Questions and Answers: Rubberized Pavement Grant Program (FY 2025-26)

Questions about the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program grant application are accepted in writing only, no later than August 21, 2025. Similar or related questions may be grouped together or reworded for clarity and responded to as one question.

All questions and answers will be posted during the application period and are subject to updates. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check this website for the latest information regarding this grant cycle.

General | Eligibility | Materials | Funding | Application

General

1. Per CalRecycle requirements, do we (city/local governmental agency) have to wait until we receive the grant approval from CalRecycle before we can award the construction contract to the contractor? The contract award date has to be after the approval from CalRecycle, correct? Or, the construction contract can be awarded, but the construction cannot begin until we receive the Notice to Proceed from CalRecycle?
   The construction contract can be awarded prior to the Notice to Proceed from CalRecycle. Any necessary pre-construction activities which are not grant reimbursable (i.e., project planning and design, bidding, milling operations, pavement repairs) are allowed during the application period prior to award. However, all construction and installation using the rubberized paving material must occur within the grant term to be a grant-eligible cost.
   As noted in the Procedures and Requirements, all grant expenditures must be for activities, products, and costs directly related to the delivery and installation/placement of the paving material. To be eligible for reimbursement, costs must be incurred after receiving a Notice to Proceed and before the end of the Grant Term.
2. How is this grant solicitation different from last year?
   CalRecycle adopted several eligibility criteria and evaluation process changes. As specified in the approved Criteria Request for Approval (RFA), changes are as follows:
   • Allow grantees to apply the year following award.
   • Allow individual applicants to receive a maximum of eight rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) hot-mix or rubberized chip seal grants (increase from six).
   • Increase the reimbursement rates for rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) hot-mix.
   • Increase the maximum grant award amounts.
   • Eliminate the RAC-3 category.
   • Establish ranking priority within the RAC-2 category.
3. Are there any requirements or documents that need to be added to the Project Specifications before going out to bid?
   CalRecycle does not involve itself in an agency’s bidding process. However, one of the project requirements is that the binder material used in all project(s) must contain a minimum of 300 pounds (or equivalent to [15%] by weight) of the tire-derived crumb rubber per ton of rubberized binder. Additionally, the tire-derived crumb rubber must be from only California-generated waste tires processed in California. Potential applicants should examine the requirements of this grant carefully to ensure they are met.
4. If our organization applies for a grant, are we committed to performing that work? Due to budgeting uncertainties, we may or may not perform the work in the grant we apply.
   If an applicant is unable to complete the RAC hot-mix and/or rubberized chip seal project approved by CalRecycle, the applicant may withdraw their application, or, if they have been awarded the grant by CalRecycle, they may withdraw their grant award (if a grant agreement has not yet been executed). An applicant may withdraw their application or grant award by submitting a letter to CalRecycle stating the reason for withdrawal and signed by the signature authority. However, if the applicant applies for a Rubberized Pavement Grant in the next three fiscal years after the withdrawal and the current grant cycle is oversubscribed, the applicant will only be considered after all other eligible applicants have been awarded.
5. Could you provide insight into CalRecycle’s history of awarding projects the full amount requested (i.e., Grant Amount Requested vs. Actual Awarded Amount)?
   In the past three fiscal years (FY) 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25, all evaluated and ranked applications received full funding.
6. Are there any regulations or requirements regarding the minimum length of time rubberized payment must remain in place? If rubberized payment is used for pathway in a park, and five years later, the park is fully renovated and rubberized asphalt is removed and replaced with another material, is there a penalty?
   There are no regulations or requirements regarding the minimum length of time rubberized pavement must remain in place.
7. Is CalRecycle able to do an initial/preliminary review of an application or project calculation prior to final submission?
   The Rubberized Pavement Grant is a competitive grant. CalRecycle does not review initial applications and project calculations prior to application submission.
8. How long after CalRecycle releases its list of grantees and we’ve cleared the post-grant award conditions can we expect to receive a Notice to Proceed (NTP)?
   CalRecycle anticipates awarding grants in January 2026. Once the Grant Agreement is received, the awardee’s Signature Authority has 60 days to sign and submit it to CalRecycle. Once the Grant Agreement is “fully-executed” (meaning all parties have signed and approved the agreement), CalRecycle will issue the Notice to Proceed (NTP).
9. Does the payment request form (CalRecycle 748-TRP) become available on GMS after award? Where can this form be found? Are payments to grantees done electronically?
   The Grant Payment Request (CalRecycle 87) and the Rubberized Pavement Payment Calculation Summary (CalRecycle 748-TRP) are two different forms. The Grant Payment Request (CalRecycle 87) is located on the Application and Grant Management Tools Webpage and is used during the grant management period, if a grant is awarded. The Rubberized Pavement Payment Calculation Summary (CalRecycle 748-TRP) is also available from the Application and Grant Management Tools Webpage under Rubberized Pavement Grant Program. Payments to grantees are processed by the State Controller’s Office in the form of a warrant (paper check).
10. Given the size of the Flood Protection project and our trail component likely to be constructed toward the end of the construction phase, it’s likely our trail construction will extend beyond the grant term end date of April 1, 2028. Are we allowed to request extensions?
    For this cycle, eligible projects must be scheduled or constructed by April 1, 2028. A grant may be considered for an extension only in the most extenuating circumstances, with clear justification and with the approval from CalRecycle. For additional information, please refer the Modifications section on page 8 of the Procedures and Requirements.

