The Locally Administered Projects Program (LAPP) is the WMPO’s funding program for distributing the annual allocation of Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG), Transportation Alternatives (TA), and Carbon Reduction (CR) funds. The STBG program offers discretionary funding that states and local governments can utilize for various projects aimed at improving the condition and performance of Federal-aid highways, bridges, and tunnels. This funding can also be applied to improvements on public roads, as well as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects. STBG program funding is allocated through state transportation agencies, and the selection of projects is decided upon by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) or local MPO.
The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law on November 15, 2021. This act revised and expanded the funding availability for qualifying infrastructure projects. Several provisions of the IIJA provided greater flexibility in the use of federal funds for these projects. Funding examples include the TA set-aside and CR program. The funds from the IIJA can be obligated until September 30, 2026, and any amounts not obligated by that date will need to be returned.
Member jurisdictions can request STBG resources to help implement eligible transportation projects but must apply to be considered for funding. Questions and inquiries may be submitted to wmpo@wilmingtonnc.gov.
CALL FOR PROJECTS
Important Dates
- Call For Projects: July 7, 2025
- Pre-submittal Informational Meeting: July 16, 2025
- Pre-application Submittal Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Final Application Submittal Deadline: September 19, 2025
- Anticipated Award Date: October 2025
Application and Templates
Pre-applications can be submitted for review via the Smartsheet linked below. Please note that the final application submission page will be available after August 15th.
- Pre-application Submission Page
- Locally Administered Projects Program (LAPP) Submittal Guide
- LAPP Scoring Rubric
- LAPP Inflation and Contingency Calculator
- LAPP Certification Form
Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030 Workplan
Previously, the LAPP was conducted annually and allocated funds for one federal fiscal year (FY). The LAPP will now occur biennially and will allocate funds for five federal fiscal years, allowing members 1) to plan out their projects, 2) account for the time required to establish project agreements, and 3) reduce the number of project shortfalls.
WMPO staff will hold a pre-submittal meeting to assist members in the application process and provide a revised Submittal Guide and Scoring Rubric, offering clearer guidance for submitting applications. A provided Inflation and Contingency Calculator will also help members account for rising project costs when requesting funding.
The call for projects, scheduled for release on July 7, 2025, will follow these new guidelines and program funds for FY 2026 through FY 2030.
Estimated Award Availability
Please note that the amounts for FY 2026 through FY 2030 are estimated totals. Approximately $2,000,000 is set aside each fiscal year for WMPO operations and to cover project shortfalls.
