Federal funding available for Thurston region transportation projects

Every two years, Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) administers federal funding to transportation projects, programs, and services that support local communities. 

Approximately $17.2 million in funding is now available, and TRPC is accepting project and program proposals through June 5. 

As the Thurston region’s federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), TRPC is responsible for allocating funding to projects, programs, and services that advance regional transportation priorities. In 2026, approximately $16 million in funding is available from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and approximately $1.2 million is available from the Rural Community Support Program (RCSP), according to a TRPC news release. 

FHWA funding is available through two programs: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Grants and Surface Transportation Block Grants (STBG).

CMAQ funding supports projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Examples of eligible projects include public transit improvements, development of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and deployment of electric or hybrid vehicles and charging stations. Approximately $5 million in CMAQ funding is available.

STBG funding supports projects that improve and maintain transportation infrastructure. A wide range of projects and activities are eligible, including planning, design, or construction of roadways; recreational trails projects; and wildlife crossing structures. Approximately $10 million in STBG funding is available. 

The RCSP was established through a partnership between TRPC and Thurston County. This funding supports small transportation projects that are impactful for the region’s rural communities. While eligible projects are generally guided by federal funding programs, there is greater flexibility because projects are funded with non-federal dollars, the news release stated.

Depending on the funding source, funding may be available to both Traditional Transportation Partners and Non-Traditional Transportation Partners.

Traditional Transportation Partners are local governments and agencies responsible for owning and operating surface transportation systems as part of their core mission. Non-Traditional Transportation Partners are organizations that deliver transportation-related facilities or services as a secondary function.

Detailed information is available in the Process Guidance and Application Instructions at https://tinyurl.com/2678zpj6. 

TRPC seeks grant proposals that align with the following regional transportation priorities:

• Active Transportation: Projects that support walking, bicycling, and connections to public transportation services.
• Efficiency: Projects that support adopted vehicle level-of-service standards, advance Transportation Demand Management (TDM) goals, and reduce per capita Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in the Thurston region.
• Maintenance: Projects that recognize that route maintenance is more cost-effective than reconstruction; support Transit Asset Management targets; and maintain bridges and other transportation assets in a state of good repair.
• Planning: Planning activities that produce recommendations or project lists, support regional coordination, or provide data to inform project development and system operations.
• Resiliency: Projects that improve the ability of the transportation system to withstand and recover from natural or technological hazards and disruptions.
• Safety: Projects that advance the region’s goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads by 2030.

The 2026 application, review, public comment, and decision process is as follows:

• May 21: Applicant workshop
• June 5: Applications are due by 5 pm
• June 15 to July 16: Reviews by TRPC staff, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and Transportation Policy Board (TPB) Subcommittee
• July 27 to Aug. 9: Public comment period
• Sept. 3 to Oct 2: Reviews by TAC, TPB, and Council
• Oct 14: TPB makes its funding recommendation
• Nov 6: Council approves project selections and funding awards

Additional information is available at www.trpc.org/879/Federal-Funding-Call-for-Projects. Questions can be directed to Interim Planning Manager Paul Brewster at BrewsterP@trpc.org.