Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research (Section 5304)

The goals of the FTA's Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program (Section 5304) are to support comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing transportation planning processes that improve mobility and accessibility in ar

The State and Non-Metropolitan Planning program provides assistance to States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to assist with the transportation planning within the State and urbanized areas. A feature of the program is heavy reliance on public input for design of the transportation system through project selection.

Only State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) are directly eligible applicants for assistance. However, funding may be passed through from the State DOT to other eligible subrecipients, such as; rural local governments, Tribal governments, Regional planning organizations, Nonmetropolitan local officials, and Public transportation operators in rural and small urban areas. The program is structured to ensure that nonmetropolitan and tribal transportation needs are integrated into the overall statewide transportation planning process. States are encouraged to involve and support local and tribal entities in developing planning activities and documents.

State DOT are directly eligible for assistance. The program is structured to ensure that nonmetropolitan and tribal transportation needs are integrated into the overall statewide transportation planning process. States are encouraged to involve and support local and tribal entities in developing planning activities and documents.

When applying for FTA's Section 5304 Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program, applicants must provide documentation and credentials beyond those required under 2 CFR 200. These typically include a completed SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and Statewide Planning Work Program (SWP or SPR Work Plan). Applicants must submit a detailed planning work program outlining tasks, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and budget estimates. You must also have a "Letter of Transmittal" or Certification from the State DOT which is a formal letter confirming the state's commitment to the program and authorizing the submission on behalf of the state. In addition, supporting documentation for project eligibility. This can include maps, demographic data, needs assessments, or existing transportation plans that support the purpose of the proposed planning activities. Documentation of Coordination with Stakeholders should also be in included as evidence that the planning effort was coordinated with local agencies, rural transportation providers, tribal entities, and the public (e.g., meeting summaries, letters of support, or collaboration agreements). Also needed is budget and justification; a breakdown of anticipated costs by activity or task, along with justification explaining the use and necessity of the funds. Finally, State Assurances and Certifications are needed to apply. A full documentation of items will be included in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

In metropolitan areas, activities assisted under this section may include preparation of transportation plans including transportation improvement programs and management systems; studies related to transportation management, operations, capital requirements, economic feasibility, performance-based planning, public transportation agency safety plans, transit asset management plans, evaluation of previously funded capital projects; and other related activities in preparation for the construction, acquisition, or improved operation of transportation systems, facilities, and equipment, public participation in transportation planning, security and emergency transportation planning. In nonurbanized areas of the state, eligible activities include planning, and technical studies and assistance. A State may authorize the use of a portion of these funds to supplement and administer Metropolitan Planning.

Under the FTA Section 5304 Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program, federal assistance is available on an annual basis. Funds are typically available for obligation during the federal fiscal year in which they are apportioned, and they remain available for obligation for up to three years (the fiscal year of apportionment plus two additional years). Once obligated in a grant, recipients typically have up to five years to expend the funds, depending on the terms of the grant agreement and project scope. Any funds not obligated within the three-year period may lapse and be returned to the U.S. Treasury, unless otherwise extended or reallocated.

An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

The FTA Section 5304 Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program is a formula grant program and does not use a competitive proposal selection process like discretionary grants. Instead, the key criteria for receiving and using funds focus on the following. Eligibility, only State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) are direct recipients, ensuring the state administers the program. Compliance with Federal Requirements; states must follow planning regulations (49 U.S.C. § 5304, 23 U.S.C. 135) and submit required documents like the Statewide Planning Work Program. Alignment with Program Goals; proposed planning activities should support comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing transportation planning in rural and nonmetropolitan areas. Coordination and Consultation; planning must demonstrate coordination with local officials, tribal governments, MPOs, and the public. Finally, Completeness of Application. Applications must include all required forms, certifications, and a detailed budget. Since this is a formula program, funds are apportioned based on statutory formulas, not on proposal merit or competition. However, States may have internal processes to prioritize specific projects or activities within their allocation.

The award procedure for the FTA Section 5304 Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning and Research Program follows a formula-based, non-competitive process. Each federal fiscal year, FTA apportions funds to State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) based on a statutory formula, which considers factors such as population and transit service data. FTA publishes the apportionment tables, showing each state's allocated amount for Section 5304 funding. The State DOT submits a grant application through FTA's Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). The application includes the Statewide Planning Work Program (SPWP), budget details, and required certifications and assurances. FTA reviews the application for completeness and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Once approved, FTA issues the grant award through TrAMS, enabling the State DOT to obligate and draw down funds. States may distribute funds to rural local governments, tribal entities, or regional planning organizations to carry out planning activities consistent with the program's goals.

Funds are apportioned annually.

Applicants may contact the FTA Regional Office if they have questions or concerns about an application. https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-offices