The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) distributes Regional Surface Transportation Program funding in both fair-share, and set aside, and competitive programs. Monterey County and the cities receive fair-share Regional Surface Transportation Program funds based on a formula of 50% population and 50% centerline miles. The total fair share allocation over the next three years is $3.6 million. Ten percent ($1.8 million) is set aside as an RSTP reserve to provide flexibility to meet needs as they arise over the three-year period of this funding cycle. 

The Transportation Agency distributes the remaining portion of the Regional Surface Transportation Program funding on a competitive basis to transportation projects based on a variety of criteria, including safety, traffic volume and project readiness.  The competitive grants process starts with a call for projects and the release of grant application materials, then the Technical Advisory Committee will establish a subcommittee to review and rank project proposals.  Of the total competitive funds, $1,000,000 of funds are proposed to be set aside for a Quick-Build Project Pilot Program. The Quick-Build Project Pilot Program applications are also evaluated by the Technical Advisory Committee but scored through a separate application and scoring criteria.

TAMC invites local agencies to submit applications for the Quick-Build Project Pilot Program and the Competitive Grant Program. 

Applications shall be submitted no later than 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 1, 2023, to the Project Manager, Janneke Strause, janneke@tamcmonterey.org.  Applications received after the date and time specified above will not be considered. 

2023 Competitive Grants Cycle

2023 RSTP Guidelines & Grant Application (MS Word)

Project proposals for the Competitive Program will be evaluated based on the following scoring rubric for a total of 100 points:

Screening Criteria:

1. The proposed project will be implemented within 3 years.
2. The project is consistent with local and regional plans.
3. For intersection projects, an Intersection Control Evaluation has been or will be completed.
4. A pre-construction baseline Before Study has been or will be completed.

Section A - Project Information & Regional Significance (25 points total)

1. Traffic volumes in the corridor - 5 points
2. The project will mitigate safety hazards - 5 points
3. The project serves regional travel - 5 points
4. The project benefits Disadvantaged Communities - 5 points
5. The project benefits people with disabilities - 5 points

Section B - Complete Streets (25 points total)

1. Stakeholder outreach was conducted - 5 points
2. The project is expected to reduce bicycle level of traffic stress - 5 points
3. The project incorporates complete streets treatments - 5 points
4. The project improves bicycle, pedestrian or transit design features - 2.5 points
5. This is a maintenance project with complete street enhancements - 2.5 points
6. The project improves access and/or closes a gap for transportation disadvantaged communities - 5 points

Section C - Project Readiness & Cost Effectiveness (25 points total)

1. Project is ready to bid within three years - 5 points
2. Request for funding will fully-fund the project - 5 points
3. Project has completed the environmental phase - 5 points
4. Project has completed the design / right-of-way phase - 5 points
5. The project has a positive benefit / cost ratio - 5 points

Section D - Prior Project Delivery Performance (25 points total)

1. The jurisdiction is maximizing the use of fair-share RSTP - 10 points
2. The jurisdiction has delivered previously awarded competitive projects on time - 10 points
3. This funding request does not fund a cost-overrun - 5 points

Project proposals for the Quick-Build Project Pilot Program will be evaluated based on the following scoring rubric for a total of 100 points:

Screening Criteria:

1. The proposed project will be implemented within 2 years.
2. The project is consistent with one of the following design guides or local or regional plan:
   1. Monterey Bay Area Complete Streets Guidebook
   2. Safe Routes to Schools Plan
   3. Monterey County Active Transportation Plan
   4. NACTO's Urban Bikeway Design Guide
   5. NACTO's Urban Street Design Guide
   6. Other
3. A pre-construction baseline Before Study has been or will be completed.

Quick-Build Project Information & Narrative (50 points total)

1. The project will quickly address an urgent safety need or improve comfort for non-motorized users, including students, older adults, and disadvantaged communities - 0-10 points
2. Engaged the community in the identification and initial planning of the project - 0-5 points
3. Plans include continuous community engagement for the duration of the project - 0-5 points
4. The project scope is flexible and adjustable based on community feedback - 0-5 points
5. The quick-build project’s progress and performance will be measured - 0-10 points
6. The quick-build project provides a foundation for a potential permanent infrastructure project - 0-10 points
7. There is a maintenance strategy in place for the quick-build project - 0-5 points