Eligibility

1. Can you confirm how many RAC and Chip Seal grants my City has received?
   To determine the number of RAC and Chip Seal grants a jurisdiction received, visit our web site under the CalRecycle Grants Database Reports and select your county and “Tire Recycling Grants” in the Grant Category menu. Please note that the list includes withdrawn grants that are included in the total number. If you have questions as to whether a previous grant was withdrawn and/or if you are unsure of your jurisdiction’s total number of previous grants, email TireGrants@calrecycle.ca.gov.
2. If we have an active FY 2024–25 Rubberized Pavement Grant award, are we eligible to apply for the FY 2025–26 round?
   Yes. CalRecycle removed the restriction that prevented grantees from applying the year following award (consecutive fiscal years) as part of the Proposed Changes of the Request for Approval Criteria signed May 21, 2025. However, applicants who received funding in the previous fiscal year will be funded only after funding all eligible nonconsecutive year applications.
3. Are projects limited to roadways and/or public transportation routes?
   Projects are not limited to roadways/public transportation routes. Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions includes all eligible projects.
4. Can you clarify if resurfacing asphalt pavement courts, playgrounds and parking lots at school sites would qualify for this funding opportunity?
   Schools are not eligible under this grant program. This type of paving project will likely yield smaller tonnage and will not satisfy the minimum requirement of 2,000 tons of Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) hot-mix material.
5. Is the grant open for all local businesses? What are the restrictions on eligibility?
   Private entities are not eligible to apply for the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program. As specified on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions document, eligible applicants are limited to:
   • Local Governments (cities, counties, and cities and counties) as defined in Public Resources Code section 30109.
   • Other local governmental agencies (including regional park districts, special districts, and Joint Powers Authorities [where all JPA members are also otherwise eligible applicants]).
   • Qualifying Tribal Entities
     • A “Qualifying Tribal Entity” is defined as a tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community, residing within the borders of California, which:
       1. is recognized for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of the status of its members as Indians; or
       2. can establish that it is a government entity and which meets the criteria of the grant program.
   • State agencies (including offices, departments, bureaus, and boards). State agencies are only eligible for projects for Class 1 bikeways, greenways, and disability access at parks – see the Eligible Projects section on page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for specific limitations.
6. What is the limit (square footage) for area that can be paved?
   Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions states that for hot-mix projects, applicants must use a minimum of 2,000 tons of RAC hot-mix (1,000 tons for Tribal Entities); for Chip Seal projects, applicants must use a minimum of 40,000 square yards of Chip Seal material (20,000 square yards for Tribal Entities).
7. We are a rural Community Services District, with a main highway that runs directly through the town in which we are located. There is no designated bike path, but we are interested in creating a path on the property in which the District operates, which encompasses approximately 7.9 acres. This path would allow residents to ride their bicycles or walk safely without risk of an accident near the busy roadway. Would this be an eligible project?
   Bike trails are eligible. Trails are typically narrower and may have more angles than a street, which may be problematic for typical paving equipment. Also, this form of paving project will likely yield smaller tonnages and higher costs than streets. To be more cost effective, applicants may combine smaller projects with eligible roadway projects to satisfy the 2,000 tons minimum requirement of Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) hot-mix material.
8. How does CalRecycle determine if an application is Tier 1 or Tier 2?
   CalRecycle’s determination on whether an application is Tier 1 or Tier 2 depends on the applicant’s county. Applicants in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties are Tier 1. All other counties are Tier 2.
9. As part of a large Water District (i.e., a special district) Flood Protection project, we (i.e., City) are partnering with the Water District to convert their maintenance roads into Class 1 multi-use trails. The road is owned by the Water District but the City will seek easements and take over maintenance responsibilities. The Water District is the lead for the design/construction phases and the City will be a funding partner for our portion of the project. The City is looking to apply for the grant as the sole applicant. Will our project qualify?
   Based strictly on the information provided in the question, the City would need to provide CalRecycle with evidence of securing the easement before the project could be deemed eligible. Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions includes all project-eligible items and states that projects must be owned and maintained by the applicant and accessible to the general public.

