The Scenic Highway designation has helped many byway organizations and community groups access potential funding sources to support their efforts to preserve and promote regionally significant byway areas. Although the Florida Scenic Highways Program does not provide direct funding for groups seeking designation, various other funding options, along with informational trainings and webinars, are available to help byway organizations connect with federal, state, and other funding opportunities.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAMS
Examples of potential federal funding opportunities are presented below and include programs that applicants may consider pursuing.
Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program
Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is aimed at supporting communities in building active transportation systems by funding planning and construction of interconnected pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. More information can be found here: ATIIP – Bicycle and Pedestrian Program – Environment – FHWA.
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Program
The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program supports surface transportation infrastructure projects relating to roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, and intermodal facilities with significant local or regional impact. The program will fund both planning and construction activities and prioritizes projects in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. More information on this program can be found here: Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation
Highway Safety Improvement Program
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a key federal-aid initiative managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), focused on reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries through infrastructure-related safety improvements on all public roads. More information can be found here: Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) | FHWA
National Scenic Byways Program
The National Scenic Byways Program (NBSP) supports corridor management plans to ensure long-term preservation of scenic byways while promoting economic development through tourism. This program works to recognize roads of outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, or archeological qualities. More information can be found here: National Scenic Byways Program – Planning, Environment, & Real Estate – FHWA
Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning Program
The Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Program is a competitive grant designed to fund comprehensive or site-specific planning for transit investments. Transit-oriented development planning studies (both corridor-wide and site-specific) are eligible. More information can be found here: https://www.transit.dot.gov/TODPilot
Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost‑Saving Transportation Program
The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant program funds projects that improve resilience and operational capacity, especially in rural, scenic, and vulnerable corridors. Many scenic byways are in rural areas, qualifying them for the 25% rural allocation, which can help a project’s competitiveness and eligibility. Additional information can be found here: Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Program (PROTECT) | US Department of Transportation
Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TA) is a dedicated federal funding stream within the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program aimed at supporting smaller-scale, community-oriented transportation projects. For more information, visit: Transportation Alternatives Program
OTHER FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (NPS-RTCA) welcomes applications from community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state, and federal agencies. NPS-RTCA does not provide financial assistance or monetary grants but acts as a collaborative partner and offers professional services to help organizations streamline conservation and outdoor recreation project goals. A prerecorded webinar is available for more information on this type of assistance: nps.gov/orgs/rtca/nps-rtca-informational-webinar.htm
Regional Conservation Partnership Program
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Learn more: nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/regional-conservation-partnership-program.
For information on other federal funds, contact your District Scenic Highways Coordinator.
STATE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Byway organizations and community groups may also consider using state funding opportunities.
Adopt-a-Highway Program
The Florida Department of Transportation sponsors this program to keep Florida’s state highway system litter-free. Volunteers enter into a two-year agreement with FDOT, during which they agree to conduct litter removal at regularly scheduled intervals. Many miles of highway are adopted statewide by various organizations, allowing civic-minded people to make a difference in their communities. For more information, visit: fdot.gov/maintenance/aah.shtm.
Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program
The Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI) Grant Program was developed to protect and manage Florida’s coastal resources. The Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP) makes federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) funds available on a competitive basis to eligible local governments. Florida’s public colleges and universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs, and nonprofit groups also may apply if an eligible local government agrees to participate as a partner. Learn more:floridadep.gov/rcp/fcmp/content/grants
Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant
FloridaCommerce accepts grant requests for the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant Program. CPTA grants provide local governments located in Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAOs) and/or rural communities, counties, municipalities, and regional planning councils the opportunity to create innovative plans and development strategies to promote a diverse economy, meet statutory planning requirements, and protect environmentally sensitive areas. Learn more:
floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/programs/community-planning-table-of-contents/technical-assistance/community-planning-technical-assistance-grant
Florida Division of Arts & Culture Grant Programs
The Division of Arts & Culture under the Florida Department of State offers several categories of grants that could be of interest to byway organizations, including General Program Support, Specific Cultural Projects, Cultural Facilities, and Cultural Endowments to support assets in designated byway areas. Learn more about these options: dos.fl.gov/cultural/grants/grant-programs.
