[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 249 (Wednesday, December 29, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78204-78277]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-28408]



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Part IV





Department of Transportation





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Federal Transit Administration



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FTA Fiscal Year 2005 Apportionments, Allocations and Program 
Information; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 249 / Wednesday, December 29, 2004 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


FTA Fiscal Year 2005 Apportionments, Allocations and Program 
Information

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The ``Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005'', (Public Law 
108-447), signed into law by President Bush on December 8, 2004, 
appropriates funds for all of the surface transportation programs of 
the Department of Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 
30, 2005. This notice provides information on the FY 2005 transit 
appropriations for the FTA assistance programs, program guidance and 
requirements, and information on several program issues important in 
the coming year.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information about this 
notice contact Mary Martha Churchman, Director, Office of Resource 
Management and State Programs, (202) 366-2053. Please contact the 
appropriate FTA regional office for any specific requests for 
information or technical assistance. The Appendix at the end of this 
notice includes contact information for FTA regional offices and key 
headquarters program staff.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Overview
II. FY 2005 Funding for FTA Programs
    A. Funding Based on FY 2005 Appropriations Act and Extension of 
Authorization
    B. Apportionments and Allocations
    C. Program Funds Set-aside for Project Management Oversight
III. Fiscal Year 2005 Key Program Initiatives
    A. Improved Customer Service
    B. Transportation Coordination--United We Ride
    C. Reporting Independent Single Audit Results
IV. FTA Programs
    A. Metropolitan Planning Program (49 U.S.C. 5303)
    B. Urbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5307)
    C. Clean Fuels Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5308)
    D. Capital Investment Program (49 U.S.C. 5309)--Fixed Guideway 
Modernization
    E. Capital Investment Program (49 U.S.C. 5309)--Bus and Bus-
Related Facilities
    F. Capital Investment Program (49 U.S.C. 5309)--New Starts
    G. Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program (49 U.S.C. 
5310)
    H. Nonurbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5311)
    I. Rural Transit Assistance Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(2))
    J. Statewide Planning and Research Program (49 U.S.C. 5313(b))
    K. National Planning and Research Program (49 U.S.C. 5314)
    L. Job Access and Reverse Commute Program (Public Law 105-85, 
Section 3037)
    M. Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program (Public Law 105-85, 
Section 3038)
V. FTA Program Guidance and Requirements
    A. Automatic Pre-Award Authority To Incur Project Costs
    B. Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) Policy
    C. FTA FY 2005 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances
    D. FHWA Funds Used for Transit Purposes
    E. Grant Application Procedures
    F. Payments
    G. Oversight
    H. Technical Assistance
VI. Guidance and Information Specific to FTA Planning Programs
    A. Census 2000 Planning and Programming Requirements Deadline
    B. Local Match Waiver for Specific Planning Activities
    C. Planning Emphasis Areas for FY 2005
    D. Consolidated Planning Grants
Tables
    1. FTA FY 2005 Appropriations, Apportionments, and Available 
Funding for Grant Programs
    2. FTA FY 2005 Metropolitan Planning Program and Statewide 
Planning and Research Program Apportionments
    3. FTA FY 2005 Urbanized Area Formula Apportionments
    4. FTA FY 2005 Apportionment Formula for Urbanized Area Formula 
Program
    5. FTA FY 2005 Formula Programs Apportionments Data Unit Values
    6. 2000 Census Urbanized Areas With Populations 200,000 or 
Greater Eligible To Use FY 2005 Section 5307 Funds for Operating 
Assistance
    7. FTA FY 2005 Fixed Guideway Modernization Apportionments
    8. FTA FY 2005 Fixed Guideway Modernization Program 
Apportionment Formula
    9. FTA FY 2005 Bus and Bus-Related Allocations
    10. FTA Prior Year Unobligated Bus and Bus-Related Allocations
    11. FTA FY 2005 New Starts Allocations
    12. FTA Prior Year Unobligated New Starts Allocations
    13. FTA FY 2005 Elderly and Persons With Disabilities 
Apportionments
    14. FTA FY 2005 Nonurbanized Area Formula Apportionments, and 
Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) Allocations
    15. FTA FY 2005 National Planning and Research Program 
Allocations
    16. FTA FY 2005 Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) 
Allocations
    17. FTA Prior Year Unobligated JARC Allocations
Appendix

I. Overview

    This document apportions or allocates annual appropriations among 
potential program recipients. Although the agency has received its 
annual appropriation, our authorizing legislation is scheduled to 
expire May 31, 2005. Because of this, we will show two amounts--one 
reflecting the annual appropriation amount and one showing the amount 
currently available, as limited by the 8-month authorization. In 
addition, the document contains important information about FTA 
programs and areas of emphasis for the fiscal year, including FTA's 
Strategic Business Plan Initiative. For each FTA program included, we 
have provided relevant information on its total fiscal year (FY) 2005 
apportionments/allocations, requirements, period of availability, and 
other related information and highlights, as appropriate. A separate 
section of the document provides information on requirements and 
guidance that are applicable to all FTA programs. The document also 
includes a section that delineates various requirements and guidance 
specific to the FTA planning programs that grantees should be aware of 
for FY 2005.

II. FY 2005 Funding for FTA Programs

A. Funding Based on FY 2005 Appropriations Act and Extension of 
Authorization

    The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447, 
December 8, 2004; hereafter called the 2005 Appropriations Act) 
provides a combination of trust and general funds that total $7.708 
billion for FTA programs. This amount is reduced to $7.646 billion by a 
government-wide across-the-board 0.80 percent rescission, as directed 
by Section 122 of Division J of the 2005 Appropriations Act. Table 1 of 
this document shows the funding for the FTA programs for the entire 
fiscal year, as provided for in the 2005 Appropriations Act. However, 
because our current program authorization, the Surface Transportation 
Extension Act of 2004, Part V (Pub. L. 108-310, September 30, 2004), 
only provides contract authority for the trust funds through May 31, 
2005, we also show in Table 1 the amount of FY 2005 funds currently 
available for obligation for each program based on the extension of 
TEA-21 through May 31, 2005. The amount currently available includes 
all of the general funds but only a portion of the trust funds included 
in the total obligation limitation for FTA programs in the 2005 
Appropriations Act. The percentage of the annual amount currently 
available varies slightly from program to program, depending on the mix 
of general and trust funds appropriated for the program and the

[[Page 78205]]

reallocation of any prior year funds to the program.

