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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Metropolitan & Statewide Planning and NonMetropolitan Transportation Planning - 5303, 5304, 5305

Provides funding and procedural requirements [23 CFR part 450] for multimodal transportation planning in metropolitan areas and states. Metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes adhere to a cooperative, continuous and comprehensive framework for the development of long-range plans and short-range programs reflecting transportation investment priorities. 

Eligible Recipients

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Federal planning funds are first apportioned to State DOTs. State DOTs then allocate planning funding to MPOs.

Eligible Activities

FTA’s Metropolitan Planning Program and State Planning and Research Program funds are available for transportation planning activities that:

  • support the economic vitality of the states, metropolitan areas, and nonmetropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
  • increase the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
  • increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
  • protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth, housing, and economic development patterns;
  • enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system across and between modes for people and freight;
  • promote efficient system management and operations;
  • emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system; and
  • improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system. 

Major new fixed guideway projects, or extensions to existing systems seeking funding through FTA’s discretionary Capital Investment Grants program typically receive these funds through a construction grant agreement that defines the scope of the project and specifies the total multi-year federal commitment to the project. 

Statutory References

Funding Availability

Funds are available for four years.

Allocation of Funding

Funds are apportioned to states by a formula that includes each state’s urbanized area population in proportion to the total urbanized area population for the nation, as well as other factors. States can receive no less than .5 percent of the amount apportioned. These funds, in turn, are sub-allocated by states to MPOs by a formula that considers each MPO’s urbanized area population, planning needs and a minimum distribution.

Match

Generally, the federal share is not to exceed 80% of the cost of the projects funded under the program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  amended 49 U.S.C. 5305(f) to allow a federal share of up to 100 percent for eligible planning activities that help communities with lower population densities or lower average incomes, compared to surrounding areas, expand access to public transportation. 

Grant Type: Formula