[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 47 (Thursday, March 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13268-13271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-5427]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
FY 2011 Discretionary Funding Opportunity: Paul S. Sarbanes
Transit in Parks Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of availability: solicitation of project proposals.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the
upcoming availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Paul S. Sarbanes Transit
in Parks Program (Transit in Parks Program) discretionary funds. This
notice solicits proposals to compete for FY 2011 funds under the
program, which was established by Section 3021 of SAFETEA-LU, as
amended (49 U.S.C. 5320). The amount of funding available will be
determined by Congressional appropriation prior to the selection of
awardees, and based on the timing of such funding becoming available,
may also include funding for Fiscal Year 2012. The program is
administered by FTA in partnership with the Department of the Interior
(DOI) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.
The program funds capital and planning expenses for alternative
transportation systems such as buses, trams and non-motorized trails in
federally-managed parks and public lands. Federal land management
agencies, as well as State, tribal and local governments acting with
the consent of a Federal land management agency are eligible to apply.
DOI, after consultation with and in cooperation with FTA, will
determine the final selection and funding of projects. Geographic
diversity will be considered when allocating funds.
This announcement is available on the FTA Web site at: http://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will announce final selections on the Web site and
in the Federal Register. A synopsis of this funding opportunity will be
posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web
site at http://www.grants.gov.
DATES: Complete proposals must be received by 12 midnight EST on May 9,
2011.
ADDRESSES: Project proposals must be submitted electronically through
the GRANTS.GOV Web site and applicants must be properly registered.
Anyone intending to apply electronically through GRANTS.GOV should
initiate the process of registering on the GRANTS.GOV site immediately
to ensure completion of registration before the deadline for
submission. GRANTS.GOV applicants should receive two confirmation e-
mails. The first will confirm that the application was received and a
subsequent e-mail will be sent within 24-48 hours indicating whether
the application was validated or rejected by the system. If interested
parties experience difficulties at any point during the registration or
application process, please call the GRANTS.GOV Customer Support
Hotline at 1-800-518-4726, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. The
required electronic project proposal template as well as guidance on
completing a proposal template can also be found on GRANTS.GOV and on
the program Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants_financing_6106.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the appropriate FTA Regional
Administrator (Appendix A) for proposal-specific information or the
appropriate land management agency (Appendix B) for the Paul S.
Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program. For general program information,
contact Adam Schildge, Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, (202)
366-0778, [email protected]. A TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339
(TDD/FIRS). For technical assistance or general inquiries regarding
alternative transportation in federal lands, contact the Transit in
Parks Technical Assistance Center at http://www.triptac.org, (877) 704-
5292, or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
A. Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program
I. Overview
II. Program Purpose
III. Program Information
1. Eligible Applicants
2. Eligible Projects
3. Financial Limitations and Cost Sharing
4. Application Content
5. Evaluation Criteria
IV. Technical Assistance and Other Program Information
Appendix A--FTA Regional Offices
Appendix B--Land Management Agency Contacts
I. Overview
Section 3021 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act--A Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFETEA-LU), as
amended, established the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program
(Transit in Parks Program) (49 U.S.C. 5320). The program is
administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in partnership
with the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Forest Service.
Congestion in and around parks and public lands causes traffic
delays and noise and air pollution that substantially detract from the
visitor's experience and the protection of natural resources. In August
2001, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DOI published a
comprehensive study of alternative transportation needs in national
parks and related Federal lands. The study identified significant
alternative transportation needs at sites managed by the National Park
Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Additionally, a supplement to this report identified Forest
Service sites that would benefit from such services.
II. Program Purpose
The purpose of the program is to provide for the planning and
capital costs of alternative transportation systems that will enhance
the protection of national parks and Federal lands; increase the
enjoyment of visitors' experience by conserving natural, historical,
and cultural resources; reduce congestion and pollution; improve
visitor mobility and accessibility; enhance visitor
[[Page 13269]]
experience; and ensure access to all, including persons with
disabilities.
