The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) distributes Regional Surface Transportation Program funding in both fair-share, and set aside, and competitive programs. Monterey County and the cities receive fair-share Regional Surface Transportation Program funds based on a formula of 50% population and 50% centerline miles. The total fair share allocation over the next three years is $3.6 million. Ten percent ($1.9 million) is set aside as an RSTP reserve to provide flexibility to meet needs as they arise over the three-year period of this funding cycle. 

The Transportation Agency distributes the remaining portion of the Regional Surface Transportation Program funding on a competitive basis to transportation projects based on a variety of criteria, including safety, traffic volume and project readiness.  The competitive grants process starts with a call for projects and the release of grant application materials, then the Technical Advisory Committee and Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee will establish a subcommittee to review and rank project proposals.  Of the total competitive funds, $2,000,000 of funds are proposed to be set aside for a Quick-Build / Pilot Project Program. The Quick-Build / Pilot Project Program applications are also evaluated by Review Committee but scored through a separate application and scoring criteria.

TAMC invites local agencies to submit applications for the Competitive and Quick-Build / Pilot Project Program. 

Applications shall be submitted no later than 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 5, 2026, to the Project Manager, Janneke Strause, janneke@tamcmonterey.org.  Applications received after the date and time specified above will not be considered. 

2026 Competitive and Quick-Build / Pilot Project Grants Cycle

2026 RSTP Guidelines & Grant Application (Fillable PDF)

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Competitive Grant Program

Project Proposals for the Competitive Program will be evaluated based on the following scoring rubric for a total of 100 points:

Screening Criteria - (Projects must meet all screening criteria to be eligible for funding)

1. The project will be implemented within 3 years. 
2. The project is consistent with local and regional plans.
3. For intersection projects, an Intersection Safety and Operational Assessment Process has been or will be completed.
4. A pre-construction baseline Before Study has been or will be completed.
5. The proposed project has been coordinated with relevant stakeholders (e.g. MST, Caltrans, Schools, etc.)

Section A - Project Information and Regional Significance (25 points total)

1. The project is on a high volume corridor - 5 points
2. The project is on the High-Injury Network or will mitigate safety hazards - 5 points
3. The project serves regional travel or provides an alternative route - 5 points
4. The project benefits disadvantaged communities - 5 points
5. The project benefits people with disabilities - 5 points

Section B - Complete Streets Elements (25 points total)

1. Stakeholder outreach was conducted - 5 points
2. The project is expected to reduce bicycle and/or pedestrian level of traffic stress - 5 points
3. The project incorporates complete streets elements - 5 points
4. The project is being implemented during pavement maintenance - 5 points
5. The project improves access to and/or closes a gap for transportation disadvantaged communities - 5 points

Section C - Project Readiness & Cost Effectiveness (25 points total)

1. The project will start construction within three years - 5 points
2. The request for funding will fully fund the project - 5 points
3. The project has completed the environmental phase - 5 points
4. The project has completed the design / right-of-way phase - 5 points
5. The project has a positive benefit / cost ratio - 5 points

Section D - Prior Project Delivery Performance

1. The jurisdiction is maximizing the use of RSTP fair share funds - 10 points
2. The jurisdiction has delivered previously-awarded competitive projects on time - 10 points
3. The funding request does not fund a cost-overrun - 5 points

Quick-Build / Pilot Project Grant Program

Quick-Build and Pilot Project grants are provided for projects constructed within 2 years using permanent or semi-permanent materials. Quick-Build projects are non-controversial and can be implemented immediately, while Pilot Projects are testing a new design concept and may be controversial. Before and After studies and ongoing community outreach are only required for Pilot Projects. Project proposals for the Quick-Build and Pilot Project grant program will be evaluated based on the following scoring rubric for a total of 100 points:

Screening Criteria - (Projects must meet all screening criteria to be eligible for funding)

1. The project will be implemented within 2 years.
2. The project is consistent with local and regional plans or design guide.
3. Pilot Projects Only - a pre-installation baseline Before Study has been or will be completed.
4. The proposed project has been coordinated with relevant stakeholders (e.g. MST, Caltrans, Schools, etc.)

Quick-Build Projects Information & Narrative (100 points)

1. There is a clear safety need - 20 points
2. The project will improve comfort for people biking, walking, and/or using transit - 20 points
3. The project will improve access to/for a disadvantaged community - 20 points
4. The project will be implemented during pavement maintenance - 20 points
5. There is a maintenance strategy in place - 20 points

Pilot Project Information & Narrative (100 points)

1. There is a clear safety need - 15 points
2. The project will improve comfort for people biking, walking, and/or using transit - 15 points
3. The project will improve access to/for a disadvantaged community - 15 points
4. The community was engaged in the identification and initial planning of the project - 10 points
5. The pilot project provides a foundation for permanent infrastructure - 15 points
6. There is a maintenance strategy in place - 10 points
7. The project includes continuous community engagement - 10 points
8. The project's performance will be measured - 10 points