[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 223 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63364-63371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30211]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-98-4370]
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21);
Implementation of the Transportation and Community and System
Preservation Pilot Program
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice; request for applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2001
Transportation and Community and System Preservation grants; request
for FY 2001 TCSP research proposals; request for comments on program
implementation and research needs.
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SUMMARY: This document provides guidance on section 1221 of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which
established the Transportation and Community and System Preservation
Pilot (TCSP) Program. The TCSP provides funding for grants and research
to investigate and address the relationship between transportation and
community and system preservation. The States, local governments,
metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), tribal governments, and
other local and regional public agencies are eligible for discretionary
grants to plan and implement transportation strategies which improve
the efficiency of the transportation system, reduce environmental
impacts of transportation, reduce the need for costly future public
infrastructure investments, ensure efficient access to jobs, services
and centers of trade, and examine development patterns and identify
strategies to encourage private sector development patterns which
achieve these goals. FY 2001 is the third year of the TCSP program.
The FHWA seeks requests for FY 2001 TCSP grants, recommendations
for FY 2001 TCSP research, and public comments from all interested
parties regarding implementation of the TCSP program and research
related to the program in FY 2001 and beyond.
DATES: Applications for FY 2001 grants should be received in the
appropriate FHWA Division Office by January 31, 2000. Recommendations
for FY 2001 TCSP research activities also should be received in the
FHWA's Office of Planning and Environment by January 31, 2000. Comments
on program implementation, research needs, and priorities should be
received by the DOT Docket Clerk on or before January 31, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Grant requests should be submitted to the FHWA's Division
Office in the State of the applicant. Division addresses and telephone
numbers are provided in an attachment to this notice. Research
recommendations should be submitted to the Office of Human Environment,
Planning and Environment, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
Your signed, written comments on program implementation should
refer to the docket number appearing at the top of this notice and you
should submit the comments to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room
PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. All
comments received will be available for examination at the above
address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of comments
should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Susan B. Petty, Office of Human
Environment, Planning and Environment, (HEPH), (202) 366-0106; or Mr.
S. Reid Alsop, Office of the Chief Counsel, (HCC-31), (202) 366-1371,
Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington D.C.
20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., e.t., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
All comments received by the U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, are
available through the Docket Management System internet web site at:
http://dms.dot.gov.
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem
and suitable communications software from the Government Printing
Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661. Internet
users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's home page at:
http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing Office's
database at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara. Information is also
available on the FHWA Web page at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
programs.html or the TCSP web site at: http://tcsp-fhwa.volpe.dot.gov/.
Background
Section 1221 of the TEA-21 (Public Law 105-178, 112 Stat. 107
(1998)) established the TCSP. The Department of Transportation's
Strategic Plan (1997-2003) includes a series of goals related to
safety, mobility and access, economic growth and trade, enhancement of
communities and the natural environment, and national security. The
TCSP pilot program furthers each of these goals and provides funding
for grants and research to investigate and address the relationship
between transportation and community and system preservation. By
funding innovative activities at the neighborhood, local, metropolitan,
regional, and State levels, the program is intended to increase the
knowledge of the costs and benefits of different approaches to
integrating transportation investments, community preservation, land
development patterns, and environmental protection. It will enable
communities to investigate and address important relationships among
these many factors.
The TCSP program offers the States, local governments, MPOs, tribal
governments, and other public agencies the opportunity to develop,
implement and evaluate current preservation practices and activities
that support these practices, as well as to develop new and innovative
approaches to meet the purposes of the TCSP grant program (see Section
II). Funding for the TCSP was authorized at $25 million per year for
FY's 2000 through 2003 by TEA-21. The Administration's FY 2000 budget
proposed increased funding for TCSP to $50 million as part of the
President's Livability Initiative. Under the Department of
Transportation and Related Appropriations Act, FY 2000, (Public Law
106-69, 113 Stat. 986 (1999)), the Congress authorized $25 million for
39 special projects and provided an additional $10 million to the TCSP
to fund FY 2000 applications. The FHWA received 292 grant proposals for
FY 2000 which are being reviewed. FY 2000 awards are planned to be made
in December 1999.
This notice includes three sections: Section I--TCSP Program
Information;
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Section II--Requests for FY 2001 TCSP Grants; and Section III--
Recommendations for FY 2001 TCSP Research.
Section I: TCSP Program Information
Introduction
The TCSP provides funding for grants and research to investigate
and address the relationship between transportation and community and
system preservation. States, local governments, tribal governments, and
MPOs are eligible for discretionary grants to plan and implement
strategies which improve the efficiency of the transportation system,
reduce environmental impacts of transportation, reduce the need for
costly future public infrastructure investments, ensure efficient
access to jobs, services and centers of trade, and examine development
patterns and identify strategies to encourage private sector
development patterns which achieve these goals. Through the TCSP,
States, local governments, and MPOs implement and evaluate current
preservation practices and activities that support these practices, as
well as develop new and innovative approaches. FY 2001 is the third
year of the TCSP program.
