idot_spr_guidelines.md

IDOT Statewide Planning & Research Funds Guidelines

Overview

• IDOT receives approximately $25 million annually in Federal Highway Administration State Planning and Research Funds
• Funds are used to establish a cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive framework for transportation planning and research
• FY2025 Program Guidance document outlines requirements for grant applications

Eligible Activities

• Planning studies
• Data purchase, collection, and/or analysis
• Program development activities
• Performance management activities
• Coordination/outreach activities

Ineligible Activities

• SPR funds are NOT for use on:
  • Preliminary engineering
  • Design
  • Right-of-way
  • Construction
  • Maintenance projects
• Air and water transportation modes are generally not eligible (with some exceptions)

Project Requirements

• All proposed projects must relate to the State's Long Range Transportation Plan or modal plans
• IDOT evaluates projects based on their ability to further study or implement the Long Range Transportation Plan
• Projects can support internal agency staff, consultant assistance, and data/equipment purchases
• Procurement must follow federal and state rules

Eligible Entities

• Government entities (IDOT, other state agencies, planning organizations, local jurisdictions)
• Joint applications are encouraged for multi-sponsor projects
• Private entities or non-profits are eligible if they have a public sponsor (municipality, park district, county, etc.)

Funding Information

• Competitive process for a portion of the funds
• Projects should align with transportation planning goals
• Multi-modal transportation focus (highways, active transportation, rail, transit)
• Partial funding may be available for air/water transportation if related to goods movement or surface transportation

Application Process

• Formal application required (Appendix A of the guidance document)
• IDOT and FHWA determine eligibility of project proposals
• Projects evaluated based on alignment with Long Range Transportation Plan

Relevance to Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network

• The project aligns with planning and research for transportation infrastructure
• Focus on electric vehicle infrastructure supports state transportation goals
• Public-private partnership structure appears eligible with proper sponsorship
• Data collection and analysis components would be eligible activities
• Performance management aspects align with eligible activities