State Aid Engineer’s office. The DSAE manages and provides oversight of this program and will be the single point of contact for internal and external partners on the solicitation. The DSAE will provide program guidance to eligible applicants and sponsors, oversee project development, schedule coordination, scope and budget management, and communication of project design requirements.
For more information on the LPP solicitation process, please contact either Luke Wehseler (luke.wehseler@state.mn.us) / 218-821-0618 or Angie Tomovic (andjela.tomovic@state.mn.us) / 218-232-8981.