B. Apportionments and Allocations

    FTA is publishing tables for each program that contain both the 
apportionments and allocations based on the full program levels in the 
2005 Appropriations Act; and the apportionments and allocations based 
on FY 2005 funds currently available for the FTA program. The column 
labeled ``Apportionment'' or ``Allocation'' includes both trust funds 
(contract authority) and general funds, and reflects the total dollar 
amount of obligation limitation and appropriations in the 2005 
Appropriations Act, once a full-year contract authority is made 
available. This amount is not the amount that is actually available for 
obligation at this time. The amount shown in the column labeled 
``Available Apportionment'' or ``Available Allocation'' is available 
for obligation. All apportionments and allocations reflect the 0.80 
percent rescission, which has been proportionately applied to the 
discretionary budget authority and obligation limitation, and to each 
program, project and activity.

C. Program Funds Set-aside for Project Management Oversight

    FTA draws money from funds appropriated to the Urbanized Area 
Formula Program, Nonurbanized Area Formula Program, and Capital 
Investment Program for program oversight activities conducted by FTA. 
The funds are used to provide necessary oversight activities, including 
oversight of the construction of any major project under these 
statutory programs; to conduct safety, civil rights, procurement, 
management and financial reviews and audits; and to provide technical 
assistance to correct deficiencies identified in compliance reviews and 
audits. Project management oversight is authorized by 49 U.S.C. Section 
5327. The percent of Urbanized Area Formula and Nonurbanized Area 
Formula funds made available for oversight is one-half percent. The 
percentage of Capital Investment Program funding made available for 
oversight was increased from three-quarters percent to one percent by 
Section 319 of the FY 2002 DOT Appropriations Act and continues to be 
drawn at the higher rate.

III. Fiscal Year 2005 Key Program Initiatives

    Each year, FTA's apportionment notice draws attention to 
significant initiatives or focus areas for the year. Under our 
Strategic Business Plan (SBP), we have several initiatives focused on 
improved efficiency and enhanced customer service, several of which are 
discussed in this section.
    In addition, efforts to improve the coordination of human service 
program transportation have been paying handsome dividends, and a 2004 
Executive Order on Coordinated Human Service Transportation is expected 
to further energize and focus government-wide efforts to address the 
complex impediments to delivering effective transportation options at 
the local level. We discuss this in detail in this section, as well.
    Another key issue discussed in this section is Single Audit Act 
findings and the closure of findings. Additional information about 
these focus areas is available from your regional office (see the 
Appendix at the end of this document.)

A. Improved Customer Service

    One of the four ``core-accountabilities'' under FTA's SBP is to 
reduce grant processing time. This is the third year FTA will track 
grant processing time, and, as in last year's SBP, the goal is to 
achieve an average processing time of 36 days from the date a complete 
application is submitted in TEAM-Web, our electronic grant-making 
system. Reduced grant processing time has been adopted as a core 
accountability for several reasons. First, it requires FTA to 
continually examine how we review and approve grants, and to find ways 
to improve our internal processes. More importantly, it reduces the 
amount of time a grantee must wait from the date of submission of a 
grant until final approval, responding to the needs of grantees to 
receive funds on a timely basis in order to maintain their programs.
    Because tracking comparable data is key to any performance 
measurement, FTA uses the date on which a grant number is assigned (the 
date of submission) to measure how long it takes to process a grant. 
Inherent in this measure is an assumption that regional offices have 
received a complete application from the grantee. We know that this has 
been an area of some disagreement in years past, and that some regions 
have assigned grant numbers before grant applications were actually 
complete.
    To continue to meet our efficiency goal and to ensure that we 
minimize the time it takes to process a grant, we provide below some 
information that will aid in the overall understanding of what 
constitutes a complete application. Of course, you can receive 
additional information and technical assistance from your regional 
office at any time. (Complete contact information is available in the 
Appendix at the end of this document.)
    For the regional office to be able to assign a grant number, 
enabling submission, the application must meet the following 
requirements:
    1. The project is listed in a currently approved Transportation 
Improvement Program (TIP); Statewide Transportation Improvement Program 
(STIP), or Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
    2. All eligibility issues have been resolved.
    3. Required environmental findings have been made.
    4. The project budget's Activity Line Items (ALI), scope, and 
project description meet FTA requirements.
    5. Local share funding source(s) have been identified.
    6. The grantee's required Civil Rights submissions are current.
    7. Certifications and assurances are properly submitted.
    8. Funding is available, including any flexible funds included in 
the budget.
    9. For projects involving new construction (using New Starts or 
formula funds), FTA engineering staff has reviewed the project 
management plan and given approval.
    10. When required for grants related to New Starts projects, 
preliminary engineering (PE) and/or final design (FD) has been 
approved.
    11. Milestone information is complete, or FTA determines that 
milestone information can be finalized before the grant is ready for 
award.
    In every appropriations act, several FTA programs include 
Congressional project designations. Congress earmarked over 500 transit 
projects for FY 2005. A significant number of project sponsors that 
have received Congressional designations for FY 2005 Bus and Bus-
Related Facilities and JARC projects and activities and unobligated 
prior year designations will be first-time (new) FTA grantees or sub-
recipients. With respect to new grantees, historically, the following 
issues have presented the most significant hurdles to successful and 
timely implementation of earmarked projects: (1) Grantee inability to 
identify eligible project activities within the scope of the earmark; 
(2) misunderstanding and/or lack of awareness of applicable 
requirements; and (3) difficulty generating the required local match.
    While we provide ``pre-award authority'' (see section V. A of this 
document for a complete explanation), we do not recommend that first-
time grant recipients utilize the automatic

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pre-award authority to incur expenses before the grant is actually 
awarded by FTA. As a new grantee, it is easy to misunderstand pre-award 
authority conditions and not be aware of all of the applicable FTA 
requirements that must be met in order to be reimbursed for project 
expenditures incurred in advance of grant award. FTA programs have 
specific statutory requirements that are often different from those for 
other Federal grant programs with which new grantees may be familiar. 
If funds are expended for an ineligible project or activity, FTA will 
be unable to reimburse the project sponsor.
    We encourage project sponsors of both Bus and JARC earmarked 
projects who will be first-time FTA grantees to contact their FTA 
regional office staff to discuss the project and relevant FTA 
requirements. The regional staff will assist you with identifying 
requirements and understanding FTA's grant application procedures, and 
help you develop an approvable application. (See the Appendix to this 
document for contact information)