Materials

1. Where can we find the specifications for the tire rubber powder for Asphalt purposes? We were informed that there is a Green Sheet which indicates the specifications required.Tire rubber powder specifications can differ by manufacturer, and CalRecycle does not have this information. However, if the inquiry is about general asphalt rubber specification templates, we can provide those. These templates are available for informational purposes only to help users create their own specifications.
2. Are rubberized slurry seal projects eligible for funding under the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program or are only rubberized chip seal projects eligible? Is a slurry seal project without the chip seal an eligible project?Page 8 of the Procedures and Requirements document states that slurry seal is not eligible under this grant program.
3. Would a cape seal be allowable under this grant application? We are considering a cape seal instead of a chip seal project; would the $1 per square yard reimbursement rate still apply?
   Yes, a cape seal project is allowable. However, only the rubberized chip seal portion (not the slurry seal portion) of a cape seal project is eligible for reimbursement under this grant program. Applicants are eligible for $.50 per square yard for Tier 1, $1 per square yard for Tier 2 or $1-$2 per square yard for Tribal Entities.
4. Would you be able to share the general specification template that a local agency can use to develop project-specific specifications for the implementation of rubberized asphalt concrete?
   General asphalt rubber specification templates are available upon request by emailing RAC@calrecycle.ca.gov. Please note that these templates are provided for informational purposes only and are intended to assist users in developing their own specifications. Templates may also be provided during or after the initial technical training, if needed.

Funding

1. For regional applications, is the total grant amount of $525,000 shared between the participating cities, including the lead city, or is each city eligible to receive up to $525,000 individually?
   The maximum grant award for a Regional Application is $525,000 shared between the participating jurisdictions. The Lead or a Non-Lead Participant is limited to no more than $375,000 of the grant award.
2. Are there any local match requirements for both individual and regional applications?
   No, matching funds are not required for both individual and regional applications.
3. Can the grant be used to partially fund a project? Can the project consist of scopes of work other than RHMA paving, but contain some paving work that will be funded by the grant?
   Eligible costs for the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program are limited to the actual completion of a project using rubberized hot-mix or chip seal materials. Pre-construction activities such as project planning, design, bidding, milling operations, and pavement repairs are not eligible for reimbursement.
4. Is this an annually funded program?
   The Rubberized Pavement Grant Program is offered every Fiscal Year.
5. Will the grant program award two separate projects (i.e., partial awards to a rubberized chip seal project and partial awards to a separate RAC hot-mix project)?
   Applicants may request funding for rubberized chip seal and RAC hot-mix projects in a single application. Only one application per applicant will be considered for an award.
6. Can the project summary calculation sheet reflect a total project cost that exceeds the $375,000 grant fund maximum?
   The Project Summary Calculation sheet may reflect a total project cost that exceeds the $375,000 grant fund maximum. However, if awarded, applicants will only be eligible for the maximum grant award.
7. Are trail striping and signing materials/labor considered eligible cost? (e.g., dashed yellow lines, regulatory/warning signs, etc.) Are trial-related improvements considered eligible costs? (e.g., trash receptacles, green stormwater infrastructures, etc.)
   All grant expenditures for RAC hot-mix or rubberized chip seal projects must be for activities, products, and costs directly related to the delivery and installation/placement of the paving material. To be eligible for reimbursement, costs must be incurred after receiving a Notice to Proceed and before the end of the Grant Term. In addition, all other construction costs are ineligible for reimbursement.