Florida Highway Beautification Grant Program
The Florida Department of Transportation provides funds for landscape beautification projects on Florida’s roadways. For more information, please visit: fdot.gov/roadway/landscape-architecture/beautification-grants.
Florida Main Street Program
The Division of Historical Resources under the Department of State provides technical assistance for eligible communities. The program encourages the revitalization of traditional downtown commercial districts through a community-based, comprehensive approach. For more information, visit: myflorida.com…main-street-program.
Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program
The Land and Recreation Grants staff administers grants to local governments through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP). This competitive, reimbursement grant program provides financial assistance for the acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation. Eligible participants include all county governments, municipalities in Florida, and other legally constituted local governmental entities responsible for providing outdoor recreational sites and facilities for the general public. Learn more: floridadep.gov/lands/land-and-recreation-grants/content/florida-recreation-development-assistance-program
Historic Preservation Grants
The Historic Preservation Grants Program allocates state funds appropriated by the Legislature and federal funds apportioned to the state by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, for the preservation and protection of the state’s historic and archaeological sites and properties. Learn more about the program and various grant opportunities here: dos.fl.gov/historical/grants
Recreational Trails Program
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is state-administered federal funding that provides funding to develop and maintain recreational trails for motorized and non-motorized recreational trail users. Eligible projects may include maintenance and restoration of existing trails; development and rehabilitation of trail facilities; purchase/lease of equipment; construction of new trails; acquisition of property for trails or trail corridors; State administrative costs; and the operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection. For more information, visit: fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/index.cfm.
Rural Infrastructure Fund
The Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) is administered by FloridaCommerce and supports the planning and construction of infrastructure projects in rural communities to boost job creation and economic development. Eligible activities include projects related to public infrastructure improvements for industrial and commercial sites, public tourism infrastructure, or improvements to inadequate infrastructure. More information regarding applicant eligibility and grant categories can be found at: floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/office-of-rural-initiatives
Safe Routes to School
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is a state-administered federal funding program that aims to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, encourage active transportation, and fund infrastructure projects such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and traffic calming measures near schools. Funding can cover planning, design, and construction of improvements, as well as non-infrastructure activities like safety campaigns. For more information, visit: https://www.fdot.gov/Safety/programs/safe-routes.shtm
SUN Trail Program
The SUN (Shared-Use Non-motorized) Trail Program targets existing, planned, and conceptual paved, two-directional shared-use paths or multi-use trails of statewide or regional importance, aligned with the Florida Greenways and Trails System Priority Land Trails Network. Priority is given to continuing previously funded SUN Trail project phases that are ready for programming, and regional trail systems identified by the Florida Greenways and Trails Council, and projects that improve quality of life through economic opportunities and destination connectivity. Potential projects must be in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to be considered for funding. More information can be found here: https://www.fdot.gov/planning/systems/systems-management/SUNTrail
GENERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
FDOT Work Program
An applicant may contact the District Scenic Highways Coordinator to determine if elements in the development of a scenic highway coincide with highway improvements planned for the District’s Five Year Work Program.
Florida Highway Beautification Council Grant Program
The Florida Highway Beautification Council, through the Department of Transportation, provides funds for landscape beautification projects on Florida’s roadways. The funding is a matching grant of 50 percent. For more information, please contact the District Beautification Grant Coordinator.
Fundraising & Sponsorship
An applicant may develop fundraising and sponsorship strategies to raise funds for developing a scenic highway.
Local Funding
An applicant may contact local government(s) to determine whether funds are available to assist in developing a scenic highway.
MPO Support
An applicant may contact the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in their area to determine whether funds are available to assist in implementing the scenic highway activities.
Not For Profit Groups
Organizations such as The Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, and 1000 Friends of Florida may contribute technical assistance for corridor activities.
Private Donations
An applicant may contact residents along the proposed scenic highway, as well as people and businesses interested in the corridor, to raise funds for the development of the scenic highway.
State Legislative Funding
An applicant may request legislative appropriation funding from the Florida House of Representatives or the Florida Senate for the development of a scenic highway.
