Program Overview - Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program

A funding program that supports quick-launch improvements to public health, safe mobility, and strengthened commerce. Every municipality and public transit authority is eligible to apply.

Overview

The Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The program provides funding to municipalities and public transit authorities to quickly implement improvements to plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, parking areas, and other public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility, and strengthened commerce.

Since its start in June of 2020, the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program has awarded a total of $50 million dollars to 228 municipalities and seven transit authorities to implement 494 projects. Funded projects have ranged widely from dedicated bus lanes and road diets to parklets and bikeshare stations. Shared Streets and Spaces has helped municipalities to reconceive their streets not only as throughfares for vehicles but as civic spaces with a range of uses for all of us, no matter our age, ability, or preferred ways of getting around.

Municipalities and transit authorities are wholly responsible for the implementation of funded projects. This includes any public engagement or notification about the project, concurrence with any state or local historical or environmental commissions, as well as for adhering to any local and state regulations pertaining to the advertisement and hiring of consultants or construction contractors. Unless work is being conducted by municipal staff, all work must be conducted by a MassDOT prequalified firm or contractor. Materials purchased using funds from this program become the property of the municipality. Funding provided by the Shared Streets and Spaces program does not change the control or ownership of any municipal roadway.

All projects funded during the Fiscal Year 2024 grant round must be completed by December 31, 2025. Projects that can be implemented sooner will be prioritized. It is anticipated that Fiscal Year 2024 awardees will receive formal Notice to Proceed from MassDOT by Spring 2024. The maximum grant funding limit across all project types is $250,000. All Commonwealth municipalities and public transit authorities – including those that have received Shared Streets and Spaces grants in the past – are eligible to apply.

All awarded applicants are required to submit progress reports provided by MassDOT. Upon project completion, submittal of a final report and photographs is required. Please refer to our tips for project photos guidance for taking quality before and after photos of your project.

Program deadlines

Application Deadline	Award Notification Date	Project Implementation Deadline
October 31, 2023	2 – 3 months	December 31, 2025

Application details

Municipalities may submit only one application per funding round and may only be awarded one grant. As such, it is important that municipal departments communicate with each other and only submit their priority application. Municipalities may also work together to propose cross-municipality projects, provided one municipality acts as the lead applicant. School districts may not apply directly for funding; applications must be submitted by municipal staff or officials.

The application is a fillable online form that collects information about the applicant municipality or transit authority and the proposed project. The applicant must demonstrate how the project relates to the goals of the Shared Streets and Spaces Program and detail the project’s implementation plan and timeline. The applicant must submit a project budget using the standard MassDOT template and any other supplemental information necessary to review the application.

It is also required at the time of application for a municipality or transit authority to understand ownership over the proposed infrastructure and detail whether any right of way acquisitions, easements, or use licenses are required. Applicants are also required to demonstrate any public engagement that has been conducted related to the proposed project.

Applications can be submitted online by visiting the How to Apply.

Project eligibility

Every municipality and public transit authority in the Commonwealth is eligible to apply for funding. A municipality may submit one application and may only be awarded one grant per funding round. Applicants may also submit packages of identical improvements, such as bike share stations in different locations or multiple bus shelters. Recipients of prior Shared Streets and Spaces awards are required to demonstrate that all funds have been fully expended or programmed before applying for additional funding.

Applicants must demonstrate that proposed projects can be implemented by December 31, 2025, in order to be considered eligible. Projects that require considerable design work or substantive roadway reconstruction may be better suited for other programs, such as the MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program or MassWorks.

Any improvements funded through this program must be fully compliant with applicable state and federal laws related to access by persons with disabilities and may not remove or disrupt existing transit service or bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Projects must be located on municipally owned property that is accessible to the public. Program funds may not be utilized for the acquisition of property or right of way.

This program does not fund design work related to an awarded project. Cost estimates must follow MassDOT’s standard allowances for the following items:

• Construction contingency: not to exceed 10%
• Traffic police: not to exceed 5%
• Construction engineering/oversight: not to exceed 15%
• Mobilization: not to exceed 3%

Municipalities may propose projects on MassDOT-owned roadways; however, these projects are subject to MassDOT State Highway Access permitting regulations. It is recommended that a municipality discuss a proposed project on a MassDOT roadway with their MassDOT District before submitting an application.

Projects must align with the program goals of supporting public health, safe mobility, and strengthened commerce. In general, successful projects are those that can be implemented quickly, flexibly, at relatively low cost, and that have demonstrated community support. Unlike previous rounds, project types have no set grant award limit and all project types are eligible for up to $250,000. This is a quick-build grant program focused on projects that are easily implementable. Applicants should only apply for projects that fit within the grant maximum of $250,000. Larger projects that are more likely to require more substantive design and public process may not be a good fit for this program. Eligible project elements are broad but must include elements from at least one of the project types listed below.

