Applications now open for 2026 Multimodal Planning Grant Program; Small towns, and higher education institutions encouraged to apply

By Staff Report, posted Feb 26, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the 2026 Multimodal Planning Grant Program, which provides state planning funds for identifying bike and walking paths and transit connections.

Multimodal planning helps communities grow with transportation systems that are safer, more connected and accessible for all users – whether driving, walking, biking or using transit.

For this reason, NCDOT encourages municipalities to develop comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian transportation plans with matching grants that turn local priorities into data-driven, fundable projects. The grant program helps municipalities:

Develop a framework for a robust bike/pedestrian environment
Identify projects to submit for prioritization and funding in the State Transportation Improvement Program
Strengthen ability to secure funding from outside sources
Develop an internal approach for implementation
Promote bike/pedestrian education and safety in municipalities
Develop local policy supportive of bike/pedestrian infrastructure development

State grants require local matching funds commensurate with population. Watch this webinar for more information on match funding and general program information.

Plans funded through this program provide a comprehensive strategy for expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities in a community, rather than support a single project. They may also address facilities, programs, policies and design guidelines that promote safe walking and biking.

Eligible applicants include:

Municipalities of any size and counties with populations under 100,000 seeking to update an existing bicycle or pedestrian plan that is at least five years old.
Municipalities with populations of less than 10,000 seeking an abbreviated plan focused on prioritizing project identification and implementation for small towns.
North Carolina colleges and universities.

The program is sponsored by the federal, state and local funding sources and has awarded $9.7 million to 278 municipalities, six counties and three universities since it began in 2004.

Proposals are divided and judged in regions to help ensure equitable distribution of funding statewide. Selected recipients typically include a diverse mix of municipalities from large cities to small towns.

Applications must be submitted online by April 13 at 5 p.m. Award recipients will be notified by June.

For more information, contact Bryan Lopez at 919-707-2606 or

balopez@ncdot.gov

Copyright © 2026 Enhanced Media Management Inc. dba Greater Fayetteville Business Journal
This story may be displayed, reformatted and printed for your personal, noncommercial use only and in accordance with our Terms of Service located at https://bizfayetteville.com/useragreement.