B. Transportation Coordination--United We Ride

    Transportation is an essential link to employment, health, and 
educational services. Without adequate transportation services, many 
older Americans, persons with disabilities, and individuals with low-
incomes are often unable to access work, medical services, educational 
resources or recreation opportunities.
    In February 2004, President Bush issued Executive Order (EO) 13330 
on Human Service Transportation Coordination to improve transportation 
for those who are transportation disadvantaged, by improving the 
coordination of transportation services provided under programs in ten 
Federal Departments. The goals of the Executive Order are to simplify 
access to transportation services, reduce duplication and overlap, and 
improve the effectiveness of the transportation services provided. In 
response to the EO, the Department of Transportation, with its partners 
at the Department of Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, and 
elsewhere, launched the United We Ride (UWR) initiative. To assist 
States and communities in moving forward, FTA and our Federal partners 
introduced an initiative that includes a Framework for Action, a self-
assessment tool for States and communities; the National Leadership 
Forum on Human Service Transportation Coordination; State Coordination 
Grants; and Technical Assistance.
    Forty-five States have been selected to receive grants for human 
service transportation coordination efforts in FY 2005. The State 
Coordination Grants may be used to: (1) Conduct a comprehensive State 
assessment using the UWR Framework for Action, (2) develop a 
comprehensive State action plan for Coordinating Human Service 
Transportation, and/or (3) implement one or more of the elements 
identified within the Framework for Action (for those States that have 
not established a comprehensive State action plan). Planning teams 
involving regional leadership from the Federal agencies named in the EO 
are bringing together State teams for workshops in six of the ten U.S. 
Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) regional offices this year.

C. Reporting Independent Single Audit Results

    A recent audit of the FY 2004 Highway Trust Fund financial 
statements found that provisions of the Single Audit Act (SAA), and the 
related Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133 had 
not been effectively implemented. In order to correct this weakness, 
FTA has determined that it is critical that key information from the 
grantee's audit report be reviewed on an annual basis. Therefore, we 
are implementing the new reporting requirements described in the June 
17, 2004, Dear Colleague letter from Administrator Dorn, which is 
posted on the FTA Web site at: http://www.fta.dot.gov/legal/guidance/dear_colleague/2004/12128_15811_ENG_HTML.htm.
    Grantees should continue to work with FTA regional offices to 
resolve any FTA-related findings in these independent annual audits. 
FTA regional offices will be tracking progress in the resolution of 
these findings, and will contact grantees that have not complied with 
the requirements in a timely manner. Copies of responses to audit 
findings that relate to a resolution of the findings should be sent to 
the appropriate regional office.
    Consistent with the requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133, FTA 
requires a grant recipient expending $500,000 or more (previously 
$300,000 or more) in Federal financial assistance to secure an 
independent annual audit of its financial activities. The audit report 
must be submitted to the Federal Clearinghouse within the earlier of 30 
days after the audit report is issued, or nine months after the end of 
the audit period.
    At the same time, grant recipients should send a copy of the 
Federal Clearinghouse transmittal sheet to the appropriate FTA regional 
office, and if there are FTA program findings or if FTA is your point-
of-contact for all DBE program issues, send FTA a copy of the entire 
audit report.

IV. FTA Programs

    This section of the notice provides FY 2005 funding and other 
important program-related information for the four major FTA program 
areas included in the notice (transit planning and research; formula 
grants; capital investments; and Job Access and Reverse Commute). Of 
the 14 separate FTA programs contained in this notice that fall under 
the major program area headings, the funding for seven is apportioned 
by statutory formula. Funding for the other seven is allocated on a 
discretionary or competitive basis.
    Funding and other important information for each of the 14 programs 
is presented immediately below. This includes program apportionments or 
allocations, certain program requirements, length of time FY 2005 
funding is available to be committed, and other significant program 
information pertaining to FY 2005.

A. Metropolitan Planning Program (49 U.S.C. 5303)

    Section 5303 authorizes a cooperative, continuous, and 
comprehensive planning program for transportation investment decision-
making at the metropolitan area level. State Departments of 
Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) 
may receive funds for planning projects that support the economic 
vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global 
competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency; increasing the safety 
and security of the transportation system for motorized and non-
motorized users; increasing the accessibility and mobility options 
available to people and for freight; protecting and enhancing the 
environment, promoting energy conservation, and improving quality of 
life; enhancing the integration and connectivity of the transportation 
system, across and between modes, for people and freight; promoting 
efficient system management and operation; and emphasizing the 
preservation of the existing transportation system. For more about the 
Metropolitan Planning Program contact Candace Noonan, Program Manager, 
at (202) 366-1648.

1. Total Apportionments

    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $59,902,515 to the 
Metropolitan Planning Program (49

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U.S.C. 5303) after the across-the-board 0.80 percent rescission. The 
total amount apportioned for the Metropolitan Planning Program (to 
States for MPOs' use in urbanized areas (UZAs)) is $60,628,846, as 
shown in the table below.

                      Metropolitan Planning Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................        $60,385,600
Rescission...........................................          (483,085)
Prior Year Funds Added...............................            726,331
                                                      ------------------
  Total Apportioned..................................         60,628,846
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    States' apportionments for this program are displayed in Table 2. 
Also displayed in Table 2 is the amount of each State's apportionments 
that is currently available for obligation, in accordance with the 
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V.
    FTA allocates Metropolitan Planning funds to the States according 
to a statutory formula. Eighty percent of the funds are distributed to 
the States as a basic allocation based on each State's population in 
the UZA, as designated by the Census Bureau. The remaining 20 percent 
is provided to the States as a supplemental allocation based on an FTA 
administrative formula to address planning needs in the larger, more 
complex UZAs. The amount published for each State is a combined total 
of both the basic and supplemental allocation.

2. Program Requirements

    The State allocates Metropolitan Planning funds to MPOs in UZAs or 
portions thereof to provide funds for projects included in an annual 
work program (the Unified Planning Work Program, or UPWP) that includes 
both highway and transit planning projects. All States have either 
reaffirmed or developed, in consultation with their MPOs, new 
allocation formulas as a result of the 2000 Census. These formulas may 
be changed annually, but any changes require approval by the FTA 
regional office before grant approval. Program guidance for the 
Metropolitan Planning Program is found in FTA Circular C8100.1B, 
Program Guidance and Application Instructions for Metropolitan Planning 
Program Grants, dated October 25, 1996.