The TCSP supports the Administration's high priority goals to
encourage the development of livable communities. Within the context of
livable communities, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the
transportation sector is one focus for the TCSP.
Purposes
Section 1221 of TEA-21 identifies five purposes for TCSP projects.
The purposes are broad and include transportation efficiency,
environment, access to jobs, services, and centers of trade, efficient
use of existing infrastructure, and land development patterns. A key
element of TCSP is exploring the link between transportation and land
development patterns. The FHWA is looking for innovative approaches to
test and evaluate the effectiveness of integrating land use planning
and transportation planning to meet the purposes of TCSP.
Innovation
The TCSP is a small pilot program developing and testing new
strategies for use by State and local agencies nationwide in their
ongoing transportation programs. Funding in TCSP is not intended to
implement community preservation practices nationwide, but to plan,
implement, and test new approaches meeting the TCSP program goals. As a
pilot program, the TCSP provides the opportunity for agencies to
support and encourage non-traditional approaches, and for communities
to exchange experiences on new transportation and community
preservation strategies.
Evaluation and Results
Evaluation, a key component of the TCSP, requires projects to
identify the expected results of the project activities, and apply
objective measures to and measure their outcomes and results. This is
critical to the success of the pilot program. Only through evaluation,
with descriptions of expectations and documentation of results, will
other communities be able to learn from the projects and apply the
lessons learned. Clearly, stating the project's objectives and
activities and anticipated results are important for successful
proposals, as are demonstration of how results will be measured, and
how evaluation information will be made available to a national
audience (e.g., through reports, web-sites, new models, etc.). In
addition, successful proposals should include a schedule of the
project's major milestones for undertaking completing the project, and
conducting project evaluation.
Partnerships
The TCSP encourages public and private participation in proposed
projects. In addition, TCSP encourages including non-traditional
partners on the project team. The type and scope of the project will
determine the best mix of partners and whether these should include
members of the general public, as well as environmental, community,
business, and other groups. The roles and functions of the partners
should also be explained.
FY 2000 TCSP Program
In response to the May 10, 1999, Federal Register notice (64 FR
25098-25114) requesting applications for TCSP funding, the FHWA
received 292 applications from 48 States and the District of Columbia
for $151 million. A complete list of the applicants is available on the
TSCP web site: http://tcsp-fhwa.volpe.dot.gov/. Under the FY 2000 DOT
Appropriations Act, Congress authorized $25 million for 39 special
projects and provided an additional $10 million to the TCSP. The FHWA
received 292 grant proposals for FY 2000. These proposals are being
reviewed and awards are planned to be made in December 1999.
TCSP Resource Working Group
The DOT established the TCSP in cooperation with other Federal
agencies, State, regional, and local governments. The FHWA is
administering the program and established a working group to assist
with program direction. Representatives from the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the
Research and Special Programs Administration/Volpe Center (RSPA), the
Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) are essential partners in this effort.
Summary of Comments to the Docket
The May 10, 1999, Federal Register notice requested comments on the
TCSP program implementation in FY 2000 and beyond. The complete docket
may be viewed at the locations provided under the captions ADDRESSES
and Electronic Access in the preamble. The following organizations
submitted comments to the docket (FHWA-98-4370): a combined letter on
behalf of the Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming State
Transportation Departments and a letter from the State of California
Department of Transportation. The most significant comments are
summarized below.
1. Define the role of State and local agencies in the application
process.
Comment: Several States recommend that regional and local
government applicants pass applications through the appropriate State
DOT or MPO for endorsement and approval to ensure that the proposals
meet the needs identified in existing plans and to reduce the
possibility of duplication.
Response: The FHWA continues to emphasize the importance of project
applicants coordinating with the appropriate State DOT or MPO. Such
coordination is indicative of well planned project proposals and
project partnerships. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate and form
partnerships with their State DOT and MPO. Applications to date have
shown such coordination.
2. The TCSP program and funding applicants should be consistent
with and respect the State and MPO planning processes rather than
attempting to redesign the existing processes.
Comment: The TCSP proposals should be consistent with and supported
by statewide and metropolitan planning processes. The commenters
expressed concern that the TCSP pilot could circumvent the
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existing planning processes and proposed that the FHWA should require
all applicants to include written confirmation or endorsement from the
applicable State or MPO.
Response: The FHWA's commitment to the transportation planning
process is established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) (Public Law 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914
(1991)) and the TEA-21. As elaborated under Section II below, the TCSP
is committed to enhancing the existing planning processes--not to
weakening them.
Section II: Request for FY 2001 TCSP Grants
Introduction
The grants funded under the TCSP program will develop, implement,
and evaluate transportation strategies supporting transportation and
community and system preservation practices which incorporate
beneficial short-and long-term environmental, economic, and social
equity effects to help build livable communities.
