UPDATE: Both the Safe Routes to School and TE/TAP application deadlines have been extended to June 30, 2014.

Funding opportunities to build sidewalks, bike lanes, multi-use trails and other pedestrian and bicyclist-focused accommodations are coming to New Jersey through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) and Transportation Enhancements (TE)/Transportation Alternatives (TAP) programs. This funding comes in addition to the most recent grant round for federal funding through the TIGER program that has recently become available to local entities throughout the country.

Applications for TIGER grants are due on April 28, 2014, and the SRTS, TE and TAP grant rounds begin this week. Although it is behind all of its neighbor states — New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware — who have already begun to solicit TAP grant applications, New Jersey will have some real opportunities to improve its most dangerous roads and expand Circuit trails once this funding is made available. Counties and municipalities need to start preparing applications for these programs now, as demand for funding is expected to be high.

More details on each of the programs:

Safe Routes to School

• Municipalities, counties and school districts can apply for funding for construction projects that improve conditions for walking and biking in the vicinity of K-8 schools
• $5.6 million will be available statewide in FY 2014
• Eligible projects include sidewalk construction, crosswalks, school zone markings, trails and other infrastructure that allows children to walk or bike to school safely

Transportation Enhancements/Transportation Alternatives

• Local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, transit authorities, natural resource/public land agencies and tribal governments can apply for funding for construction, planning and design of on-road and off-road facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists
• It is expected that a total of $15.5 million will be available stateside in FY 2014 ($8.24 million through TAP and $7.26 million through TE)
• Eligible projects for both programs include multi-use trails, bike lanes, sidewalks and others; projects that can be funded under TE but not under TAP include pedestrian and bicycle safety education programs, acquisition of scenic/historic sites, tourist welcome centers and transportation museums

Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)

• All public entities, such as municipalities, counties, port authorities, tribal governments and metropolitan planning organizations are eligible for funding for a wide range of transportation projects that increase local and regional safety, economic competitiveness, state of good repair, livability and environmental sustainability
• Previously funded projects include transit, freight, pedestrian/bicycle, multi-modal, port and road projects, including bicycle and pedestrian road safety improvements in Camden
• TIGER is authorized to award up to $600 million nationally in FY 2014
• Information about the application process can be found here