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