Application

1. In GMS, it asks “Has your organization adopted a policy that rubberized asphalt concrete…”. If we plan to adopt a policy before the secondary due date, can we check “Yes”? Or does the policy need to be adopted by the application deadline?
   Select “Yes” if you plan to adopt a policy before the secondary due date. A copy of the policy/procedure must be uploaded in GMS by October 21, 2025.
2. How can we apply for this grant?
   The applicant will need to access, sign in, complete and submit an application in CalRecycle’s Grant Management System (GMS). Access to GMS is secure and applicants must log in using a WebPass. Please note, WebPass accounts are tied to a specific email address. For additional information on how to apply, refer to the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
3. Are the RAC-1 and RAC-2 categories for Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) for Hot Mix Asphalt projects?
   Yes, RAC-1 and RAC-2 categories are for RAC hot-mix projects (see page 8 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for RAC-1 and RAC-2 categories).
4. Is the minimum paving limit for a chip seal 40,000 square yard? The language says “40,000 square yards of chipseal material.” Typically, we quantify “chipseal material” in tons (of aggregate or oil). Is it correct that the 40,000 square yards refers to the square area of surface to be paved?
   As stated on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions document, project(s) must use a minimum of 40,000 square yards of chip seal material (20,000 square yards for Tribal Entities). Yes, the 40,000 square yards refers to the surface area to be paved with chip seal material.
5. Am I correct in understanding that if a Chip/Cape Seal Project costs us $5 per square yard, the grant reimbursement would be $1 per square yard and therefore our agency would pay $4 per square yard?
   Yes, that is correct. Chip Seal Project reimbursement is capped at $.50 per square yard for Tier 1, $1.00 per square yard for Tier 2 and $1.00 or $2.00 per square yard for Tribal Entities.
6. I am working on the grant application. Where can I find the template or sample for Budget Category, Application Certification, and Project Summary and Calculation?
   The Budget Category is a tab in the Grants Management System (GMS) online application and is not a document. To complete the Budget Tab, select the material budget category and enter a total dollar amount. The total must equal the Grant Funds Requested amount shown on the Detail tab. The Application Certification and Project Summary Calculation documents are both located on the Summary Tab in GMS. The Application Certification can be generated by clicking “Print Application Certification” in the “Application Submission” section (bottom right) after you have completed each tab of the application and uploaded all required documents. The “Project Summary and Calculation document is located in the “Application Documents” section (bottom left).
7. Do all projects need to meet the minimum requirement of 2,000 tons of RAC hot mix, or can some of the projects be under the minimum? Can the combined total of all hot-mix projects exceed 2,000 tons?
   Applicants may combine smaller projects to satisfy the minimum requirement of 2,000 tons of RAC hot-mix. The combined total of RAC hot-mix may exceed 2,000 tons, but the maximum grant award may not exceed $375,000 for an individual applicant, $525,000 for a regional applicant, and $750,000 for a tribal entity.
8. Do all the projects need to be started at or around the same time? We understand the requirement to complete all projects by April 1, 2028, but for example, could one project take place in 2026, and one project take place in 2027?
   An applicant may request funding for multiple projects in a single application, regardless of whether the projects are RAC hot-mix projects, rubberized chip seal projects, or both. Eligible projects may start at different times within the grant term (from the date of the Notice to Proceed through April 1, 2028).
9. Are we required to specify the project name where the RAC will be used?
   Project names are not required. Samples within the Project Summary and Calculation document have been provided on the right two tabs of the document. Various options are displayed showing different ways to enter project names.
10. We have identified some roadways that are appropriate for chip seal and some that are more appropriate for rubberized asphalt. Can we combine these into one project? Can we submit them as more than one project? On individual projects, is the $375,000 maximum grant award per project, per application, or per entity?
    Yes, applicants may combine chip seal and rubberized asphalt projects. Applicants may combine projects in order to satisfy Program minimum tonnage or square yards. An entity can only submit one application for a grant cycle. The maximum grant award of $375,000 for individual applications is for all approved projects within the grant term (from the date of the Notice to Proceed through April 1, 2028).
11. If a city wants to combine different project types to be more cost-effective and to meet the minimum quantities requirement (for example: incorporate trail or park walking paths into a larger roadway maintenance project), how should this information be listed in the Project Summary and Calculation sheet? Would the applicant need to specify that the application is for two separate projects? Do the construction documents need to include both the road improvements and walking path improvements, or can they be advertised/constructed using a different set of construction plans?
    Applicants may combine projects to be more cost-effective and meet Program minimum tonnage or square yards. The applicant will need to specify that the application is for two separate projects. All proposed projects must be listed separately in the Project Summary Calculation sheet. Be specific and include road and walking path improvements that are relevant to the project(s). Construction documents do not have to include both projects, but construction of both projects must be completed by April 1, 2028.