Application Process
Applicants are to submit a 15-page application using the format
identified under Attachment I to this notice. The FHWA and a multi-
agency technical review panel will review the applications before
making recommendations to the Federal Highway Administrator and the
USDOT Secretary for final approval.
Funds Availability
Applicants should recognize that the TCSP has limited funding with
a high application volume and should develop their budgets accordingly.
In FY 1999, several applicants received less funding than requested
which caused them to reevaluate and redefine their project's scope. The
FHWA sees this as a reality based on the program applicants' funding
requests as related to the funds available.
It is appropriate for applicants to request TCSP support for a
smaller innovative portion of a larger project which can be funded
under other transportation funding. This may also help increase the
local matching share committed to the project, a factor in project
selection. In addition, leveraging other Federal funds (e.g., EPA, HUD,
or other highway and transit funding) as part of a larger project will
also demonstrate local commitment to the project.
Grants may be spent over a period of up to two years, but no
commitment can be made for subsequent years of grant awards. Thus,
phased projects should stand alone and be capable of being implemented
and producing results in each phase.
Eligible Recipients
State agencies, MPOs, tribal governments, and units of local
governments recognized by a State are eligible recipients of TCSP grant
funds. This includes towns, cities, public transit agencies, air
resources boards, school boards, and park districts, but not
neighborhood groups or developers. While non-governmental organizations
are not eligible to receive TCSP funds under section 1221 of TEA-21,
these organizations are encouraged to form partnerships with an
eligible recipient as the project sponsor.
States or MPOs may be both a project sponsor and endorse other
activities proposed and submitted by a local government within its
boundary. A State or MPO may consider packaging related activities for
submittal as one larger grant request in coordination with the
respective project applicants.
Grant Program Purposes
Activities funded under TCSP should address and integrate each of
the purposes of the program listed below. Priority will be given to
those proposals which most clearly and comprehensively meet and
integrate the purposes and are most likely to produce successful
results. How well proposed projects achieve each of these purposes will
be a principal criterion in selecting proposals for funding. Applicants
should develop proposals that specifically address these purposes.
Grant proposals should address how proposed activities will meet and
integrate all of the following:
1. Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System
Proposals for TCSP activities should identify, develop, and
evaluate new strategies and measures of transportation efficiency that
are based on maximizing the use of existing community infrastructure,
such as, highways, railroads, transit systems and the built
environment. Proposals should address the transportation system as a
whole rather than focusing on one mode of transportation. This may
include for example, improving the integration of various modes of
travel, such as, highway, transit, pedestrian, bicycling, and rail or
improving the efficiency of port, rail and highway connections for
freight and jobs. Performance measures should include a focus on
movement of people and goods and access rather than movement of
automobiles, and on services provided rather than vehicle miles
traveled.
2. Reduce the Impacts of Transportation on the Environment
Proposals for TCSP activities should explore the long-term direct
and indirect social, economic, and environmental impacts of
transportation investments on the natural and built environment.
Consideration of environmental factors should not be limited to air
quality but should also address, if appropriate, ecosystems, habitat
fragmentation, water quality, as well as community and cultural issues
such as disadvantaged populations and environmental justice.
Performance measures should relate the results of TCSP activities to
the larger community, regional environment, and the transportation
system.
3. Reduce the Need for Costly Future Public Infrastructure
Proposals for TCSP activities should describe how they will reduce
the need for costly future public infrastructure investment or create
tools and techniques to measure these savings over the life cycle of
the activities. Performance measures should include projected life
cycle savings obtained through avoiding future investments or
maintenance.
4. Ensure Efficient Access to Jobs, Services and Centers of Trade
Proposals for TCSP activities should clearly demonstrate how they
improve efficient, affordable access to jobs, services, and centers of
trade and address benefits for disadvantaged populations. This could
also include the use of new technologies that increase access for
people and businesses while reducing the need to travel. Performance
measures should include improved access to jobs and services, and
improved freight movements.
5. Encourage Private Sector Development Patterns
Proposals for TCSP activities should identify and test effective
strategies to encourage private sector investments that result in land
development patterns that help meet the goals of this pilot program.
Effectively linking land use and transportation is a key feature of
TCSP. Performance measures should demonstrate and permit monitoring of
changes in development patterns and private sector investment trends or
opportunities resulting from TCSP-related activities.
[[Page 63367]]
Grant Priorities
In addition to meeting the purposes of the TCSP as discussed above,
grant applications are evaluated on the following factors:
1. A Demonstrated Commitment of Non-Federal Resources
Although matching funds are not required, priority will be given to
projects which leverage non-Federal funds and take advantage of in-kind
contributions, such as, maintenance agreements, land donations, and
volunteer time. The contribution of local funds and resources for a
project demonstrates local commitment to a project and indicates the
likelihood that it will be fully implemented. In addition to non-
Federal funds, applicants are encouraged to pursue other Federal
resources to support Livability Initiatives such as Transportation
Enhancement, Congestion Management and Air Quality funds, as well as
HUD, EPA, DOI, and other programs. A description of the President's
Livability Initiative can be found on the White House Web site:
http://www.livablecommunities.gov/.
