MassDOT Initiative to Support Transportation Planning in Rural, Underserved Communities
BOSTON —- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)'s Office of Transportation Planning (OTP) is launching the Local Early and Actionable Planning (LEAP) Program to help municipal officials jump start infrastructure projects.
The LEAP Program will provide planning and early-stage design assistance to towns and cities across Massachusetts with a particular focus on rural and economically disadvantaged communities as these communities often face significant barriers when it comes to initiating transportation projects due to limited funding and staffing. The funding, totaling approximately $1 million, is included in Governor Healey’s Capital Investment Plan this year and will be funded as part of MassDOT’s capital budget for FY 2026
"Our goal is to empower community leaders with the tools and support they need to bring priority projects to life," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "Through the LEAP Program, we’re helping local governments take that critical first step—positioning them to secure the resources needed to advance transportation projects that make streets safer, more connected, and more accessible for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking, riding transit, or driving."
The LEAP Program is structured in a way that allows municipal staff to request the support they need for early-stage planning and design activities, including, but not limited to:
- Conceptual Design and Alternatives Analyses, for example, hydraulic and geotechnical analysis.
- Safe Streets Network Strategy
- Design & Engineering for Smaller-Scale Projects (e.g. Complete Streets Program Projects)
- Federal Grant Application Development
- Safety Analysis, for example, conduct crash pattern evaluation
- Traffic Analysis, for example, collect traffic volume data
- Speed Studies
- Cost Estimation
- Visual and Mapping Support
The total amount available statewide in Fiscal Year 2026 for the LEAP Program is $1 million. MassDOT anticipates providing municipalities with approximately $25,000 to $100,000 per project. The focus of LEAP is on helping under resourced communities access federal and state transportation funding programs.
Municipal leaders may immediately begin requesting support through the form at the following link:
https://mbta.qualtrics.com/
To help local officials and stakeholders learn more about the LEAP Program and application process, MassDOT staff will be presenting at a series of public meetings across the Commonwealth. These meetings will be scheduled throughout July, August, and September and information will be posted online at the link below when available.
For more information about the program, eligibility criteria, and upcoming events, please visit https://www.mass.gov/massdot-
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