Small City Program (OH) Grant

Small City Program (OH) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ohio Department of Transportation
Amount: Up to US $2,000,000
Last Updated: May 09, 2025

Summary

The Small City Program in Ohio allocates federal funds to small cities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999, not included in Metropolitan Planning Organizations. With an annual budget of $10.5 million, this program supports road, safety, and signal projects. The funding covers up to 80% of eligible construction costs, and a scoring system prioritizes projects based on various factors, ensuring effective use of resources and improved transportation infrastructure for eligible communities.

Overview

NOTE: The applicant is strongly encouraged to contact and/or meet with their ODOT district to discuss the proposed project prior to submitting an application. Small City Program (OH) The Small City Program provides federal funds to small cities with populations from 5,000 to 24,999 that are not located within a Metropolitan Planning Organizations’ boundaries. This program may be used for any road, safety, or signal project on the Federal-aid system. The allocation for the Small City Program is established by ODOT and administered by the Office of Local Programs. Currently, the annual budget for this program is $10.5 million. As previously stated, there are currently 53 small cities identified as eligible for this program. The population is determined by the official U.S. Census and those cities eligible for the Small City Program will be re-evaluated every ten years after the census has occurred and the official data has been provided to the public. A criteria-based project selection process has been developed to focus on enhancing system performance, both on and off Federal-aid Highways, while keeping within a financial plan that utilizes existing available resources. Funding of all projects will be linked to defined deficiencies, so each dollar invested results in system improvement. A scoring system has been established to be used in prioritizing projects. The scoring criteria includes Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), Volume to Capacity, Pavement Condition Rating, Safety Integrated Project (SIP) Maps, Crash Frequency, Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) Index, and Economic Health. In addition to this scoring system, a multi-disciplinary committee reviews the applications and provides feedback and determination for each project. The committee’s determinations are taken into consideration when selecting which projects to award funding. Lastly, whether the Small City has been awarded funds in previous years may play a factor in the decision to award depending on the amount of funding requested during that year’s solicitation cycle. Scope of project and commitment dates are established and agreed to by the Small City and ODOT when the project is programmed. These dates are the milestones for each phase of the project through final inspection. The number and types of milestones differ as to whether a project is sold and administered by ODOT or by the Small City. ODOT reserves the right to move any project to the end of the selected project list or withdraw funding if commitment dates are missed by the Small City. Funding A funding limit of $2 million per project is set. ODOT will provide up to 80% of the eligible costs for construction and construction inspection only. Historically, the funding amount for this program has been approximately $10 million annually. Currently, 15% Toll Revenue Credit (TRC) is available to increase the Federal percentage to 95% and will continue as long as TRC is available, which is currently for projects awarding through fiscal year 2028. The small city is responsible for the 5% non-federal share of the construction costs and for all costs associated with preliminary engineering, environmental studies and documents, final design, right of way, and utilities. The local match for construction is required to be cash. In-kind contributions cannot be accepted as part of the local share. The small city must demonstrate the ability and commitment to oversee the project through to completion.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Small City funds may be used for the following:Pavement rehabilitation Roundabouts Bridge overlay, as part of a paving project Signals Roadway widening Road diets:May be eligible items under the Safety Program depending on existing conditions (i.e. speed, ADT, demand/need, network gaps, alignment with the State & US Bike Route System and proposed work.Utilities and storm water pump station: if deemed absolutely necessary to the project to move or replace (will not pay for “upgrades” to the current system, e.g., a 30” pipe rather than the existing 24”, unless it is required to meet design standards)Curb and ramps: if deemed necessary as part of the eligible project

Ineligibility

Ineligible items include, but are not limited to:Bridge replacement, rehabilitation, or demolition Access roads Projects that are primarily driven by congestion mitigation and not repairing/replacing existing deteriorating roadwayUtilities: except as deemed absolutely necessary to complete the roadway project Upgrades to existing utilities Pedestrian/bicycle bridges:May be eligible items under the Safety Program depending on existing conditions (i.e. speed, ADT, demand/need, network gaps, alignment with the State & US Bike Route System) and proposed work. These are also eligible items under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Sidewalks and shared use paths:May be eligible items under the Safety Program depending on existing conditions (i.e. speed, ADT, demand/need, network gaps, alignment with the State & US Bike Route System) and proposed work. These are also eligible items under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Stand-alone storm water pump stations Pedestrian signals and signage:May be eligible items under the Safety Program depending on existing conditions (i.e. speed, ADT, demand/need, network gaps, alignment with the State & US Bike Route System) and proposed work. These are also eligible items under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Enhancement items such as streetscapes, benches, trash receptacles, decorative poles, etc:Eligible items under TAP.Design risk contingency costs Right-of-Way Preliminary Engineering Environmental work Design work (if the project is design build, this work must be tracked separately)