2. An Evaluation Component
The plan to evaluate the project's objectives and outcomes is a key
element of the grant proposal. The evaluation plan should include
goals, expected outcomes, measures, evaluation methodologies, major
evaluation milestones and deliverables for the project. See the
discussion on Evaluation in this section.
3. An Equitable Distribution of Grants With Respect to a Diversity of
Populations
The FHWA will ensure the equitable geographic and demographic
distribution of funds. Applicants should identify and describe who will
be served by the project.
4. Demonstrated Commitment to Public and Private Involvement Including
the Participation of Non-Traditional Partners in the Project Team
Such partners might include public utility operators, social
services agencies, community groups, environmental organizations, non-
profit organizations, public health agencies, private land development
organizations, and real estate investors. The TCSP also envisions non-
traditional partners as active players on the project team who help
develop the project's assumptions and scenarios. In the proposal,
applicants should describe the roles and commitments of all their
partners.
Applicant Category
The TCSP was intended to support localities which have already
begun preservation practices and to encourage those areas just starting
these practices. The legislation referred to the types of grants being
requested as implementation grants and planning grants respectively. To
clarify these terms, the following definitions will be used: (a) those
just beginning to start community preservation practices--initial
stage, or (b) those who have already initiated transportation related
community preservation programs and policies--advanced stage. The
latter category includes those who have coordinated with State and
locally adopted preservation and development plans; integrated
transportation and community and system preservation practices;
promoted investments in transportation infrastructure and
transportation activities that minimize adverse environmental impacts
and lower total life cycle costs; or encouraged private sector
investments and innovative strategies that address the purposes of the
TCSP program.
Eligible Activities
Activities eligible for TCSP funding include activities eligible
for Federal highway and transit funding (title 23, U.S.C., or chapter
53 of title 49, U.S.C.) or other activities determined by the Secretary
to be appropriate. This allows a broad range of transportation
activities to be funded. Grants will be awarded for new and innovative
transportation activities meeting the purposes of the TCSP program, but
remain unfunded under the current Federal-aid program.
Strategic Priorities
Grants will be awarded for activities which meet the purposes of
the program described above and are innovative and can be replicated by
others. The goal of the TCSP is to develop a broad range of strategies
for urban, suburban, and rural communities which help promote liveable
communities through transportation investments and operations. The
legislative language that created TCSP is general and provides States,
MPOs, tribal governments, and local agencies flexibility to create
innovative approaches to address the goals. As the program evolves, the
FHWA will use individual project evaluations conducted by grantees, the
results of research, and overall program evaluation to determine the
strategic priorities for TCSP. Therefore, rather than setting specific
strategic priorities, the FHWA is providing information about
previously funded projects with suggestions to prospective applicants
of FHWA's interest areas. The FHWA continues to seek additional
strategies that are innovative and can be replicated by others.
Applicants should highlight innovative and unique aspects of their
proposals, and how the results of their proposal will further the
purposes of the TCSP. Applicants also should not seek to duplicate
previously funded activities unless there is a significant change in
the scope, application, or results of the strategy.
The FHWA is also interested in proposals which measure the results
and broad impacts on communities of current preservation practices
including urban growth boundaries, infill development, and land use
changes. Other areas that may be considered include integrating
community health and safety goals with transportation to promote
livable communities; planning or implementing regional and local
strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; using technology and
communications that provide people and businesses with improved access
to goods and services to promote livable communities; and enhancing
intermodal and freight access to promote economic growth and access to
jobs in communities.
The FHWA is particularly interested in supporting projects that are
ready to begin and have plans to collect and document results that can
be shared with others quickly and successfully. The proposal should
highlight when the proposal would be initiated and when results are
expected.
Evaluation
Every proposal funded under the grant program should include a
description of the applicant's plans for monitoring, evaluating, and
analyzing the project and provide the results of the analysis to the
FHWA. This information is necessary to provide an opportunity for the
DOT, States, MPOs, and local governments to learn more about the
practical implications of integrating land development, transportation,
and environmental decisionmaking--what works and what doesn't and why
for each project. The grant request may include funding for travel for
one representative to attend two national workshops to present the
plans, status, and results of the project.
The measures used to evaluate project results should be based on
the goals and objectives of the project. In addition to individual
project evaluations, an overall program evaluation will be conducted by
the FHWA under the
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research component of the program described in Section III of this
notice.
Developing measures to determine the results of the projects is
difficult and there is no general consensus on operative measures. A
resource guide on program evaluation for TCSP projects and other
related information, including references and case studies, are
available on the FHWA Web page (http://tcsp-fhwa.volpe.dot.gov).