III. Program Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are Federal land management agencies that
manage an eligible area, including but not limited to the National Park
Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management,
the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation; and State, tribal
and local governments with jurisdiction over land in the vicinity of an
eligible area, acting with the consent of a Federal land management
agency, alone or in partnership with a Federal land management agency
or other governmental or non-governmental participant. Note: If the
applicant is a State, tribal, or local government, a letter from the
affected unit(s) of the Federal land management agency or agencies
expressing support for the project must be submitted with the project
proposal in order to indicate consent. Applications without support
letters from the relevant Federal land management agency or agencies
unit(s) will be deemed ineligible. Non-profit organizations are not
eligible for this program, but they may partner with an eligible
applicant as defined above.
2. Eligible Projects
SAFETEA-LU defines alternative transportation as ``transportation
by bus, rail, or any other publicly or privately owned conveyance that
provides to the public general or special service on a regular basis,
including sightseeing service. This also includes a non-motorized
transportation system (including the provision of facilities for
pedestrians, bicycles, and non-motorized watercraft).''
The program funds capital and planning expenses for alternative
transportation systems such as buses, trams and non-motorized systems
in, and in the vicinity of, federally-managed parks and public lands. A
qualified planning or capital project must be within the vicinity of a
Federally-owned or managed park, refuge, or recreational area open to
the general public and meet the goals of the program. Operating
expenses are not eligible under the program. A project proposal may
include in its budget up to 15 percent for project administration,
contingency, and oversight. As specified in 49 U.S.C. Sec. 5320(b)(5),
the following types of projects are eligible:
a. Planning
Activities to comply with metropolitan and statewide planning
provisions (49 U.S.C. 5320(b)(5)(A) referencing 49 U.S.C. 5303, 5304,
5305). Activities include planning studies for an alternative
transportation system including evaluation of no-build and all other
reasonable alternatives, traffic studies, visitor utilization studies,
transportation analysis, feasibility studies, and environmental
studies.
b. Capital
Eligible capital projects include all aspects of ``acquiring,
constructing, supervising, or inspecting equipment or a facility for
use in public transportation, expenses incidental to the acquisition or
construction (including designing, engineering, location surveying,
mapping, and acquiring rights-of-way), payments for the capital
portions of rail trackage rights agreements, transit-related
intelligent transportation systems, relocation assistance, acquiring
replacement housing sites, and acquiring, constructing, relocating, and
rehabilitating replacement housing.''
Capital projects may include those projects operated by an outside
entity, such as a public transportation agency, state or local
government, private company engaged in public transportation, or
private non-profit organization; and
Projects may also include the deployment/commercialization of
alternative transportation vehicles that introduce innovative
technologies or methods.
The capital cost of leasing vehicles is an eligible expense under
the program. For vehicle acquisition projects, sponsors should compare
the cost-effectiveness of leasing versus purchasing vehicles. Leasing
may be particularly cost effective in circumstances in which transit
service is only needed during a peak visitation period that lasts only
a few months. In these cases, leasing a vehicle for a few months during
the year may be less expensive than purchasing a vehicle only used for
a few months during the year. An award can cover the capital cost of
leasing vehicles but not the cost of operations, such as fuel or
driver's salary.
Project sponsors should also compare the cost effectiveness of
providing service versus contracting for service. The capital portion
of contracted service is an eligible capital expense under the program.
For example, if a public land agency contracts with a private bus
company to provide shuttle service with privately owned buses, the
portion of the contract that covers the capital expense of the buses is
an eligible expense under the Transit in Parks Program. Operating
expenses are not eligible under the program. Project sponsors will be
asked to compare the cost-effectiveness of their preferred option to
other alternatives in the financial sustainability portion of the
proposal.
c. ``Fixed Guideway'' and Bus Projects
The SAFETEA-LU legislation includes language allowing eligibility
of ``fixed guideway'' projects. These are defined as those
transportation projects that run on a dedicated right of way, like a
light rail, trolley, bus rapid transit, or any type of ferry system.
For these types of projects, eligible projects can include development
of a new fixed guideway project; rehabilitation or modernization of
existing fixed guideway systems; and expansion of existing systems. For
bus or shuttle projects, eligible projects can include purchase of
buses and related equipment; replacement of buses and related
equipment; rehabilitation of buses and related equipment; construction
of bus-related facilities such as bus shelters; and purchase of rolling
stock that incorporates clean fuel technology or the replacement of
buses of a type in use on August 10, 2005, with clean fuel vehicles.
d. Other Eligible Projects
The Transit in Parks Program specifically includes these other
eligible capital projects:
(1) The capital costs of coordinating Federal land management
agency public transportation systems with other public transportation
systems.