• Bikeshare Equipment – Support the capital costs and operating expenses for new bikeshare programs around the Commonwealth. Example interventions include:
  • Purchase of bicycles
  • Docks/stations
  • Locks
  • Kiosks/terminals
  • Minor construction to install bike racks and rental kiosks including concrete pads or small changes to curbing
  • Operating costs including software, licensing, insurance, yearly maintenance not to exceed beyond 3 years or the overall grant limit
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure – Make biking and walking a safe, comfortable, and convenient option for everyday trips. Example interventions include:
  • New or significantly widened sidewalks
  • New or improved pedestrian crossings
    • Such as new paint, shortened crossings, better ramps, or refuge islands
  • Pedestrian signal upgrades at intersections or mid-block crossings
    • Such as Leading Pedestrian Intervals, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, or HAWK signals. Note: Modified traffic signals require plans stamped by a registered Professional Engineer
  • Bike lanes
    • On-road or off-road, with a preference for separated or protected
    • Note: Sharrows are not considered a safe bicycle facility
  • Trails or shared use paths connections
    • Larger trail projects or shared used paths may be better suited for the MassTrails Grant Program
  • At-grade rail crossing improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle racks
    • For guidance on adequate, secure, and convenient options for bicycle parking infrastructure, please review the City of Boston’s Bicycle Parking Guidelines (January 2021) and NACTO’s Bicycle Parking Guidance.
  • Bicycle repair stations o Pedestrian or bicyclist lighting
  • Pedestrian or bicyclist wayfinding
    • Including safety/directional signage for pedestrians and bicyclists (must describe where and how it will be used)
  • Bicycle-friendly drain grates
  • Snow removal equipment for pedestrian and bicyclist facilities
  • Speed feedback signs
• Transit Supportive Infrastructure - Establish new facilities for public buses, including but not limited to dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority equipment, and bus stop improvements. Example interventions include:
  • Dedicated bus or bus/bike lanes
  • Transit service improvements
    • Such as traffic signal prioritization equipment
  • Transit station/stop access improvements
    • Such as shelters, lighting, signage, or repairs
• Outdoor Programming – Repurposing streets, plazas, sidewalks, curbs, and parking areas to facilitate seasonal outdoor activities and programming. If enclosing an area for seasonal outdoor activities adjacent to active vehicular traffic without a raised curb or other meaningful separation, barrier materials must be appropriate to the level and speed of the vehicular traffic. Projects under this category must meet ADA/AAB requirements (for routes, tables, and seating, etc.) and be allowed under local jurisdiction. Example interventions include:
  • Repurposed and/or expanded portions of streets, curbs, and/or sidewalks to create more safe space for people to walk and bike, retail activity, dining, and community programming
  • Repurposed parking areas (on- and off-street) for walking, biking, recreation, outdoor seating, retail and/or dining
  • Heaters, tents, tables and chairs, lighting, and other equipment to support outdoor programming that is part of a larger project proposed to transform transportation infrastructure
• Ineligible Project Types and Costs
  • Projects that cannot be implemented and operational by December 31, 2025
  • Project costs incurred prior to the issuance of a Notice to Proceed from MassDOT
  • Brick or other types of decorative sidewalks or crosswalks
  • Items that are not directly related to bicycle and pedestrian improvements such as traffic signals, roadway snow plows, etc.
  • Funding to seed municipally administered grant programs
  • Projects on private property
  • Projects that detour or suspend public transit service
  • Projects that impede travel by people with disabilities or violate the Americans with Disabilities Act or the requirements of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board, even temporarily
  • Projects that remove or impede access to existing bicycle or pedestrian facilities, even temporarily
  • Construction contingency that exceeds 10%, traffic police that exceeds 5%, construction engineering/oversight that exceeds 15%, and mobilization that exceeds 3%
  • Costs of propane for outdoor heaters, including the costs of ongoing propane contracts
  • Pavement resurfacing is not an eligible expense unless it is being done in order to provide for the striping of bicycle lanes or other meaningfully different uses of a roadway
  • Projects that cost well beyond the $250,000 grant limit and are unlikely to be implemented in a timely manner. Larger projects may be better suited for other funding sources.