Methods to measure and evaluate current and future performance may
include, for example:
1. Quantitative assessments, such as, measurement of changes in
traffic flow and mode choice (e.g., increased pedestrian and bicycle
traffic), environmental impacts and reduced number of trips;
2. Analytic procedures which forecast the current and future
impacts of projects, such as, travel demand, land development, or
economic forecasting; or
3. Qualitative assessment, such as, interviews, surveys, changes in
local ordinances, or other anecdotal evidence.
Relationship of the TCSP to the Transportation Planning Process
The TCSP will complement, strengthen, and enhance the Statewide and
MPO planning process created by the ISTEA, and refined by the TEA-21.
This process promotes the ongoing, cooperative, and active involvement
of the public, transportation providers, public interest groups, and
State, metropolitan, and local government agencies in the development
of statewide and metropolitan transportation plans and improvement
programs (23 CFR part 450).
Applicants should clearly demonstrate their coordination with State
and local planning agencies and the project's consistency with
appropriate statewide and metropolitan transportation planning
processes. To accomplish this, TCSP applicants should coordinate with
the appropriate State DOT or MPO to ensure their project is consistent
with and doesn't circumvent the planning processes. In addition, the
FHWA will post the list of FY 2001 applicants and project proposals on
its Web site as soon the information can be compiled.
The DOT fully supports this planning process, which has brought
diverse constituencies and government agencies together, and views the
TCSP activities as a logical step in the continuing improvement of
transportation planning at the State and regional level. The TCSP can
help broaden the scope and impact of the planning process to better
integrate land development planning, environmental goals and
objectives, economic development, social equity considerations, and
other private sector activities. The integration of interest groups,
investors, and developers through partnering with government applicants
is a goal of the program. The TCSP activities also consider
incorporation of much longer planning horizons and consider the impacts
on future generations.
Activities funded by this program may be used to test or implement
new, innovative planning methods and programs that significantly
enhance the existing statewide and MPO transportation planning
processes. The TCSP funds are intended to leverage new transportation
and community preservation initiatives rather than to fund the ongoing
planning activities of States and MPOs. In addition, activities should
encourage and improve public involvement in the overall planning
process, as well as in the individual project.
Construction projects funded by the TCSP will ultimately be
included in an approved State or MPO Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP). The TCSP funds should not be requested for projects that have
already been scheduled for funding and are in the current State or MPO
TIP. Highway and transit projects which either use Federal funds or
require Federal approvals and are in air quality non-attainment or
maintenance areas should be included in an air quality conformity
analysis required as part of the transportation planning process.
Because TCSP projects may target improved air quality as part of their
broader goals, documentation of the beneficial air quality impacts of
the project is important.
Non-construction activities funded by the TCSP, such as the
development of regional plans and policies, project evaluations, and
land development code changes, may not need to appear in a statewide or
MPO TIP, but should still have the support or endorsement of the State
or MPO. Planning activities funded by TCSP should be reflected in the
metropolitan area's Unified Planning Work Program. Non-construction
activities may result in changes to existing State and MPO plans and,
therefore, need coordination with other jurisdictions within a
metropolitan region or State.
Schedule and Administrative Processes
There are several options for the administration of grants under
TCSP. The FHWA has a financial management system with the State
Departments of Transportation and anticipates that most TCSP grants
will be channeled through this established process. However, if another
process such as a cooperative agreement or grant through another
eligible agency (e.g., a public transit agency) is preferred, the
applicant can work with the appropriate FHWA Division Office to develop
a different funding mechanism.
Applicants must submit four (4) printed copies of their application
and a diskette with the application file to the appropriate FHWA
Division office by January 31, 2000. Questions about the grant program
should be directed to the FHWA's Division Office in the State in which
the applicant is located (Attachment II). The time line for FY 2001
TCSP activities follows:
TCSP FY 2001 Time Line
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCSP milestones FY 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grant applications due to FHWA January 31, 2000.
Division Offices.
Research project recommendations due January 31, 2000.
to FHWA.
Research projects identified........ March 2000.
Grant projects awarded.............. October 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section III: Recommendations for FY 2001 TCSP Research
Introduction
The TCSP includes a comprehensive research program to investigate
the relationships between transportation, community preservation, and
the environment, and to investigate the role of the private sector in
shaping such relationships. The research program also includes
monitoring, evaluation, and analysis of projects carried out under the
grant program.
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Program Evaluation and Outreach
Program and project evaluation is an important part of the TCSP. To
meet the purposes of the pilot program and develop strategies and
methodologies for use by localities, measurable results and a means to
disseminate this information are needed. In addition to the evaluation
of each project conducted by the grantee, the FHWA will conduct an
overall program evaluation combining the results of the grants and the
research program to help set the strategic direction and future
priorities for the TCSP. An important measure for the success of TCSP
is the extent to which the results and best practices from the pilot
program are used effectively by government agencies, the private
sector, and others.
