The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program provides flexible funding that may be used by states and localities for transportation projects. The intent of these projects is to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any federal-aid highway, bridge, public road, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and transit capital projects. Each year, approximately $19 million is available in STBG funding, as well as another approximately $2 million in STBG Set-Aside.
This cycle is unique. Most years, the MPO awards one year’s worth of funding. This year, the MPO will award two years’ worth of funding — for FFY 2030 and FFY 2031. The program was temporarily suspended to allow for a thorough review of the funding process, causing the delay in the awarding of FFY 2030 funding. Going forward, the MPO will revert to awarding one year’s worth of funding at a time.
The funding review included an update to the MPO’s funding targets, which now include a Safety target.
- 20% System Capacity
- 20% Bridge
- 20% Reconstruction
- 15% System Optimization
- 15% Safety
- 10% Transit
STBG and STBG Set-Aside Guidelines and Application
Please note that there is only one set of Funding Guidelines and one Online Scoring Tool and Application. These cover both the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and the STBG Set-Aside, and they cover all eligible funding categories such as bridges and planning studies.
Funding Guidelines
Online Scoring Tool and Application
FFY 2030 and 2031 Program Schedule
July 1, 2026 — Online application tool begins accepting applications.
August 7, 2026 — STBG and STBG Set-Aside applications are due by 4:30 p.m.
August 13, 2026 — Public comment period begins.
September 2026 — Funding Subcommittee hears short project presentations given by sponsor communities.
October 2026 — Funding Subcommittee presents its recommendations to MPO committees.
October 2026 — Public meeting held.
November 2026 — Policy Committee votes on final awards.
May 2027 — Draft Federal Fiscal Years 2028-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (FFY 2028-2031 TIP) to MPO TTC and MPO Policy for review and comment.
June 2027 — FFY 2028-2031 TIP to MPO TTC and MPO Policy for action and submitted to Iowa DOT.
* All dates are tentative and subject to change.
Additional Resources: LRTP
Title Page/Table of Contents (Download)
Chapter 1 – Introduction (Download)
Chapter 2 – Roads & Bridges (Download)
Chapter 3 – Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Transit (Download)
Chapter 4 – Aviation & Freight (Download)
Appendices:
Appendix A – Demographics & Growth Scenario (Download)
Appendix B – Travel Demand Model Validation (Download)
Appendix C – Fiscal Analysis Methodology (Download)
Appendix D – Performance Measure Methodology (Download)
Appendix E – Project Selection Methodology (Download)
Appendix F – Environmental Analysis (Download)
Appendix G – Public Engagement Process (Download)
Appendix H – Congestion Management Process (Download)
Appendix I – Amendment & Revision Process (Download)
Appendix J – Policies & Best Practices (Download)
Appendix K – Acronyms (Download)
Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
Active Transportation Plan
Reimagine DART