Public comment periods open for draft applications processes for transportation funding

Regional Solicitation, Active Transportation, and Highway Safety Improvement Program solicitation application packages

The Metropolitan Council and the Transportation Advisory Board are accepting comments on the draft application processes for the Regional Solicitation, Active Transportation Solicitation, and Highway Safety Improvement Program Solicitation, which the board released for public comment on January 21.

The three solicitations are competitive grant processes used to prioritize and invest federal transportation funds and regional sales tax funds in infrastructure and services like roads, bridges, transit routes, bike paths, sidewalks, and electric vehicle charging, and programs like travel demand management and active transportation planning. Whether for existing infrastructure or new improvements, projects focus on outcomes from Imagine 2050 and 2050 Transportation Policy Plan like providing reliable travel times and more travel options, reducing crash-related deaths and serious injuries, and supporting healthy communities.

The 2026 Regional Solicitation, Active Transportation Solicitation, and Highway Safety Improvement Program Solicitation draft packages reflect nearly two years of collaborative work to redesign the solicitation applications and processes to align with Imagine 2050, the 2050 Transportation Policy Plan, and feedback from regional partners and stakeholders.

• Visit the Regional Solicitation web page to learn more about the competitive grant process and view the applications and instructions for the solicitations.
• Visit the Regional Solicitation Evaluation web page to learn about the process that led to the 2026 solicitation packages.
• *New* Visit the Active Transportation Funding web page for more information on how the new Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax will contribute to active transportation across the region.

We will receive comments through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17.

• Submit your comments on the application materials. 
• Check out the budgeting tool to share your funding preferences and priorities.
• Provide comment at the virtual public meeting on February 10 from 4-p.m. to 6 p.m. with a brief presentation at 4 p.m. Register for the meeting.

Other options to submit a comment:

• Email [email protected]
• Record a message at 651-602-1500 (TTY 651-221-9886)
• Mail comments to 390 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55101-1805

Regional Bicycle Transportation Network updates 

The Met Council is also updating the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN) to align with changes in local government bicycle plans. These systems are part of the Regional Solicitation project selection criteria and are one piece of the draft application package out for public comment. More details on this update can be found in a Met Council business item.  

You can review the proposed updates to the RBTN on Google Earth. The Met Council will consider these updates to the final maps to be used in the 2026 Regional Solicitation scoring. 

We will receive comments on updates to the RBTN through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17. Submit your comments.
 

What type of feedback is useful?

Feedback on the solicitation can be related to any aspect of the package of materials. Not all comments can lead to changes before the 2026 solicitation is released but will be considered for the future.
 

What’s next?

Once the public comment period is closed, the Met Council and Transportation Advisory Board will review the comments received and revise the application materials to reflect any necessary and desired changes and begin the process to approve the application materials and open the call for projects.

Local agencies and their partners will be invited to apply for funds in late spring 2026. Project selection processes are anticipated to be completed in winter 2026/2027.

More information on how to apply for funds will be shared before the call for projects opens.