Program Purpose

The STP provides flexible funding that may be used by States and localities for projects to preserve and improve the transportation system consistent with regional priorities. The funds may be utilized on any Federal-aid highway, including the NHS, bridge projects on any public road, transit capital projects, and intracity and intercity bus terminals and facilities. A portion of funds reserved for rural areas may be spent on rural minor collectors. Funds are allocated to the MPOs/RTPOs and county lead agencies for regional prioritization and selection.

Contact: your applicable MPO/RTPO (pdf 150kb)for additional information.

Distribution of Funds

Consistent with the ‘Implementation Guidance for Federal Project Selections’ emailed on May 1, 2006, formula distribution of these funds is not allowed.

• FFY 2010 - Retains the special rule for areas of less than 5,000 population . Permits up to 15 percent of amounts reserved for rural areas to be spent on rural minor collectors. [1108(f)]

National Highway System (NHS) Funds Guidance

Local agencies own approximately 3.5% of the NHS centerline miles in the state. WSDOT will continue to exchange NHS funds for STP funds for allocation to the responsible selection agencies (MPO, RTPO or county lead).

While there is no formal acknowledgment required, it is recognized that an agency with NHS routes is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of those routes, that those routes are deemed to be greater importance than non-NHS routes and that when rehabilitation or reconstruction work is accomplished NHS standards apply.

The agencies are expected to consider the relative importance of the route, roadway condition and traffic impact on NHS routes as they prepare their six-year programs for their roadway systems. The local agencies and the responsible selection agencies will insure their respective NHS routes are given priority in their programming process.

Therefore, a certification from the MPOs, RTPOs and county lead agencies stating that the NHS facilities have been given priority in their programming process or the NHS facilities are in adequate condition, is required to be included in their TIP submittals to WSDOT.