RPA 8 Transportation Grants Availiable

RPA 8 is currently seeking applications for three transportation grant programs. The programs are summarized below. Visit the program websites for detailed information and instructions on how to apply.

Rural County Transportation Program (RCTP)
Program description: The Rural County Transportation Programs (RCTP) are county-led grant programs that provide funding to small cities to help implement non-federal aid transportation projects.
Who can apply? Cities in Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson counties with populations under 5,000.
What is eligible? Transportation-related construction projects, including roadway resurfacing, restoration, and reconstruction; accessibility improvements; and safety upgrades.
How much is available? $70,000 per county.
How much can we apply for? Maximum request is $25,000.
Required Local Match: 20%
Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. CT on March 19, 2026.
Program website: https://eciatrans.org/grants_rfps/rctp.php

RPA Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Program description: Federal funding program that supports smaller-scale community focused transportation projects that improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life.
Who can apply? Cities, counties, local or regional governments, transit agencies, tribal governments, school districts, and nonprofits, among others.
What is eligible? Smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities and recreational trails.
How much is available? $415,000
How much can we apply for? Maximum request is $500,000.
Required Local Match: 20%
Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. CT on March 11, 2026
Program Website: https://eciatrans.org/grants_rfps/rpa_tap.php

Small City Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG)
Program description: A federal funding set-aside for small cities that supports a wide range of transportation projects.
Who can apply? Cities in the RPA 8 area with populations under 5,000.
What is eligible? Roadway and bridge improvements, safety enhancements, and transit capital projects, among others.
How much is available? $250,000
How much can we apply for? Maximum request is $250,000.
Required Local Match: 20%, unless swap eligible. Contact RPA 8 staff prior to applying to determine swap eligibility.
Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. CT on March 11, 2026.
Program website: https://eciatrans.org/grants_rfps/small_city_stbg.php

Contacts
Questions or comments regarding any of these programs may be directed to the following RPA 8 staff:
• Chandra Ravada – cravada@ecia.org
• Dan Fox – dfox@ecia.org
• Jack Studier – jstudier@ecia.org