Selection Criteria

Selection of projects is based on need and merit. The Shared Streets and Spaces Program will prioritize applications that meet the following criteria:

• Applicants that have never received a Shared Streets and Spaces award
• Projects located in a Census Block Group identified as an Environmental Justice Community
• Projects located in a rural community
  • Please refer to the GeoDOT Urban Boundaries map to determine which communities fall outside of designated urban areas
• Projects that support safe travel to schools, including safe walking, bicycling, and pick-up/drop-off areas within two miles of schools or other facilities for children
• Projects that support safe routes for seniors, including safe walking and bicycling facilities within one mile of senior centers, housing for elders, and travel corridors used by seniors
• Projects that improve pedestrian and bicyclist access within one mile of transit facilities
• Projects that connect to or are located within one mile of transit-oriented development
• Projects in communities that have Housing Choice designation
• Projects that demonstrate community support through specific public involvement activities

Project implementation

Municipalities and transit authorities are entirely responsible for the implementation of an awarded Shared Streets and Spaces project. Before any work begins, awardees will enter into a contract with MassDOT for the completion of an approved project. MassDOT will gather all necessary information from the award recipient to initiate the contract shortly after award notification is sent. The contract will include the approved scope and budget, as well as a deadline for project implementation. Work may only commence after the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the contract is issued by MassDOT.

If approved work cannot be conducted by the deadline listed in the contract, the municipality or transit authority must alert MassDOT as soon as possible but at a minimum of 60 days before contract expiration. Contract extensions may be provided on a case-by-case basis with proper justification. However, extensions are not guaranteed, and awardees should work to implement projects under the originally approved timeframe. Any work conducted after contract expiration is not eligible for reimbursement and that funding may no longer be available to the municipality/transit authority.

If a project can no longer be implemented as originally approved, the awardee must reach out to MassDOT to discuss a possible change in scope. Any scope changes must be approved by MassDOT and incorporated into the award contract via an amendment. Scope changes are not guaranteed, and agreements may be nulled at MassDOT discretion if projects can no longer be implemented as originally approved.

The Shared Streets and Spaces Program provides funding on a reimbursement basis. In order to receive award funds, recipients must submit a Reimbursement Request, Payroll (600) Form (if necessary), List of Materials (545 Form) and required supporting documentation via email to their District State Aid Engineer after expenses are incurred. The forms can be found on the State Aid Reimbursable Program Form page, as well as up-to-date State Aid Engineer contact information. Once all necessary information has been provided, MassDOT will process the payment electronically to the account set up specifically for this purpose. This reimbursement process is the same as that used for Chapter 90 and Complete Streets Funding Program projects.

Projects may be implemented by municipal staff. If hiring consultants or contractors to conduct the work, municipalities must adhere to all applicable local and state regulations related to the implementation of a project, including the advertisement and award of a contract to complete approved work. All work using $50,000 or more of state funding must be conducted by a MassDOT prequalified firm or contractor.

Applicant municipalities must secure all necessary local approvals, including but not limited to planning boards, historical or conservation commissions, relevant public safety entities, and other municipal bodies before work begins. Projects proposed on MassDOT-owned roads require a Highway Access Permit before any work begins. More information on how to apply can be found on the Highway Access Permit page.

Reporting requirements

Awardees are required to submit a final report provided by MassDOT in addition to before and after photos. Failure to submit the required final report and photos may result in the entity being ineligible for reimbursement or additional funding in future award rounds.

Fiscal year 2023 awardees can utilize the Shared Streets and Spaces FY23 Final Report for their project close-out.

Program questions

Who can apply for this grant?

Only Massachusetts municipalities and public transit authorities may apply.

Can engineering and design services for eligible projects be funded, or is funding only for construction?

This program does not fund design work related to an awarded project. Cost estimates must follow MassDOT’s standard allowances for the following items:

• Construction contingency: not to exceed 10%
• Traffic police: not to exceed 5%
• Construction engineering/oversight: not to exceed 15%
• Mobilization: not to exceed 3%

Can this grant be retroactively applied to the costs of work already done?

No. Project costs incurred prior to the issuance of an award under this program are not considered eligible expenses.

Can municipalities or transit authorities submit more than one application?

Only one application may be submitted per entity per grant round.

Can a municipality receive more than one grant?

No.

Are improvements on state-owned right of way eligible through this program?

MassDOT will consider the inclusion of roadways owned or controlled by MassDOT or by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the access permit approval process with their Highway District Office prior to applying for a MassDOT grant. More information on how to apply for a permit can be found on the MassDOT State Highway Access Permit webpage. Nothing about this program will change the control or ownership of any municipal roadway.

Is MassDOT still providing technical assistance support to municipalities?

Our partner, Barr Foundation, is no longer available to assist with application development and implementation.

What are the best practices for evaluating the success of my project?

We encourage municipalities and RTAs to utilize the Barr Foundation’s evaluation toolkit for measuring the impact of their quick and creative street projects.

Can Shared Streets and Spaces work be performed by municipal Public Works personnel or other municipal staff (as opposed to requiring an outside contractor)?

Yes.

My application was approved. What is our next step?