3. Period of Availability

    The funds apportioned in this notice under the Metropolitan 
Planning Program will remain available to be obligated by FTA to 
recipients for three fiscal years following FY 2005. Any of these 
apportioned funds that remain unobligated at the close of business on 
September 30, 2008, will revert to FTA for reapportionment under the 
Metropolitan Planning Program.

4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights

    Section VI of this document provides guidance and information 
specific to FTA planning programs, including the Metropolitan Planning 
Program. Please refer to that section for additional information 
relevant to this program.

B. Urbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5307)

    Section 5307 authorizes Federal capital and operating assistance 
for transit in urbanized areas (UZAs). An UZA is an incorporated area 
with a population of 50,000 or more that has been designated as such by 
the U.S. Census Bureau. The Urbanized Area Formula Program also 
supports planning, in addition to that funded under the Metropolitan 
Planning Program described above. Funding is apportioned directly to 
each UZA with a population of 200,000 or more, and to the State 
Governors for UZAs with populations between 50,000 and 200,000. With a 
few exceptions, operating assistance is not an eligible expense for 
UZAs with populations 200,000 or more. For more information about the 
Urbanized Area Formula Program contact Ken Johnson, Office of Resource 
Management and State Programs, at (202) 366-2053.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $3,593,195,773 to the 
Urbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5307) after the across-the-
board 0.80 percent rescission. The total amount apportioned for the 
Urbanized Area Formula Program is $3,575,229,794, as shown in the table 
below, after the deduction for oversight (authorized by 49 U.S.C. 
5327).

                     Urbanized Area Formula Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................     $3,622,173,158
Rescission...........................................       (28,977,385)
Oversight Deduction..................................       (17,965,979)
                                                      ------------------
  Total Apportioned..................................      3,575,229,794
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table 3 displays the amounts apportioned under the Urbanized Area 
Formula Program.\1\ Also displayed in Table 3 is the amount currently 
available for obligation, in accordance with the Surface Transportation 
Extension Act of 2004, Part V. Table 4 contains the apportionment 
formula for the Urbanized Area Formula Program.
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    \1\ Sec. 198 of the 2005 Appropriations Act states that Norman, 
OK, is to be considered part of the Oklahoma City, OK, UZA for FY 
2004 and 2005. This provision has an unintended impact on the 
apportionments for these UZAs, and also affects the apportionment of 
all UZAs with populations less than 1 million. FTA anticipates a 
correction and has not applied this provision. If the correction is 
not made, we will adjust the FY 2006 apportionments to the Norman 
and Oklahoma City UZAs to compensate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional funds are appropriated for the Alaska Railroad for 
improvements to its passenger operations. The total amount allocated to 
the Alaska Railroad is $4,787,094 after deduction for the 0.80 percent 
rescission and oversight, as shown in the table below.

                        Alaska Railroad Set-Aside
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................         $4,849,950
Rescission...........................................           (38,800)
Oversight Deduction..................................           (24,056)
                                                      ------------------
  Total Allocated....................................          4,787,094
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of this amount $3,233,450 is currently available for obligation, in 
accordance with the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part 
V. Funding for the Alaska Railroad is based on the set-aside amount 
specified in the 2005 Appropriations Act. This is in lieu of 
apportioning funds for the Anchorage, AK UZA, under the fixed guideway 
tier of the section 5307 formula using data attributable to the Alaska 
Railroad Corporation.
2. Program Requirements
    Urbanized Area Formula Program funds are apportioned based on 
legislative formulas. Different formulas are used for UZAs with 
populations of 200,000 or more and UZAs with populations less than 
200,000. For UZAs 50,000 to 199,999 in population, the formula is based 
simply on population and population density. For UZAs with populations 
of 200,000 and more, the formula is based on a combination of bus 
revenue vehicle miles, bus passenger miles, fixed guideway revenue 
vehicle miles, and fixed guideway route miles, as well as population 
and population density. See Table 4 for more detailed information about 
the formulas. Program guidance for the Urbanized Area Formula Program 
is found in FTA Circular C9030.1C, Urbanized Area Formula Program: 
Grant Application Instructions, dated October 1, 1998. There are 
several important program requirements we highlight below.

[[Page 78208]]

