Santa Clara River Trail Final Master Plan - Development Services ...

Chapter 7: Project Implementation Plan
Funding Sources
Multi-use paths are generally funded through a combination of local, state and federal sources. Many
funding programs require a minimum local match (e.g., 80% federal funds, 20% local). In some instances
communities have successfully leveraged grant money from private foundations or state programs as a
match for other funding sources. In-kind technical support is also available from federal and state
agencies, such as the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance. The following
list is an overview of the major funding programs. Staff should refer to current guidelines provided by the
granting agency when pursuing any funding opportunity.
Federal Funding Sources
The primary federal source of surface transportation funding, including bicycle facilities, is SAFETEA-
LU, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.
Administration of SAFETEA-LU funding occurs through the State (Caltrans and the State Resources
Agency) and through regional planning agencies. Most, but not all, of these funding programs focus on
utilitarian transportation versus recreation, with an emphasis on reducing auto trips and providing
intermodal connections. Most SAFETEA-LU programs require a local match of 10 percent. Specific
funding programs under SAFETEA-LU that could be applicable for SCRT include, but are not limited to:
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), Recreational Trails Program, Safe Routes to School
Program (SRTS), Transportation, the Community and System Preservation Program (TCSP), and the
Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program. These and other Federally-funded programs are described
below.
To be eligible for Federal transportation funds, States are required to develop a State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) and update it at least every four years. A STIP is a multi-year capital
improvement program of transportation projects that coordinates transportation-related capital
improvements planned by metropolitan planning organizations and the state.
To be included in the STIP, projects must be identified either in the Interregional Transportation
Improvement Plan (ITIP), which is prepared by Caltrans, or in the Regional Transportation
Improvement Plan (RTIP). Bicycle projects are eligible for inclusion. Caltrans updates the STIP every
two years and the City should apply to Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to have the
SCRT included in the ITIP or RTIP and then the STIP.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds are allocated by the Ventura County
Transportation Commission (VCTC) for transportation projects that aim to reduce transportation
related emissions and that are likely to contribute to the attainment of a national ambient air quality
standard, and congestion mitigation. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. These funds are
available for pedestrian and bicycle paths and other projects that serve to reduce congestion and improve
air quality. The funds can be used either for construction of bicycle transportation facilities and
pedestrian walkways or for non-construction projects related to safe bicycle and pedestrian use (maps,
brochures, etc.). The projects must be tied to a plan adopted by the State of California and VCTC.
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