Under the research component of TCSP, the FHWA will establish
outreach, technical assistance, and other means to share and implement
the results elsewhere. Current outreach plans include Federal Register
notices, grant workshops, the FHWA web site information, and
participation in other conferences and meetings.
Research Program
The goal of the research program is to build a knowledge base of
work in this field to enable State, regional and local government
agencies, the private sector, and neighborhood groups, through
transportation activities, to shape livable communities which meet
current and long-term environmental, social equity, and economic goals.
With coordination and input from its partners and stakeholders, the
FHWA will identify and initiate needed research to support the purposes
of the TCSP. The research program is integral to the TCSP and will
support and complement the activities conducted through planning and
implementation grants. Likewise, applied research activities that may
be a part of a grant activity could benefit the research program.
The FHWA anticipates that most of the TCSP funds will be allocated
for grants and that limited funding will be available for the FHWA to
undertake research. In addition to FHWA conducted research under the
TCSP, the FHWA is soliciting research recommendations for FY 2001 which
may be conducted through cooperative agreements with organizations,
contract support, or through State, local, and MPO grants. The FHWA is
soliciting comments on the research needs to support the TCSP and will
initiate research to meet the identified needs.
The FHWA requests research recommendations addressing the following
areas:
1. Evaluate Results of Current Community Preservation Practices
Information is needed on the specific outcomes of current
statewide, regional, and local community preservation practices, such
as, green corridors, smart growth, urban growth boundaries, higher
density development, and land use controls to improve transportation
efficiency. Research should include both costs and benefits of these
initiatives and performance measures.
2. Develop Needed Tools and Methodologies to Support Decision Makers
Transportation-related tools and analytical techniques will be
enhanced to help support the State and local decision makers in taking
a longer term view and balancing economic, social equity, and
environmental goals.
The following information must be included in each abstract for
research recommendations or statements of need. The recommendations for
initial consideration should be brief, no more than two pages. Follow
the outline below and use 12 point type.
1. Title
2. Agency/ or Organization
Key Contacts
Address
Phone/Fax/E-mail
3. Abstract: This should be a brief paragraph describing the research
needed, the expected results, and include justification of need and
purpose.
4. Methodologies to be used
5. Estimated Costs
6. Potential Resources (expertise and financial)
Selected activities will be requested to develop more detailed
proposals explanations.
Attachment I--FY 2001 TCSP Grant Application Format
Project Submission
Four (4) printed copies of the application and a diskette with the
application file are due into the FHWA Division office in the
applicant's State by COB Monday, January 31, 2000.
The application should be no more than 15 pages in length following
the format below. Each application must stand on its own. Do not submit
letters of support or additional supporting materials--except maps.
Cover Sheet with Abstract (1 page)
I. Project Information
Project Title And Location:
Agency:
Key Contact:
Address:
Phone/Fax/E-mail:
Amount Requested: $__________ Matching Funds/Services value:
$__________.
Abstract
This should be a very brief paragraph describing the project and
the expected results. Describe the scale of activity such as rural,
urban, statewide, etc. and provide information on the types of
populations affected by the project (i.e., size of population,
commuter, disadvantaged, minority, etc.).
Sample Abstract
Evaluate the existing buildings, transportation infrastructure, and
utilities and the development of a schematic campus master plan with
capital costs, an implementation schedule, and funding strategies. Tool
Town will make more efficient use of existing transportation network
and other infrastructure and reuse land and the built environment, both
of which will curb additional regional sprawl. The effort will also
create jobs that can be filled by Dayton residents; support the long-
term viability of tooling and machining in our region; help tooling and
machining industry compete globally; and retain these secure, high-
paying jobs in the United States.
II. Project Description
Narrative: Briefly describe the project, the geographic scale of
the proposed activity (system, region, corridor, etc.), its expected
results in the short- and longer-term (20-40 years), and the
applicant's expectations or vision for the ultimate impact of the
activity.
III. Purpose and Criteria
Objectives: Further describe the project and its objectives. Relate
how it furthers and integrates each of the following purposes of the
TCSP program:
1. Improve the efficiency of the transportation system;
2. Reduce the impacts of transportation on the environment;
3. Reduce the need for costly future investments in public
infrastructure;
4. Ensure efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade;
and
5. Examine development patterns and identify strategies to
encourage private sector development patterns which achieve the goals
of the TCSP.
IV. Applicant Category
Applicants should identify if their agency: (a) Is just beginning
community
[[Page 63370]]
preservation practices--initial stage, or (b) has implemented community
preservation practices--advanced stage. Applicants in the later
category should provide brief information on established community
preservation practices within their community or jurisdiction.
V. Coordination
Indicate how the appropriate MPO or State Department of
Transportation coordination has been undertaken. Identify how the
project activities are consistent with the State or MPO planning
processes.