a. Urbanized Area Formula Apportionments to Governors
    For UZAs with populations less than 200,000 (small UZAs), the funds 
are apportioned to the Governor of each State for distribution. The 
total Urbanized Area Formula apportionment for the Governor and the 
amount currently available for obligation, in accordance with the 
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V, is shown in Table 
3. This table also shows the apportionment amount attributable to each 
small UZA within the State. The Governor may determine the allocation 
of funds among the small UZAs with the following exception (as further 
discussed in item e below): funds attributed to a small UZA that is 
located within the planning boundaries of a Transportation Management 
Area (TMA) must be obligated to that small UZA.
b. Transit Enhancements
    For UZAs with populations 200,000 or more, TEA-21 establishes that 
a minimum of one-percent of a UZA's Urbanized Area Formula 
apportionment be spent for transit projects and project elements that 
qualify as transit enhancements. One percent of the Urbanized Area 
Formula Program apportionment in each UZA with a population of 200,000 
or more has been set aside specifically for transit enhancement 
expenditures. Table 3 shows the amount set aside for enhancements in 
these areas.
    The term ``transit enhancement'' includes projects or project 
elements that are designed to enhance mass transportation service or 
use and are physically or functionally related to transit facilities. 
Eligible enhancements include the following: (1) Historic preservation, 
rehabilitation, and operation of historic mass transportation 
buildings, structures, and facilities (including historic bus and 
railroad facilities); (2) bus shelters; (3) landscaping and other 
scenic beautification, including tables, benches, trash receptacles, 
and street lights; (4) public art; (5) pedestrian access and walkways; 
(6) bicycle access, including bicycle storage facilities and installing 
equipment for transporting bicycles on mass transportation vehicles; 
(7) transit connections to parks within the recipient's transit service 
area; (8) signage; and (9) enhanced access for persons with 
disabilities to mass transportation.
    It is the responsibility of the MPO to determine how the one-
percent for transit enhancements will be allotted to transit projects. 
The one percent minimum requirement does not preclude more than one 
percent being expended in a UZA for transit enhancements. However, 
items that are only eligible as enhancements--in particular, operating 
costs for historic facilities--may be assisted only within the one-
percent funding level.
    The recipient must submit a report to the appropriate FTA regional 
office listing the projects or elements of projects carried out with 
those funds during the previous fiscal year and the amount awarded. The 
report must be submitted with the Federal fiscal year's final quarterly 
progress report in TEAM-Web. The report should include the following 
elements: (a) Grantee name, (b) UZA name and number, (c) FTA project 
number, (d) transit enhancement category, (e) brief description of 
enhancement and progress towards project implementation, (f) activity 
line item code from the approved budget, and (g) amount awarded by FTA 
for the enhancement. The list of transit enhancement categories and 
activity line item codes may be found in FTA Circular 9030.1C, 
Urbanized Area Formula Program: Grant Application Instructions, dated 
October 1, 1998, and on TEAM-Web, which can be accessed at http://FTATEAMWeb.fta.dot.gov.
c. Transit Security Projects
    All recipients of Urbanized Area Formula funds are required to 
expend at least one percent of the amount the grantee receives each 
fiscal year on ``mass transit security projects.'' For applicants 
serving a UZA with a population of 200,000 or more, only capital 
security projects may be funded with the one percent.
d. FY 2005 Operating Assistance
    There are three transit provisions that allow FY 2005 Urbanized 
Area Formula funds to be used for operating assistance in a UZA with a 
population of 200,000 or more: (1) Language in Section 3027(c) of TEA-
21, as amended, which allows the use of funds for operating assistance 
to certain recipients of section 5307 funds that provide service 
exclusively for elderly persons and persons with disabilities and 
operate 20 or fewer vehicles; (2) the provision of 5307(b), as amended, 
and extended by Section 8(n) of the Surface Transportation Extension 
Act of 2004, Part V, which allows transit systems in UZAs that crossed 
the 200,000 population threshold for the first time as a result of the 
2000 Census, the flexibility to use section 5307 funds for operating 
assistance; and (3) the provision of 5307(b), as amended, and extended 
by Section 8(n) of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, 
Part V, which allows funds apportioned to a 2000 Census UZA with a 
population of 200,000 or more to be used for operating assistance in 
that portion of the UZA that was nonurbanized under the 1990 Census. 
Each provision has its own requirements, which are described separately 
below.
    (1) Section 3027(c)(3) of TEA-21, as previously amended, provides 
an exception to the restriction on the use of operating assistance in a 
UZA with a population of 200,000 or more, by allowing transit 
providers/grantees that provide service exclusively to elderly persons 
and persons with disabilities and that operate 20 or fewer vehicles to 
use section 5307 funds apportioned to the UZA for operating assistance. 
The total amount of funding made available for this purpose under 
Section 3027(c)(3) of TEA-21, as amended, is $1.4 million. Transit 
providers/grantees eligible under this provision have already been 
identified and notified.
    (2) The Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V, 
continues the provisions of Public Law 107-232, which allow transit 
systems in UZAs that, for the first time, exceeded 200,000 population 
according to the 2000 Census to use section 5307 funds for operating 
assistance. A list of the eligible 2000 Census UZAs (with populations 
200,000 or more ) that may use FY 2005 funds for operating assistance 
is provided in Table 6. The table also shows the maximum amount of the 
area's FY 2005 apportionment that may be used for operating assistance, 
and the amount of an area's apportionment currently available for 
obligation as operating assistance. The use of the UZA funds for 
operating assistance by these areas is restricted to projects carried 
out within the geographical or service area boundary of the affected 
1990 Census small UZA.
    (3) In addition, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, 
Part V, permits the continued use of Urbanized Area Formula Program 
(section 5307) funds for operating assistance in certain UZAs with a 
population of at least 200,000 when the qualifying UZA includes a 
portion that was not designated as a UZA under the 1990 Census and 
received assistance under section 5311 in FY 2002. The provision 
further stipulates that the portion not designated a UZA under the 1990 
Census shall receive an amount of funds under section 5307 that is not 
less than the amount the portion received under section 5311 in FY 
2002. Affected areas are not identified in Table 6. A grant applicant 
for an area eligible to receive operating assistance under this

[[Page 78209]]

provision that wants to make use of this provision must so indicate in 
the grant application. The application must identify the previously 
nonurbanized portion of the UZA that qualifies (i.e., that portion of 
the area that was not designated as urbanized under the 1990 Census and 
received assistance under section 5311). Contact the appropriate FTA 
regional office for additional information and guidance if you intend 
to make use of this provision.
    Unless one of the exceptions noted above applies, the use of FY 
2005 Urbanized Area Formula Program funds for operating assistance is 
available only to small UZAs (those with populations less than 
200,000). For these areas, there is no limitation on the amount of the 
State apportionment that may be used for operating assistance, and the 
Federal/local share ratio is 50/50.
e. Designated Transportation Management Areas (TMA)
    Guidance for setting the boundaries of TMAs is contained in the 
joint transportation planning regulations codified at 23 CFR part 450 
and 49 CFR part 613. In some cases, the TMA planning boundaries 
established by the MPO for the designated TMA includes one or more 
small UZAs. In addition, one small UZA (Santa Barbara, CA) has been 
designated as a TMA. In either of these situations, the Governor cannot 
allocate ``Governor's Apportionment'' funds attributed to the small 
UZAs to other areas; that is the Governor only has discretion to 
allocate Governor's Apportionment funds attributable to areas that are 
outside of designated TMA planning boundaries.
    The list of small UZAs included within the planning boundaries of 
designated TMAs is provided in the table below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Small urbanized area included
             Designated TMA                  in TMA planning boundary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albany, NY.............................  Saratoga Springs, NY.
Houston, TX............................  Galveston, TX; Lake Jackson-
                                          Angleton, TX; Texas City, TX;
                                          The Woodlands, TX.
Jacksonville, FL.......................  St. Augustine, FL.
Orlando, FL............................  Kissimmee, FL.
Palm Bay-Melbourne, FL.................  Titusville, FL.
Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD..............  Pottstown, PA.
Pittsburgh, PA.........................  Monessen, PA; Weirton, WV-
                                          Steubenville, OH-PA (PA
                                          portion); Uniontown-
                                          Connellsville, PA.
Seattle, WA............................  Bremerton, WA.
Washington, DC-VA-MD...................  Frederick, MD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The MPO must notify the Associate Administrator for Program 
Management, Federal Transit Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20590, in writing, no later than July 1 of each year, to 
identify any small UZA within the planning boundaries of a TMA.
f. Urbanized Area Formula Funds Used for Highway Purposes
    Funds apportioned to a TMA are eligible for transfer to FHWA for 
highway projects. However, before funds can be transferred, the 
following conditions must be met: (1) Such use must be approved by the 
MPO in writing, after appropriate notice and opportunity for comment 
and appeal are provided to affected transit providers; (2) in the 
determination of the Secretary, such funds are not needed for 
investments required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
(ADA); and (3) the MPO determines that local transit needs are being 
addressed.
    The MPO should notify FTA of its intent to use FTA funds for 
highway purposes, as prescribed in section V.D, below. Urbanized Area 
Formula funds that are designated by the MPO for highway projects will 
be transferred to and administered by FHWA.
3. Period of Availability
    The Urbanized Area Formula Program funds apportioned in this 
notice, as well as the set-aside for the Alaska Railroad, will remain 
available to be obligated by FTA to recipients until September 30, 
2008. Any of these apportioned funds that remain unobligated at the 
close of business on September 30, 2008, will revert to FTA for 
reapportionment under the Urbanized Area Formula Program.
4. Data Used to Generate Apportionments and Dollar Unit Values
    Population and population density statistics from the 2000 Census 
and (when applicable) validated mileage and transit service data from 
transit providers' 2003 National Transit Database (NTD) Report Year 
were used to calculate a UZA's FY 2005 Urbanized Area Formula 
apportionment.
    We have calculated dollar unit values for the formula factors used 
in the Urbanized Area Formula Program apportionment calculations. These 
values represent the amount of money each unit of a factor is worth in 
this year's apportionment. The unit values change each year, based on 
all of the data used to calculate the apportionments. The dollar unit 
values for FY 2005 are displayed in Table 5. To replicate a UZA's 
apportionment, multiply the dollar unit value by the appropriate 
formula factor, i.e., the population, population x (times) population 
density, and (when applicable) data from the NTD (i.e., route miles, 
vehicle revenue miles, passenger miles, and operating cost.)

