MnDOT announces grant opportunities for southeast Minnesota community projects
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Southeast Minnesota counties, communities, and their partners are invited to apply for funding on local projects that enhance transportation goals, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
MnDOT District 6, the 11-county region in southeast Minnesota, has $2.1 million for the Transportation Alternatives solicitation, 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.
Applicants must first submit a letter of intent to be considered for the solicitation. A MnDOT representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a funded project. Applicants will then submit a full grant application. The TA funding available through this solicitation is for project construction in fiscal year 2031. TA funding requires a 20 percent local match.
Grant solicitation timeline:
- Oct. 30, 2026: Deadline for applicants to submit LOIs
- Nov. 2, 2026: LOIs review process by RDO/MPO/MnDOT district begins
- Nov. 25, 2026: Deadline for RDO/MPO/MnDOT district review of LOIs and recommendation to proceed with full application given to applicants
- Nov. 30, 2026: Official start of full application period
- Jan. 8, 2027: Deadline for applicants to submit full applications
- March 29, 2027: Deadline for ATPs to select TA projects
See the MnDOT District 6 Area Transportation Partnership website for grant details.
Transportation Alternatives (TA)
- Information on the program and requirements: Transportation Alternatives - Minnesota Department of Transportation (state.mn.us)
- $2.1 million available in Federal funds for fiscal year 2031
- For projects within the 11-county Southeast MN Area Transportation Partnership area
- Maximum of 80 percent TA funds – must have a 20 percent local match or more
- Applications must request a minimum of $200,000 in TA funds ($250,000 minimum project cost)
- Download a Letter of Intent (LOI) form.
- Submit a completed letter of interest form to MnDOT D6 Principal Planner Omer Sohail: omer.sohail@state.mn.us
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