VI. Partners
List, and briefly describe if necessary, the agencies,
organizations, and companies participating in the activities or on the
project team. Describe the role and functions of the non-traditional
partners participating on the project team. Describe plans for
involvement or education of the private and public sector.
VII. Schedule
Provide a schedule to complete the major steps or milestones in the
project. Include dates of major milestones for project activities, the
evaluation, and when written reports of the project activities will be
submitted.
VIII. Budget and Resources
Include a list all funding, both Federal and non-Federal, and in-
kind resources for the project. Priority is given to proposals that
demonstrate a commitment of non-Federal resources. Proposals should
clearly describe use of in-kind and direct funding contributions and
distinguish contributions that are made directly for the proposed
projects from those made for other related activities.
The budget should include a list of the major costs by category for
the project. This could include, for example, personnel costs, travel,
services, project evaluation including any contract services, etc. The
budget should also show how the TCSP funds and other matching funds are
used for these activities. The budget may include the costs for travel
for one representative of the project team to participate and present
the status and results of the project at two national conferences.
IX. Project Evaluation Plan
The FHWA has developed guidance on preparing evaluation plans for
TCSP. This will assist applicants prepare and summarize their
preliminary plans to evaluate the activity, including goals and
objectives and evaluation methodologies, including means of monitoring,
indicators and measures of performance, and plans for reporting
results. Within the limits of space allowed for the proposal,
applicants should provide initial ideas on evaluation approaches, which
can be expanded and formalized in more complete evaluation plans after
awards are made. Copies of this guidance and other related materials on
evaluation can be found on the FHWA TCSP website (http://
www.fhwa.dot.gov/program.html) or from the FHWA's Division office in
the applicant's State (see Attachment II):
Submission Format
Because the FHWA will make copies of the grant proposals for the
review process, all requests should be in a similar format:
General Information:
Page Size: 8\1/2\'' x 11'' (including maps).
12 point font, single sided.
Clip the top left corner--no binding or staples.
Maps should be reproducible in black and white.
Include on each page of your submission the project title and page
number.
File format for additional electronic submission:
Electronic Format: WordPerfect version 6/7/8 or Word version 97 or
earlier on a 3\1/2\ inch floppy disk labeled with the project title and
name.
No watermarks, embedded text, or graphics.
Attachment II.--FHWA Division Offices
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State FHWA address, phone number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama..................... 500 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36117-2018, 334-223-7370.
Alaska...................... P.O. Box 21648, Juneau, AK 99802-1648, 907-
586-7180.
Arizona..................... 234 N. Central Avenue, Suite 330, Phoenix,
AZ 85004, 602-379-3916.
Arkansas.................... Federal Office Building, 700 West Capitol
Avenue, Room 3130, Little Rock, AR 72201-
3298, 501-324-5625.
California.................. 980 9th Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA
95814-2724, 916-498-5015.
Colorado.................... 555 Zang Street, Room 250, Lakewood, CO
80228-1097, 303-969-6730, Ext. 371.
Connecticut................. 628-2 Hebron Avenue, Suite 303,
Glastonbury, CT 06033-5007, 860-659-6703,
Ext. 3008.
Delaware.................... 300 South New Street, Room 2101, Dover, DE
19904-6726, 302-734-3819.
DC.......................... 555 Union Center Plaza, 820 First Street,
N.E., Suite 750, Washington, DC 20002,
202-523-0163.
Florida..................... 227 North Bronough Street, Room 2015,
Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850-942-9586.
Georgia..................... 61 Forsyth St., SW, 17th Floor, Suite
17T100, Atlanta, GA 30303-3104, 404-562-
3630.
Hawaii...................... 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 3202, Box
50206, Honolulu, HI 96850, 808-541-2531.
Idaho....................... 3050 Lakeharbor Lane, Suite 126, Boise
83703, 208-334-9180, Ext. 119.
Illinois.................... 3250 Executive Park Drive, Springfield, IL
62703-4514, 217-492-4641.
Indiana..................... Federal Office Building, Room 254, 575
North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis,
IN 46204-1576, 317-226-7475.
Iowa........................ 105 6th Street, P.O. Box 627, Ames, IA
50010-6337, 515-233-7302.
Kansas...................... 3300 South Topeka Blvd., Suite 1, Topeka,
KS 66611-2237, 785-267-7281.
Kentucky.................... John C. Watts Federal Building and U.S.
Courthouse, 330 West Broadway Street,
P.O. Box 536, Frankfort, KY 40602, 502-
223-6723.
Louisiana................... Federal Building, Room 255, 750 Florida
St., Room 255, P.O. Box 3929, Baton
Rouge, LA 70801, 225-389-0245.
Maine....................... Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building, 40
Western Avenue, Room 614, Augusta, ME
04330, 207-622-8487, Ext. 20.
