Quad Cities Metro Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Process
The TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) is a result of the comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing (3C) transportation planning process within the Quad Cities Metropolitan Planning Area. The program includes the roadway, trail, and transit projects.
Public input opportunities are provided throughout the TIP process. All Transportation Technical and Policy Committee meetings are open to the public. Mailings for these meetings are sent to the Committee members, the Regional Transportation Advisory Group (RTAG), and the media. RTAG membership includes elected officials, DOT and Corps of Engineers representatives, public and private transit representatives, local citizens, air and rail representatives, representatives of the disabled community, representatives of the elderly, environmental and historic preservation groups, and local engineering and planning staff. Any individual who requests a meeting notice is placed on the RTAG list. In addition, an official public participation process has been adopted by the Regional Transportation Policy Committee and is closely adhered to by the Bi-State Regional Commission staff.
The Quad Cities Metro Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a summary of roadway, trail, public transit, and related projects that are expected to be initiated during the next four years and will be financed in whole or in part with federal funds. The four-year program is a result of requirements outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Also included for informational purposes are some street improvements along major roadways (collector, arterial, or freeway classification) that will be funded with state and/or local funds. The TIP is comprised of four Annual Elements that include summaries of projects to be implemented each year during the four-year period. These projects have been derived from the Connect QC 2050: Quad Cities Long Range Transportation Plan, which was adopted by the Bi-State Regional Commission March 24, 2021. This plan is reaffirmed annually by the Bi-State Regional Commission. Projects have been identified through studies, conducted as part of the Congestion Management Process (CMP), which specifically considers system efficiency and less-capital-intensive solutions to transportation problems. Project priority is given to the Annual Element of the TIP. Projects in any of the annual elements can be moved from one year to another with a minor revision to this document due to changes in needs.
Funding Projects
Federal Highway Administration Funds
Bi-State Regional Commission staff in cooperation with the Quad Cities MPO Technical Committee have developed three manuals to outline the project selection and programming process for STBG, TASA, and CRP funds. Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds have typically been used to fund road improvements, but allow flexibility for transit and trails improvements. Transportation Alternatives Set Aside or TASA funds have typically been used on bicycle trails, but allow for sidewalk improvements, safe routes to schools, pedestrian improvements, and other related projects. CRP funds were introduced under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to reduce transportation emissions defined as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from on-road highway sources. The manuals detail program eligibility, application information, selection process, and evaluation criteria.
CRP
Carbon Reduction Program funds are solicited from and awarded to cities, counties or transit systems in the Quad Cities MPA that reduce carbon emissions. Eligible projects may include: trail facilities; infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians; traffic monitoring and management programs, port and truck stop electrification, and replacing street and traffic lights with energy efficient alternatives; purchasing or leasing low emission construction equipment; and environmental policy studies that directly support air quality improvement projects.
STBG
Surface Transportation Block Grants are awarded to road projects that improve the conditions and performance of public roads. Jurisdictions in the MPO can apply for STBG funds for roads classified as collector or above. STBG funds also allow for transit and trail improvements.
pdf Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program Evaluation Manual 2023 (1.73 MB)
TASA
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside is a subprogram under STBG, and funds projects improving travel conditions for bicycle and pedestrian transportation. Eligible projects include on-road and off-road bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as well as preservation of historic transportation facilities, safe routes to school projects, and other select categories.
pdf Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program Evaluation Manual 2023 (619 KB)
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Funds
FTA Section 5307 Funds – Urbanized Area Formula Funds
The local 5307 formula reflects the formula used by FTA, including population, density, ridership, revenues, and mileage. The three public fixed-route transit systems – Bettendorf Transit, Davenport CitiBus, and MetroLINK serving the Illinois Quad Cities – are direct recipients of 5307 monies. These 5307 monies are dispensed to the direct recipients by Bi-State Regional Commission, the designated recipient for FTA funds in the metro area. Section 5307 monies are directed toward urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. Eligible activities include planning, engineering, design, and capital projects for public transit.
FTA Section 5310 Funds – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities
Section 5310 funds are suballocated by population. These 5310 monies are dispensed to Bettendorf Transit and Davenport Citibus through a supplemental agreement. The 5310 monies in the Illinois Quad Cities are dispensed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Bi-State Regional Commission and Illinois Department of Transportation (ILDOT). The portion of 5310 funds attributed to the Illinois Quad Cities is directed through the ILDOT’s Commercial Vehicle Procurement (CVP) funding application process. Eligible applicants in the metro area submit projects through a competitive grant program administered by ILDOT.
FTA Section 5339 Funds – Buses and Bus Facilities Formula Program
Section 5339 funds are suballocated by formula. For 5339 funds, Bi-State Regional Commission acts as the designated of the funds and dispenses these funds through a supplemental agreement with the three fixed-route systems, similar to Sections 5307 and 5310. This capital program provides funding to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment, and to construct bus-related facilities.