(Atlantic, Iowa)- Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) and Regional Planning Affiliation 13 (RPA 13) is currently accepting applications for its Regional Transportation Alternatives Program fund, for projects in Cass, Fremont, Montgomery, and Page Counties. Applications are being accepted until February 28, 2024.

Local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, school districts and local education agencies, natural resource or public land agencies, tribal governments, and non-profit entities are among those eligible to apply. Funds are limited to meeting certain project types. Those include but are not limited to construction, planning, and design of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation; conversion and use of abandoned rail corridors for trails; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; vegetation management; and historic preservation and rehabilitation of transportation facilities.

Projects and sponsors must provide a non-federal match of at least 20 percent of the eligible costs, comply with federal regulations, and maintain the project for 20 years among other requirements. Projects must be completed withing two fiscal years of the award.

Completed applications must be in to SWIPCO by 4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2024. Applications will be submitted to the Iowa DOT for review. The RPA 13 Technical Committee and Policy Board will meet to score applications and to award recommendations. Award letters will be sent to applicants and the Iowa DOT by August 1, 2024. Funds will be released by the Iowa DOT after October 1, 2024.

Application and criteria can be found online at htps://www.swipco.org/rpa-13/ For more information or to obtain a hard copy of the application contact SWIPCO Grant Specialist III, Tammy DeBord at 866-279-4720 ext. 234 or 712-249-4300. You can also email Tammy.DeBord@swipco.org

SWIPCO is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.