The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments is pleased to announce the recipients of the second round of the 2013-2014 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding. TAP is a federal funding source in the MAP-21 legislation dedicated for bicycle and pedestrian projects. ACOG was allocated approximately $2.8 million of TAP funding for the 2013-2014 funding cycle.
As in the first round, projects were selected based on their potential to meet the region’s needs as identified by ACOG’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The funding goals were: improve safety, address barriers in the network, and improve connectivity both between communities and within existing networks. These goals were identified to increase the number of Central Oklahomans using active transportation modes, like riding bicycles or walking.
The following three projects will be funded with the remaining 2013-2014 funding from the Transportation Alternatives Program and local matching funds:
City of Warr Acres: Sidewalk Improvements NW 50th, N Meridian to N MacArthur (Project Cost: $232,000)
This project will provide 0.8 mile of sidewalk along NW 50th Street, connecting sidewalks on N. Meridian to OKC’s sidewalks on N. MacArthur, and offering pedestrians access to Dolese Park, Putnam City Schools’ stadium, Putnam City High School, and the elementary and middle schools of St. Charles Catholic School. ADA improvements including pedestrian crossings and ramps have already been made at the intersections as part of a separate project.
EMBARK: Routeside Amenities (Project Cost: $82,812)
EMBARK (formerly METRO Transit) will improve approximately ten existing bus shelter locations across their service area, enhancing access to the transit network for cyclists and pedestrians. This project will make the shelters ADA compliant by connecting them to sidewalks and passenger pads at the curb. Additionally, some bicycle racks and a bicycle repair station will be installed at EMBARK’s downtown hub.
City of Midwest City: Midwest City Elementary School Connector (Project Cost: $121,000)
Midwest City will enhance the use of their developing trail network through this project, which will connect the newly constructed Midwest City Elementary School and Lion’s Park to the newly funded West Palmer Loop Trail. This project will include a signalized midblock crossing on Midwest Boulevard, a 4-lane arterial road, and a small stretch of off-road multiuse trail. (Note: The City will overmatch approximately $5,000 in local funding to ensure the project can be built as proposed.)
Through this call for projects, ACOG received applications for 22 unique projects totaling nearly $7.4 million in potential investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the region. ACOG gratefully acknowledges the time and effort all applicants invested in their proposals. To see a summary of the TAP projects funded, please click here.