Products, Services, and Data
Resource Development and Funding
COMPASS provides a variety of services to its members to assist in securing and managing federal transportation 
dollars and other funding to meet capital and maintenance needs, and to support regional goals outlined in Communities in Motion 2050, the regional long-range transportation plan for Ada and Canyon Counties. These services cover the spectrum from grant research and grant-writing assistance to support throughout project implementation once funding is received.
For assistance with any of the programs below, please contact Toni Tisdale (208/475-2238).
Resource Development Services
COMPASS Application Process
In FY2016, COMPASS implemented a new system for project applications: member agencies focus on projects and COMPASS focuses on funding. Many small agencies do not have enough staff to learn the minutia of federal grant funding, which can be extremely complicated. COMPASS took the mystery out of the application process by rolling applications for all funding COMPASS administers into one application process, from federal aid to the Project Development Program and CIM Implementation Grants (see below). Project applicants only need to apply once for their project to be considered for all funding sources.
Applications are accepted in a two-phase process. Phase I includes basic information about a project, or even a concept. Members are provided two opportunities to submit Phase I applications each year. Only the Phase I application is needed for projects that are not determined eligible for federal funding.
COMPASS staff reviews each application from Phase I for funding eligibility. If a project is eligible for federal-aid funding, COMPASS staff requests additional information in Phase II, such as specific data on roadway condition, freight corridor status, traffic volume, alternative modes considered, and additional required worksheets and attachments. Phase II applications are due approximately six weeks after the Phase I submittal. All applications are added to the Resource Development Plan (see below) for further research and analysis. A “second opportunity” for Phase I applications is available in April with an early May deadline.
A technical committee, made up of representatives from each COMPASS member agency, ranks all applications. Staff recommends a funding plan based on all funding availability using the ranking recommended by the technical committee.
COMPASS Application Guide
The COMPASS Application Guide (below) provides more detail of the application process. Contact Toni Tisdale or Dane Hoskins for more information about submitting an application.
Forms for application assistance:
FY2023 Resource Development Plan
COMPASS solicits funding and related needs from its members on an ongoing basis. Projects submitted for funding through Phase I applications are compiled annually into a Resource Development Plan. The plan is used to direct COMPASS’ resource development efforts and is approved annually by the COMPASS Board of Directors.
COMPASS Procedure for Resource Development Plan
Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Federally funded and regionally significant transportation projects are budgeted through the Regional Transportation Improvement Program, which is updated annually and amended as needed. COMPASS works closely with project sponsors throughout the life of a project to monitor the submittal of required documentation to safeguard against potential loss of funds due to missed deadlines.
Policies
- Balancing Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) and Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Funds (2/22/2021)
- COMPASS Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendments (8/15/2022)
- Transportation Alternatives Program – Transportation Management Area (TAP-TMA) Program Eligibility (2/25/2019)
- Transportation Management Area (TMA) Funding Eligibility (2/25/2019)
Procedures
- COMPASS Procedure for TIP Amendments/Modifications (7/10/2020)
- COMPASS Procedure to Request an Extension of COMPASS' March 1 Deadline for Obligation of Local Federal-Aid Projects (7/10/2020)
Project Development Program
The Project Development Program transforms member agency needs into well-defined projects with cost estimates, purpose and need statements, environmental scans, and public involvement plans to ensure readiness for funding applications.
Communities in Motion (CIM) Implementation Grants
Communities in Motion (CIM) Implementation Grants assist member agencies with local projects that further the goals of Communities in Motion.
Grant Assistance
The time and expertise required to research potential funding opportunities and write competitive grant applications can be a significant barrier to applying for needed funding. To overcome that, COMPASS assists member agencies with grant research and writing to secure much-needed funding from a wide variety of sources – both public and private. Contact Toni Tisdale (208/475-2238) for assistance.