C. Clean Fuels Formula Program (49.U.S.C. 5308)

    FTA's authorizing legislation, TEA-21, established the Clean Fuels 
Formula Grant Program to support the goals of the Clean Air Act. This 
program has a two-fold purpose. First, the program is intended to 
assist non-attainment and maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining 
air quality attainment status. Second, the program seeks to support 
emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit 
buses, and to create markets for these technologies. No funds were 
provided for this program in the 2005 Appropriations Act. For more 
information about this program contact Nancy Grubb, Office of Resource 
Management and State Programs, at (202) 366-2053.

D. Capital Investment Program (49 U.S.C. 5309)--Fixed Guideway 
Modernization

    This program provides capital assistance for the modernization of 
existing fixed guideway systems. Funds are allocated by a statutory 
formula to UZAs with fixed guideway systems that have been in operation 
for at least seven years. A ``fixed guideway'' refers to any transit 
service that uses exclusive or controlled rights-of-way or rails, 
entirely or in part. The term includes heavy rail, commuter rail, light 
rail, monorail, trolleybus, aerial tramway, inclined plane, cable car, 
automated guideway

[[Page 78210]]

transit, ferryboats, that portion of motor bus service operated on 
exclusive or controlled rights-of-way, and high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) 
lanes. For more information about Fixed Guideway Modernization contact 
Ken Johnson, Office of Resource Management and State Programs, at (202) 
366-2053.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $1,204,684,800 to the Fixed 
Guideway Modernization Program after the across-the-board 0.80 percent 
rescission. The total amount apportioned for the Fixed Guideway 
Modernization Program is $1,192,637,952, after the deduction for 
oversight, as shown in the table below.

                  Fixed Guideway Modernization Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................     $1,214,400,000
Rescission...........................................        (9,715,200)
Oversight Deduction..................................       (12,046,848)
                                                      ------------------
  Total Apportioned..................................      1,192,637,952
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FY 2005 Fixed Guideway Modernization Program apportionments to 
eligible areas are displayed in Table 7. Also Displayed in Table 7 is 
the amount of each area's apportionment that is currently available for 
obligation, in accordance with the Surface Transportation Extension Act 
of 2004, Part V.
2. Program Requirements
    Fixed Guideway Modernization funds must be used for capital 
projects to maintain, modernize, or improve fixed guideway systems. 
Eligible UZAs (those with a population of at least 200,000) with fixed 
guideway systems that are at least seven years old are entitled to 
receive Fixed Guideway Modernization funds. A threshold level of more 
than one mile of fixed guideway is required in order to receive Fixed 
Guideway Modernization funds. Therefore, UZAs reporting one mile or 
less of fixed guideway mileage under the NTD are not included. Program 
guidance for Fixed Guideway Modernization is found in FTA Circular 
C9300.1A, Capital Program: Grant Application Instructions, dated 
October 1, 1998.
3. Period of Availability
    The funds apportioned in this notice under the Fixed Guideway 
Modernization Program will remain available to be obligated by FTA to 
recipients for three fiscal years following FY 2005. Any of these 
apportioned funds that remain unobligated at the close of business on 
September 30, 2008, will revert to FTA for reapportionment under the 
Fixed Guideway Modernization Program.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    The formula for allocating the Fixed Guideway Modernization funds 
contains seven tiers. The apportionment of funding under the first four 
tiers is based on amounts specified in law and/or NTD data used to 
apportion funds in FY 1997. Funding under the last three tiers is 
apportioned based on the latest available data on route miles and 
revenue vehicle miles on segments at least seven years old, as reported 
to the NTD. Table 8 contains information regarding the Fixed Guideway 
Modernization apportionment formula.
    Dollar unit values for the formula factors used in the Fixed 
Guideway Modernization Program are displayed in Table 5. To replicate 
an area's apportionment, multiply the dollar unit value by the 
appropriate formula factor, i.e., route miles and revenue vehicle 
miles.

E. Capital Investment Program (49 U.S.C. 5309)--Bus and Bus-Related 
Facilities

    This program provides capital assistance for new and replacement 
buses and related facilities. Funds are allocated on a discretionary 
basis. Eligible purposes are acquisition of buses for fleet and service 
expansion, bus maintenance and administrative facilities, transfer 
facilities, bus malls, transportation centers, intermodal terminals, 
park-and-ride stations, acquisition of replacement vehicles, bus 
rebuilds, bus preventive maintenance, passenger amenities such as 
passenger shelters and bus stop signs, accessory and miscellaneous 
equipment such as mobile radio units, supervisory vehicles, fare boxes, 
computers, and shop and garage equipment. For more information about 
Bus and Bus-Related Facilities contact Ryan Hammon, Office of Resource 
Management and State Programs, at (202) 366-2053.
1. Total Allocations
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $719,200,000 for the purchase 
of buses, bus-related equipment and paratransit vehicles, and for the 
construction of bus-related facilities, after the across-the-board 0.80 
percent rescission. This amount includes funds transferred from the 
Clean Fuels Program as described below. The total amount allocated for 
Bus and Bus-Related Facilities is $712,008,000, as shown in the 
following table.