Maryland.................... The Rotunda, Suite 220, 711 West 40th
Street, Baltimore 21211-2187, 410-962-
4342, Ext. 124.
Massachusetts............... Transportation Systems Center, 55
Broadway, 10th Floor, Cambridge 02142,
617-494-3657.
Michigan.................... Federal Building, Room 207, 315 West
Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933, 517-
377-1844.
Minnesota................... Galtier Plaza, Box 75, 175 East Fifth
Street, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101-
2904, 651-291-6105.
Mississippi................. 666 North Street, Suite 105, Jackson 39202-
3199, 601-965-4223.
Missouri.................... 209 Adams Street, Jefferson City 65101,
573-636-7104.
Montana..................... 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59602, 406-
449-5303, Ext. 236.
Nebraska.................... Federal Building, Room 220, 100 Centennial
Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508-3851, 402-
437-5521.
Nevada...................... 705 North Plaza Street, Suite 220, Carson
City, NV 89701-0602, 775-687-5321.
[[Page 63371]]
New Hampshire............... 279 Pleasant Street, Room 204, Concord, NH
03301-2509, 603-225-1606.
New Jersey.................. 840 Bear Tavern Road, Suite 310, West
Trenton, NJ 08628-1019, 609-637-4200.
New Mexico.................. 604 W. San Mateo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505,
505-820-2022.
New York.................... Leo W. O'Brien Federal Building, Clinton
Avenue & North Pearl Street, 9th Floor,
Albany, NY 12207, 518-431-4131.
North Carolina.............. 310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 410, Raleigh,
NC 27601, 919-856-4347.
North Dakota................ 1471 Interstate Loop, Bismark, ND 58501-
0567, 701-250-4347.
Ohio........................ 200 North High Street, Room 328, Columbus,
OH 43215, 614-280-6896.
Oklahoma.................... 300 N. Meridian, Suite 105 S, Oklahoma
City, OK 73107-6560. 405-605-6174.
Oregon...................... The Equitable Center, Suite 100, 530
Center St., N.E., Salem, OR 97301, 503-
399-5749.
Pennsylvania................ 228 Walnut Street, Room 558, Harrisburg
17101-1720, 717-221-4585.
Puerto Rico................. Federico Degetau Federal Building and U.S.
Courthouse, Carlos Chardon St., Rm 329,
San Juan, PR 00918-1755, 787-766-5600,
Ext. 230.
Rhode Island................ 380 Westminster Mall, Fifth Floor,
Providence, RI 02903, 401-528-4560.
South Carolina.............. Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835
Assembly Street, Suite 758, Columbia, SC
29201, 803-765-5282.
South Dakota................ The Sibley Building, 116 East Dakota
Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501-3110, 605-224-
7326, Ext. 3043.
Tennessee................... 249 Cumberland Bend Drive, Nashville, TN
37228, 615-736-5394.
Texas....................... Federal Office Building, Room 826, 300
East Eighth Street, Austin, TX 78701, 512-
916-5511.
Utah........................ 2520 W. 4700 South, Suite 9A, Salt Lake
City, UT 84118, 801-963-0182.
Vermont..................... Federal Building, 87 State St., P.O. Box
568, Montpelier 05601, 802-828-4433.
Virginia.................... The Dale Building, Suite 205, 1504 Santa
Rosa Road, Richmond 23229, 804-281-5103.
Washington.................. Suite 501, Evergreen Plaza, 711 South
Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98501, 360-753-
9554.
West Virginia............... Geary Plaza, Suite 200, 700 Washington
Street. E, Charleston, WV 25301-1604, 304-
347-5929.
Wisconsin................... Highpoint Office Park, 567 D'Onofrio
Drive, Madison, WI 53719-2814, 608-829-
7506.
Wyoming..................... 1916 Evans Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001-
3764, 307-772-2004, Ext. 41.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FHWA/FTA Metropolitan Offices
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office Address, facsimile number, phone number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York.................... 6 World Trade Center, Room 320, New York,
NY 10048, FAX: 212-466-1939, 212-668-
2201.
26 Federal Plaza, Suite 2940, New York, NY
10278-0194, FAX 212-264-8973, 212-668-
2170.
Philadelphia................ 1760 Market St., Suite 510, Philadelphia,
Pa 19103, 215-656-7070, FAX: 215-656-
7260, 215-656-7111.
Chicago..................... 200 West Adams, Room 2410, Chicago, IL
60606, 312-886-1616, FAX 312-886-0351,
312-886-1604.
Los Angeles................. 201 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 1460, Los
Angeles, CA 90012; 213-202-3950; FAX: 213-
202-3961.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; sec. 1221, Pub. L. 105-178, 112 Stat.
107, 221 (1998); 49 CFR 1.48.
Issued on: November 10, 1999.
Kenneth R. Wykle,
Federal Highway Administrator.
[FR Doc. 99-30211 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P