I am writing on behalf of the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) to oppose the proposed changes to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in Virginia. These proposed changes would negatively impact the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program in the Commonwealth as well as limit active transportation network development across Virginia.

In particular, we oppose changes that would limit TAP applications to 5 per jurisdiction per grant cycle as well as restrictions on the percentage of program costs that can be covered by TAP. We would like to see expanded SRTS programming in the Commonwealth, not limiting current programs.

We encourage VDOT to bring any proposed changes to TAP before active transportation stakeholders (planners, staff, elected officials, advocates) across the Commonwealth to ensure that changes that are made truly strengthen TAP and programs like Safe Routes to Schools.

Sincerely,

Elliott Caldwell

East Coast Greenway Alliance