AGENDA DATE: 3/4/2026
TITLE:
SMART SCALE Transportation Project Funding Applications
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Update on SMART SCALE project applications within Albemarle County
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Svoboda, Barnes, McDermott, Swartzendruber, Dimmick
PRESENTER (S): Jessica Dimmick
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The SMART SCALE grant program is the primary method for funding large-scale transportation projects in Virginia. The program provides state funds for up to 100% of the design and engineering, right-of-way, and construction of transportation projects, and is administered by the Virginia Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) under the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB).
Localities and Metropolitan Planning Organizations can apply for SMART SCALE funding every two years. OIPI receives SMART SCALE applications through two stages - (1) Pre-Applications are due April 1, and (2) Full Applications are due August 1 in even calendar years.
Albemarle County and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (CA-MPO) can each submit up to five SMART SCALE pre-applications and up to four full applications each funding cycle.
The CTB selects projects for SMART SCALE funding through a competitive scoring process that reflects the Commonwealth’s transportation priorities. Projects identified in state-funded studies, such as Project Pipeline, are generally most competitive for SMART SCALE funding.
The Board previously reviewed a list of potential SMART SCALE projects as part of the November 5, 2025 Transportation Planning Quarterly Report presentation.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being
DISCUSSION: County staff worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and CA-MPO to identify nine eligible, competitive projects proposed to be constructed within Albemarle County for the upcoming SMART SCALE application cycle. Four projects were identified for Albemarle County to submit pre-applications for; five projects were identified for CA-MPO to submit pre-applications for. Descriptions of each proposed project are included as Attachment A.
Pre-applications are due by April 1, 2026, after which no new projects can be identified. County staff are responsible for entering Albemarle County’s pre-applications into the application portal. CA-MPO staff are responsible for entering the CA-MPO’s pre-applications.
BUDGET IMPACT: These applications are for state funding to implement these projects. No County match is required, and staff is not proposing to include any County match in these project applications. If approved, VDOT would administer these projects and maintain these facilities. Therefore, no County funds would be necessary to support future maintenance or operations of the projects.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests the Board review and provide feedback on the list of SMART SCALE projects as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - SMART SCALE Project Descriptions