(2) Non-motorized transportation systems (including the provision
of facilities for pedestrians, bicycles and non-motorized watercraft).
(3) Water-borne access systems within or in the vicinity of an
eligible area as appropriate and consistent with 49 U.S.C. 5320.
(4) Any other alternative transportation project that enhances the
environment; prevents or mitigates an adverse impact on a natural
resource; improves Federal land management agency resource management;
improves visitor mobility and accessibility and the visitor experience;
reduces congestion and pollution (including noise pollution and visual
pollution); or conserves a natural, historical, or cultural resource
(excluding rehabilitation or restoration of a non-transportation
facility). This includes the enhancement or extension of qualifying
alternative transportation systems, including the development of
related intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
[[Page 13270]]
In order to be considered for funding a project must consist of one
or more of the eligible activities listed above, meet the definition of
alternative transportation, and contribute to the goals of the program.
Technical assistance relating to planning and implementing alternative
transportation systems is available from the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit
in Parks Technical Assistance Center, http://www.triptac.org.
3. Financial Limitations and Cost Sharing
No one project may receive more than 25 percent of the available
funds. Additionally, projects selected for funding under the Paul S.
Sarbanes Transit in the Parks Program can be funded at up to 100
percent Federal share.
4. Application Content
The required electronic project proposal template as well as
guidance on completing a proposal template can be found on GRANTS.GOV
and on the program Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants_financing_6106.html. Applications should not exceed 10 pages
(excluding the standard form 424, letters of support and/or supporting
graphics) and use 12 pt. font. Applications exceeding this length may
not be reviewed.
5. Evaluation Criteria
Proposed capital projects will be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
a. Demonstration of Need
(1) Visitor mobility and experience current or anticipated problem;
and
(2) Environmental current or anticipated problem.
b. Visitor Mobility and Experience Benefits of Project
(1) Reduced traffic congestion;
(2) Enhanced visitor mobility, accessibility, and safety; and
(3) Improved visitor education, recreation, and health benefits.
c. Environmental Benefits of Project
(1) Protection of sensitive natural, cultural, and historic
resources; and
(2) Reduced pollution (air, noise, visual).
d. Financial Sustainability and Operational Efficiency
(1) Effectiveness in meeting management goals;
(2) Realistic financial plan;
(3) Cost effectiveness; and
(4) Partnering, funding from other sources, innovative financing.
Proposed planning projects will be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
a. Demonstration of Need
(1) Visitor mobility and experience current or anticipated problem;
and
(2) Environmental current or anticipated problem.
b. Methodology for Assessing Visitor Mobility and Experience Benefits
of Project
(1) Reduced traffic congestion;
(2) Enhanced visitor mobility, accessibility, and safety; and
(3) Improved visitor education, recreation, and health benefits.
c. Methodology for Assessing Environmental Benefits of Project
(1) Protection of sensitive natural, cultural, and historical
resources; and
(2) Reduced pollution (air, noise, visual).
d. Methodology for Assessing Operational Efficiency and Financial
Sustainability of Alternatives
(1) Effectiveness in meeting management goals;
(2) Realistic financial plan;
(3) Cost effectiveness; and
(4) Partnering, funding from other sources.
A special note on non-motorized transportation systems: While non-
motorized systems, such as trails, are eligible under the program, not
all non-motorized systems will meet the goals of the program needed to
be considered for funding. Like motorized systems, in order to be
considered for funding, non-motorized systems must reduce or mitigate
the number of auto trips by providing an alternative to travel by
private auto. In addition, non-motorized systems must provide a high
degree of connectivity within a transportation system. Finally, they
should improve safety for motorized and non-motorized transportation
system users.
IV. Technical Assistance and Other Program Information
Complete applications must be submitted via GRANTS.GOV by May 9,
2011. Frequently asked questions and other program information are
available at http://www.fta.dot.gov/atppl. Projects selected for
funding will be required to report quarterly and submit performance
data to the appropriate agency. Detailed information on reporting will
be included in the Federal Register notice announcing projects selected
for funding. Technical assistance regarding the program is available by
contacting Adam Schildge, Federal Transit Administration, (202) 366-
0778, [email protected] or the appropriate Federal Land Management
Agency contact (see Appendix C). For technical assistance or general
inquiries regarding alternative transportation in federal lands, please
contact the Transit in Parks Technical Assistance Center at http://www.triptac.org, (877) 704-5292, or [email protected].
