Minnesota communities, schools, and their partners are invited to apply for funding on local projects that enhance transportation goals, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
The federal funding program includes Transportation Alternative (TA). A letter of intent (LOI) is recommended before completing the full application. The LOI timeline runs from October 5 to October 30. This program is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). More information, including the LOI form, is available at www.mndot.gov/area-transportation-partnerships/northwest.html.
The Transportation Alternatives Solicitation is a competitive grant opportunity for local communities and regional agencies to fund projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School, and more. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/ta/
The grant opportunity is available to all 11 Area Transportation Partnership (ATP) counties and cities in northwest Minnesota:
- Beltrami
- Clearwater
- Hubbard
- Kittson
- Lake of the Woods
- Marshall
- Norman
- Pennington
- Polk
- Red Lake
- Roseau
2026-2027 Solicitation timeline
- Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 – Announce solicitation; Open LOI period
- Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 – Deadline for applicants to submit LOI
- Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 – LOI review process by RDO/MPO/MnDOT Districts begins
- Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026 – Deadline for RDO/MPO/MnDOT District review of LOIs and recommendation to proceed with full application given to applicants
- Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 – Official start of full application period
- Friday, Jan. 8, 2027 – Deadline for applicants to submit full applications
- Monday, Mar. 29, 2027 – Deadline for ATPs to select projects;
Applicants must submit a letter of intent (LOI) describing the key components of their project to Troy.schroeder@state.mn.us. A regional representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a federally funded project. Each of these programs requires a 20% local match.
Search the MnDOT District 2 webpage for more information regarding this program. Northwest Minnesota ATP – Area Transportation Partnerships – MnDOT
