Working through many partners in Iowa, the Living Roadway Trust Fund (LRTF) supports integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) programs; and educates the public on the benefits, use and care of roadside vegetation, including native plants.
One of the ways the LRTF supports the accomplishment of these goals is by providing grant funding to eligible cities, counties, and applicants with statewide impact. Typically, a match is required of applicants that meets or exceeds 20 percent of the total project cost.
As examples, grants can be awarded for specialized equipment to accomplish IRVM operations; roadside plantings that demonstrate the best management practices of IRVM; inventories of roadside vegetation; and research, education, and public awareness concerning IRVM issues. The LRTF's funding guidelines are updated for each Fiscal Year’s grant round and detail what grants can be written for and the specific match requirements.
Grant Application for Counties, State Agencies, and Cities
Please read the LRTF funding guidelines before completing the application.
All LRTF grant applications include a Minority Impact Statement (MIS). Applications will be considered incomplete unless the MIS portion is completed and submitted with the grant proposal.
Fiscal Year 2026 grant application materials have now been released. Applications for Fiscal Year 2026 are due by 4 p.m. June 1, 2025, and will not be accepted using the Fiscal Year 2025 application materials.
- Read the funding guidelines.
- Complete the LRTF application.
- Submit the LRTF Application. Auto-submit the completed application, Minority Impact Statement, and any supplemental materials by June 1, 2025, 4 pm. (Hard copies cannot be accepted.)
This online application works best when viewed in Chrome and other modern browsers such as Firefox and Edge. This form WILL NOT work in Internet Explorer. If you have problems or questions, please contact us for additional assistance.
Grant Review
Living Roadway Trust Fund grants are competitive grants. Grant applicants compete with other grant applicants for a limited amount of money each year. A technical advisory committee reviews applications. Committee member use a scoring sheet and points are assigned to each application. Please use the LRTF Grant Reviewer Scoring Sheet as a guide to develop a high scoring application.
Matching Funds
If applicant’s costs for IRVM operations are not known, the following FY2025 Schedule of Equipment Rates can be used to help determine the amount of match.
County & City Applicants
Counties or cities completing or sponsoring a Living Roadway Trust Fund (LRTF) application must have an approved integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) plan on file with the LRTF coordinator by 4 p.m. June 1. Search the database of county and city IRVM contacts if you would like to know more about IRVM programs in your area.
Grant Recipient Resources
Change requests: Grant recipients desiring changes to the scope or budget of their project must request the modification be made to their contract as soon as known. Download and complete the Request for a Change in Scope or Budget of an LRTF Project form.
Extension requests: Grant recipients desiring an extension to their contract must apply for a no-cost extension prior to the agreement expiration date. Download and complete the Request For Extension of LRTF Funding form.
Quarterly reports: Grant recipients that are required to submit quarterly reporting for their project as outlined in the Grant Agreement must file their reports using this standard reporting form. Download and complete the LRTF Quarterly Report Form.
Reimbursement requests: All LRTF payments and reimbursement requests must be submitted using the Request for Reimbursement of Living Roadway Trust Fund Grant Project Costs and Direct Vendor or Services Payments.
In order for reimbursement requests to be processed, the Iowa DOT requires recipients and vendors being paid directly have an IRS Form W-9 on file.