Peter Rogoff,
Administrator.
Appendix A--FTA Regional and Metropolitan Offices
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MaryBeth Mello, Regional Administrator, Robert C. Patrick, Regional
Region 1--Boston, Kendall Square, 55 Administrator, Region 6--
Broadway, Suite 920, Cambridge, MA 02142- Ft. Worth, 819 Taylor
1093, Tel. 617-494-2055. Street, Room 8A36, Ft.
Worth, TX 76102, Tel. 817-
978-0550.
States served: Connecticut, Maine, States served: Arkansas,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Louisiana, Oklahoma, New
Island, and Vermont. Mexico and Texas.
Brigid Hynes-Cherin, Regional Mokhtee Ahmad, Regional
Administrator, Region 2--New York, One Administrator, Region 7--
Bowling Green, Room 429, New York, NY Kansas City, MO, 901 Locust
10004-1415, Tel. 212-668-2170. Street, Room 404, Kansas
City, MO 64106, Tel. 816-
329-3920.
States served: New Jersey, New York. New States served: Iowa, Kansas,
York Metropolitan Office, Region 2--New Missouri, and Nebraska.
York, One Bowling Green, Room 428, New
York, NY 10004-1415, Tel. 212-668-2202.
Letitia Thompson, Regional Administrator, Terry Rosapep, Regional
Region 3--Philadelphia, 1760 Market Administrator, Region 8--
Street, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103- Denver, 12300 West Dakota
4124, Tel. 215-656-7100. Ave., Suite 310, Lakewood,
CO 80228-2583, Tel. 720-963-
3300.
States served: Delaware, Maryland, States served: Colorado,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Montana, North Dakota,
and District of Columbia. South Dakota, Utah, and,
Wyoming.
[[Page 13271]]
Philadelphia Metropolitan Office, Region
3--Philadelphia, 1760 Market Street,
Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4124,
Tel. 215-656-7070.
Washington, DC Metropolitan Office, 1990 K
Street, NW., Room 510, Washington, DC
20006, Tel. 202-219-3562.
Yvette Taylor, Regional Administrator, Leslie T. Rogers, Regional
Region 4--Atlanta, 230 Peachtreet Street, Administrator, Region 9--
NW., Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30303, Tel. San Francisco, 201 Mission
404-865-5600. Street, Room 1650, San
Francisco, CA 94105-1926,
Tel. 415-744-3133.
States served: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, States served: American
Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Samoa, Arizona, California,
Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, and
and Virgin Islands. the Northern Mariana
Islands.
Los Angeles Metropolitan
Office, Region 9--Los
Angeles, 888 S. Figueroa
Street, Suite 1850, Los
Angeles, CA 90017-1850,
Tel. 213-202-3952.
Marisol Simon, Regional Administrator, Rick Krochalis, Regional
Region 5--Chicago, 200 West Adams Street, Administrator, Region 10--
Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60606, Tel. 312- Seattle, Jackson Federal
353-2789. Building, 915 Second
States served: Illinois, Indiana, Avenue, Suite 3142,
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Seattle, WA 98174-1002,
Tel. 206-220-7954.
States served: Alaska,
Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington.
Chicago Metropolitan Office, Region 5--
Chicago, 200 West Adams Street, Suite
320, Chicago, IL 60606, Tel. 312-353-
2789.
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Appendix B--Federal Land Management Agencies Transit in Parks Program
Contacts
National Park Service: Mark H. Hartsoe, [email protected]; telephone: 202-513-7025, fax: 202-371-6675, mail: 1849
C Street, NW. (MS2420); Washington, DC 20240-0001.
Fish and Wildlife Service: Nathan Caldwell, e-mail to:
[email protected], telephone: 703-358-2205, fax: 703-358-2517,
mail: 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 634; Arlington, VA 22203.
Forest Service: Ed James, [email protected], telephone:
703-605-4616, mail: 1621 N Kent Street, Room 900, Arlington, VA 22209.
Bureau of Land Management: Victor F. Montoya, [email protected], telephone: 202-912-7041, mail: 1620 L Street, WO-854,
Washington, DC 20036.
[FR Doc. 2011-5427 Filed 3-9-11; 8:45 am]
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