'27 -'28 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) | Call for Project Partnerships
'27 -'28 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) | Call for Project Partnerships
The Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) is accepting applications for the 2027-2028 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
The UPWP provides federal funding for transportation planning projects throughout the nine-county Genesee-Finger Lakes Region. Eligible projects include planning studies and related activities that address regional transportation needs and priorities.
Approximately $970,000 in federal transportation planning funds is expected to be available for the 2027-2028 program year that follows the state fiscal year from April 1, 2027 through March 31, 2028.
UPWP Funding Overview
What types of projects are eligible?
Transportation planning funds are available regarding three general areas of interest:
1. Physical improvements to the transportation system
2. Non-infrastructure transportation services and programs
3. Integration of transportation and land use
UPWP funds can only be used for concept-level planning, analysis, and design initiatives. UPWP funds cannot be used for property acquisition, site preparation, preliminary engineering, detailed design, operations and management, and/or construction projects.
Who can apply?
- Any municipality in the nine-county GTC planning region.
- GTC member agencies (including, Counties, RGRTA, GFLRPC, and NYSDOT).
- Local municipalities or other eligible agencies as sponsors to other organizations (e.g. a non-profit advocacy organization, or formally recognized neighborhood or citizens groups).
How to apply?
- Download the application form and become familiar with the partnership guidelines.
- Submit your project idea to the GTC UPWP Program Manager, Chris Snyder at csnyder@gtcmpo.org by the September 25, 2026, deadline.*
*Note the earlier deadline from year's past.
What happens next?
After the application deadline, the UPWP Development Committee (UDC) reviews and evaluates the project proposals. The committee includes representatives from Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties, the City of Rochester, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA), and the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (GFLRPC).
Based on its review, the UDC recommends projects to the GTC Planning Committee in January 2027. A draft UPWP is then released for a 30-day public review and comment period. After considering Planning Committee recommendations and public comments, the GTC Board adopts the final UPWP in February 2027.
Following Board approval, federal planning funds for newly selected projects become available after April 1, 2027.
Once a project is approved, GTC assigns a project liaison to work with the project sponsor throughout implementation. Together, they develop a detailed scope of work, which is presented to the GTC Planning Committee at the start of the project. When the project is complete, the sponsor presents a summary of the project's findings and outcomes to the committee.
Need more information?
GTC is available to assist you with developing your project application. Please contact GTC UPWP Program Manager, Chris Snyder at csnyder@gtcmpo.org (585) 252-1262 with any questions regarding the UPWP application process.
Visit the GTC UPWP webpage or search an inventory of past Plans and Studies to learn more about the program.
2027-2028 Application Form
2027-2028 Call for Project Partnership Guidelines
Application Deadline:
September 25, 2026
Application Deadline:
September 
25, 2026
Note the earlier deadline from year's past.
Applicant Information Video
Pre-Application Virtual Sessions
Let's talk about your project. Schedule a virtual meeting with Chris Snyder, GTC project manager to discuss your transportation planning project idea, eligibility, and any questions about the UPWP application process before you apply.
Schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting.
Or contact him directly at at csnyder@gtcmpo.org or 585-252-1262.
Final report for the transportation planning study completed in 2026. The City of Rochester developed the study to guide future improvements that will complete the Genesee Riverway Trail between Downtown Rochester and Lake Ontario.
Browse a searchable inventory of plans and studies prepared by GTC or its member agencies as part of the Unified Planning Work Program.