Before any work begins, municipalities and transit authorities will enter into a contract with MassDOT for the completion of an approved project. MassDOT will gather all necessary information from the recipient to initiate the contract shortly after award notification is sent. The contract will include the approved scope and budget, as well as a deadline for project implementation. Work may only commence after the Notice to Proceed for the contract is issued by MassDOT.

How do we receive award funds?

The Shared Streets and Spaces Program provides funding on a reimbursement basis. This means that municipalities and transit authorities will request funds from MassDOT after costs have been incurred. In order to receive award funds, awardees must submit a Reimbursement Request, Payroll (600) Form (if necessary), List of Materials (545 Form) and required supporting documentation via email to their District State Aid Engineer. The forms can be found on the State Aid Reimbursable Form page as well as up-to-date State Aid Engineer contact information.

How do I request reimbursement for approved expenditures?

• The Shared Streets and Spaces Program provides funding on a reimbursement basis instead of up-front payments that were provided in the past. In order to receive award funds, award recipients must submit a Reimbursement Request, Payroll (600) Form (if necessary), List of Materials (545 Form) and required supporting documentation via email to their District State Aid Engineer after expenses are incurred. The forms can be found on the State Aid Reimbursable Form page as well as up-to-date State Aid Engineer contact information. This reimbursement process is the same as that used for Chapter 90 or Complete Streets Funding Program projects.
• The Reimbursement Request collects basic project information, as well as how much money was approved, how much has been spent to date, and how much is currently being requested for reimbursement. This form must be signed by the appropriate municipal staff.
• The Payroll (600) Form is used to record personnel time on Chapter 90 projects. This form only needs to be used if the municipality is requesting reimbursement for municipal employee labor costs.
• The List of Materials (HED 454) is a detailed list of materials purchased for the project. This must accompany the reimbursement request.
• When applicable, the municipality or transit authority will also provide the Summary of Bids Form. In addition to these forms, municipalities will also need to submit invoices or receipts for the costs incurred as applicable. For this reason, it is very important to maintain organized records of work performed or materials purchased during project implementation.

Why does MassDOT no longer provide up-front payments for this program?

Shared Streets and Spaces grants are now reimbursement based. Similar to our other grant programs, this ensures MassDOT is adequately able to track project spending and progress in order to meet fiscal reporting requirements. Spending reports from prior program years have also indicated that immediate up-front payments to awardees are not necessary.

We can no longer implement our project by the program deadline. What do we do?

If approved work cannot be completed by the deadline listed in the contract, the recipient must alert MassDOT as soon as possible but at a minimum of 60 days before contract expiration. Contract extensions may be provided on a case-by-case basis with proper justification. However, extensions are not guaranteed, and awardees should work to implement projects under the originally approved timeframe. Any work conducted after contract expiration is not eligible for reimbursement and may no longer be available to the municipality/transit authority.

One or more of the elements of my approved Shared Streets and Spaces project was not able to be implemented. Can we change the scope to accomplish something else?

If a project can no longer be implemented as originally approved, the awardee must reach out to MassDOT to discuss a possible change in scope. Any scope changes must be approved by MassDOT and incorporated into the award contract via an amendment. Scope changes are not guaranteed, and agreements may be nulled at MassDOT discretion if projects can no longer be implemented as originally approved.

Can I reallocate any leftover funds towards a different project?

No. Funds may only be allocated towards expenses included in the originally approved scope of work. Any other costs are not eligible to be reimbursed.

Do I need to use my town’s existing suppliers and contractors for the Shared Streets and Spaces project? Or can I source my own materials through alternative suppliers?

A municipality may source approved materials and labor through existing or alternative suppliers or contractors. However, all applicable local and state bidding and procurement rules must be followed.

What are the reporting requirements for this grant?

Award recipients are required to complete a final grant report including before and after photos via an online form provided by MassDOT. Failure to submit the report and before and after photos when required could result in delay of receipt of funds.

Can MassDOT provide any additional funding for my Shared Streets and Spaces project if it runs over budget?

Unfortunately, no.

Does MassDOT have a list of approved suppliers and contractors that I can consult?

• Unless work is being conducted by municipal staff, the use of MassDOT Prequalified consultants or horizontal construction contractors is required for any work involving more than $50,000 of state funding.
• Applicants may find it helpful to consult the State Contract Guide developed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) for frequently used materials. Please contact Alison Felix, Senior Transportation Planner at MAPC, at [e-mail] with questions. Alison can also assist municipalities located outside of the MAPC region and may be able to negotiate a better price.

I have received a Shared Streets and Spaces grant and have additional questions about how to proceed. Is there someone I can talk to?

Yes! Please email [e-mail] and we will arrange a time to speak with you.