As delineated in the Capital Improvement Program, Stafford County relies on several funding sources to fund our transportation projects. Funding generally comes from Local, State, and Federal sources. For State and Federal sources, these are usually competitive grant applications that rely on performance measures to score and fund projects.
All transportation projects are generally found within the VDOT Six-Year Improvement Program As required by law; the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) allocates public funds to transportation projects over six-fiscal years. These projects include improvements to the interstate, primary, secondary, and urban highway systems, public transit, ports and airports, and other programs. The database for the six-year improvement program can be found here.
State Funding Sources:
SMART SCALE: This is a competitive funding process initiated by House Bill 2 (HB2) in 2014 to balance transportation needs and prioritize investments throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program is currently on a biennial schedule, with applications accepted in March of even-numbered years and final project selections made in June of the following odd-numbered year. Projects are scored based on quantifiable metrics in six categories: Safety, Congestion, Accessibility, Land Use, Economic Development, and Environment. Additional information on SMART SCALE can be found on the SMART SCALE website here.
Revenue Sharing: This is a funding program in cooperation with participating localities where there are limitations to the amount of state funds authorized per locality at $10 million per biennial cycle. The program provides additional funding to improve, construct, maintain, or reconstruct the highway system based on a 50% local match provided by the locality. Additional information on Revenue Sharing can be found within VDOT's Local Assistance Division here.
State of Good Repair: Incorporated in 2015, this program provides funding for deteriorated pavement and bridges in poor condition. Projects are prioritized based on an approved prioritization process, and funding is allocated based on need, with each VDOT district receiving between 5.5 and 17.5 percent of available funds. Additional information on State of Good Repair can be found on the program webpage here.
State-Administered Federal Funding Sources:
Highway Safety Improvement Program: This is a funding program that receives federal and state funding to implement safety improvements across the roadway network in Virginia. Projects are guided by the Strategic Highway Safety Plan and projects are advanced that have the greatest potential to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries. More information on the Highway Safety Improvement Program can be found on the program webpage here.
Transportation Alternatives Program: This is a federal funding program supported through a set-aside in the Surface Transportation Block Grant program. Generally, this program supports bicycle and pedestrian projects that expand non-motorized travel choices and enhance the transportation experience. The program is administered by VDOT, where projects are prioritized and scored, and project selections are made by members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Stafford County provides a 20% local match for submitted projects. Additional information on the Transportation Alternatives Program can be found on the program webpage here.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality: This is a federal program that supports transportation projects or programs that aim to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The program is administered through VDOT by the Frederickicksburg Area MPO (FAMPO). FAMPO prioritizes projects based on a project prioritization process and allocates the funding based on funding availability every year. More information on the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program can be found on the federal program webpage here, or on FAMPO's project webpage here.
Surface Transportation Block Grant Program: This is a federal funding program that provides flexible funding for transportation projects, planning, and programs. The program is administered through VDOT by the Frederickicksburg Area MPO (FAMPO). FAMPO prioritizes projects based on a project prioritization process and allocates the funding based on funding availability every year. More information on the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program can be found on the federal program webpage here, or on FAMPO's project webpage here.