Regional transportation planning agencies, county transportation commissions and Caltrans are eligible to apply for program funds through the nomination of projects. All projects nominated must be identified in a currently adopted regional transportation plan and an existing comprehensive corridor plan. The Commission is required to score and select submitted applications based on the following criteria:

Safety;Congestion;Accessibility;Economic development, job creation and retention;Air pollution and greenhouse gas emission reductions;Efficient land use;Level of matching funds; andThe ability to complete the project in a timely manner.

Eligible project elements within the corridor plans may include improvements to state highways, local streets and roads, rail facilities, public transit facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and restoration or preservation work that protects critical local habitat or open space. Program funds cannot be used to construct general purpose lanes on a state highway. Capacity increasing projects on the state highway system are restricted to high-occupancy vehicle lanes, managed lanes, and other non-general purpose lane improvements for safety and/or operational improvements for all modes of travel. Examples are auxiliary lanes, trucks climbing lanes, or dedicated bicycle lanes.