                           Bus and Bus-Related
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................       $725,000,000
Rescission...........................................        (5,800,000)
Oversight Deduction..................................        (7,192,000)
                                                      ------------------
  Total Allocation...................................       712,008,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes $50 million transferred from Clean Fuels.

    TEA-21 authorized a $100 million Clean Fuels Formula Program under 
49 U.S.C. 5308 (described in section IV.C above). The program is 
authorized to be funded with $50 million from the Bus and Bus-Related 
Facilities category of the Capital Investment Program and $50 million 
from the Formula Grants Programs. However, the 2005 Appropriations Act 
directs FTA to transfer the Clean Fuels formula portion to, and merge 
it with, funding provided for the Bus and Bus-Related category of the 
Capital Investment Program. The $100 million from the Clean Fuels 
program, both capital and formula portion, is included in the total 
appropriations amount in the Bus and Bus-Related Facilities table above 
and the 0.80 percent across-the-board rescission has been applied to 
the entire amount. In FY 2005, Congress did not make available for bus 
and bus-related facilities any funds reallocated from projects in 
previous appropriations acts. Instead, prior year reallocated bus and 
bus facilities funds were made available to the New Starts program.
    Table 9 displays the allocation of the FY 2005 Bus and Bus-Related 
Facilities funds by State and project. Each project allocation has been 
adjusted proportionally from the amount designated in the conference 
report accompanying the 2005 Appropriations Act to account for the 
across the board rescission, the amount deducted for oversight, and the 
shortfall between the amount designated for projects and the amount 
made available to the program. Also displayed in Table 9 is the amount 
of each Bus and Bus-Related Facilities project allocation that is 
currently available for obligation, in accordance with the Surface 
Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V.
2. Program Requirements
    The Conference Report to FTA's 2005 Appropriation Act lists 440 
discrete projects for funding under Bus and Bus-Related Facilities. The 
2005 Appropriations Act includes Section 125 that contains language 
making these designated projects eligible under the program 
``notwithstanding any other provision of law.'' The Consolidated 
Appropriations Act 2004, included a similar provision in Section 547. 
This

[[Page 78211]]

language makes the bus projects designated in FYs 2005 and 2004 
eligible for the designated purpose. However, if you want to apply to 
use funds designated under the bus program in any year for project 
activities outside the scope of the project designation included in 
report language, you must submit your request for reprogramming to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations for resolution. FTA will 
not reprogram Congressionally-designated projects without direction 
from the Appropriations Committees.
    Unless the law provides otherwise, projects designated prior to FY 
2004 must conform to the eligibility requirements of the Bus and Bus-
Related Facilities program. Requests for reprogramming of funding for 
projects designated prior to FY 2004 that are found not to be 
consistent with the statutory intent of the program should also be 
directed to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. Program 
guidance for Bus and Bus-Related Facilities is found in FTA Circular 
C9300.1A, Capital Program: Grant Application Instructions, dated 
October 1, 1998.
3. Period of Availability
    The 2005 Appropriations Act includes a provision requiring that FY 
2005 Bus and Bus-Related Facilities funds not obligated for their 
original purpose as of September 30, 2007, be made available for other 
projects under 49 U.S.C. 5309. Certain Bus and Bus-Related Facilities 
projects identified in previous years but not obligated were extended 
for one year in the reports accompanying the 2005 Appropriations Act. 
These project funds will lapse September 30, 2005, if they are not 
obligated in a grant before then. A list of these extended projects 
included in the Conference report and the amounts that remain 
unobligated as of September 30, 2004, can be found in Table 10. 
However, two projects in the Conference report are not included, 
pending clarification of Congressional intent to reallocate the balance 
to the New Starts program. FTA is seeking clarification from Congress 
regarding Congressional intent to extend other projects that are listed 
in the House or Senate report but not listed in the Conference Report.
4. Other Program or Allocation Related Information and Highlights
    Prior year unobligated balances for Bus and Bus-Related allocations 
in the amount of $791,171,631 remain available for obligation in FY 
2005. This includes $758,522,868 in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 
unobligated allocations, and $32,648,763 for fiscal years 1998-2002 
unobligated allocations that were extended in the FY 2005 Conference 
Report. These unobligated amounts are displayed in Table 10. Included 
with the FY 2004 carryover projects in Table 10 is one project that was 
transferred from the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program to 
the Bus program by Section 531 of the 2005 Appropriations Act.

F. Capital Investment Program (49 U.S.C. 5309)--New Starts

    The New Starts program provides funds for construction of new fixed 
guideway systems or extensions to existing fixed guideway systems. 
Eligible purposes are light rail, rapid rail (heavy rail), commuter 
rail, monorail, automated fixed guideway system (such as a ``people 
mover''), or a busway/high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facility, Bus Rapid 
Transit that is fixed guideway, or an extension of any of these. 
Projects become candidates for funding under this program by 
successfully completing the appropriate steps in the major capital 
investment planning and project development process. Major new fixed 
guideway projects, or extensions to existing systems, financed with New 
Starts funds typically receive these funds through a full funding grant 
agreement (FFGA) that defines the scope of the project and specifies 
the total multi-year Federal commitment to the project. For more 
information about New Starts contact Sean Libberton, Office of Planning 
and Environment, at (202) 366-4033.
1. Total Allocations
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $1,437,829,600 to New Starts 
after the across-the-board 0.80 percent rescission. The total amount 
allocated for New Starts is $1,449,596,996, as shown in the table 
below.

                               New Starts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................     $1,449,425,000
Rescission...........................................       (11,595,400)
Oversight Deduction..................................       (14,378,296)
Reallocated Prior Year Funds.........................       a/26,145,692
                                                      ------------------
  Total Allocation...................................     1,449,596,996
------------------------------------------------------------------------
a/ Includes reallocated prior year New Starts and Bus funds.

    The amount reallocated to New Starts includes $3,591,548 in FY 2001 
funds and $22,554,144 in FY 2002 funds under the Capital Investment 
Grants account, in accordance with language in the 2005 Appropriations 
Act. FTA is in the process of clarifying with Congress the projects 
from which these funds are to be derived and we will publish the 
complete list as soon as possible.
    The final allocation for each New Starts project is listed in Table 
11. Each project allocation has been adjusted proportionally from the 
amount designated in the 2005 Appropriations Act to account for the 
across-the-board rescission and the amount deducted for oversight. 
Table 11 also shows $11,016,268 as unallocated. Following notification 
to Congress, FTA will reallocate these funds among certain projects on 
the list. Also displayed in Table 11 is the amount of each New Starts 
project allocation that is currently available for obligation, in 
accordance with the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part 
V.
2. Program Requirements
    Because New Starts projects are earmarked in law rather than report 
language, reprogramming for a purpose other than that specified must 
also occur in law. New Starts projects are subject to a complex set of 
approvals related to planning and project development set forth in 49 
CFR Part 611. Program guidance for New Starts is found in FTA Circular 
C9300.1A, Capital Program: Grant Application Instructions, dated 
October 1, 1998; and C5200.1A, Full Funding Grant Agreement Guidance, 
dated December 5, 2002.
3. Period of Availability
    The 2005 Appropriations Act includes a provision requiring that FY 
2005 New Starts and Bus and Bus-Related funds not obligated for their 
original purpose as of September 30, 2007, shall be made available for 
other projects under 49 U.S.C. 5309.
    Capital Investment Program funds for New Starts projects identified 
as having been extended for one year in the FY 2005 Conference Report 
accompanying the 2005 Appropriations Act will lapse September 30, 2005. 
A list of these extended projects and the amounts that remained 
unobligated as of September 30, 2004, appears in Table 12.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    Prior year unobligated allocations for New Starts in the amount of 
$479,244,898 remain available for obligation in FY 2005. This amount 
includes $408,126,399 in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 unobligated 
allocations, and $71,118,499 for fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002 
unobligated allocations that are extended in the FY 2005 Conference 
Report. These unobligated amounts are displayed in Table 12. 
Information on pre-award authority for

[[Page 78212]]

New Starts projects is detailed in section V below.

G. Elderly and Persons With Disabilities Program (49 U.S.C. 5310)

    This program (49 U.S.C. 5310) provides formula funding to States 
for capital projects to assist private nonprofit groups in meeting the 
transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities when 
the public transportation service provided is unavailable, 
insufficient, or inappropriate to meet these needs. The State (or 
State-designated agency) administers the Section 5310 program. The 
State's responsibilities include: Notifying eligible local entities of 
funding availability; developing project selection criteria; 
determining applicant eligibility; selecting projects for funding; and 
ensuring that all subrecipients comply with Federal requirements. 
Eligible nonprofit organizations or public bodies must apply directly 
to the designated State agency for assistance under this program. For 
more information about the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities 
Program contact Sue Masselink, Office of Resource Management and State 
Programs, at (202) 366-2053.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $94,526,689 to the Elderly and 
Persons with Disabilities Program (49 U.S.C. 5310) after the across-
the-board 0.80 percent rescission, which is the total amount 
apportioned for the program, as shown in the table below.

              Elderly and Persons With Disabilities Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................         95,289,001
Rescission...........................................          (762,312)
                                                      ------------------
  Total Apportioned..................................         94,526,689
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FY 2005 Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program 
apportionments to the States are displayed in Table 13. Also displayed 
in Table 13 is the amount of a State's apportionment currently 
available for obligation, in accordance with the Surface Transportation 
Extension Act of 2004, Part V.
    FTA allocates funds to the States by an administrative formula 
consisting of a $125,000 floor for each State ($50,000 for smaller 
territories) with the balance allocated based on 2000 Census population 
data for persons aged 65 and over and for persons with disabilities.
2. Program Requirements
    The funds provide capital assistance for transportation for elderly 
persons and persons with disabilities. Eligible capital expenses may 
include, at the option of the recipient, the acquisition of 
transportation services by a contract, lease, or other arrangement.
    While the assistance is intended primarily for private non-profit 
organizations, public bodies that coordinate services for the elderly 
and persons with disabilities, or any public body that certifies to the 
State that there are no non-profit organizations in the area that are 
readily available to carry out the service, may receive these funds. 
Program guidance for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program 
is found in FTA Circular C9070.1E, The Elderly and Persons with 
Disabilities Program Guidance and Application Instructions, dated 
October 1, 1998.
3. Period of Availability
    Funds allocated to States under the Elderly and Persons with 
Disabilities Program in this notice must be obligated by September 30, 
2005. Any funding that remains unobligated as of that date will revert 
to FTA for reapportionment among the States under the Elderly and 
Persons with Disabilities Program. FTA extended the period of 
availability for FY 2004 funds through March 31, 2005, because full 
year funding was not available for obligation until late in the fiscal 
year. If TEA-21 has not been extended through the end of FY 2005 when 
the current extension through May 31, 2005 expires, FTA will consider 
extending the availability of FY 2005 Section 5310 funds.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    These funds may be transferred by the Governor to supplement 
Urbanized Area Formula or Nonurbanized Area Formula capital funds 
during the last 90 days of the fiscal year.

H. Nonurbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5311)

    This program provides formula funding to States for the purpose of 
supporting public transportation in areas of less than 50,000 
population. Funding may be used for capital, operating, State 
administration, and project administration expenses. Each State 
prepares an annual program of projects, which must provide for fair and 
equitable distribution of funds within the States, including Indian 
reservations, and must provide for maximum feasible coordination with 
transportation services assisted by other Federal sources. For more 
information about the Nonurbanized Area Formula Program contact Lorna 
Wilson, Office of Resource Management and State Programs, at (202) 366-
2053.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $250,889,588 to the 
Nonurbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5311) after across-the-
board 0.80 percent rescission. The total amount apportioned for the 
Nonurbanized Area Formula Program is $249,635,140, after the deduction 
for oversight, as shown in the table below.

                    Nonurbanized Area Formula Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................        252,912,891
Rescission...........................................        (2,023,303)
Oversight Deduction..................................        (1,254,448)
                                                      ------------------
  Total Apportioned..................................        249,635,140
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FY 2005 Nonurbanized Area Formula apportionments to the States 
are displayed in Table 14. Also displayed in Table 14 is the amount of 
each State's apportionment that is currently available for obligation, 
in accordance with the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, 
Part V.
2. Program Requirements
    The Nonurbanized Area Formula Program provides capital, operating 
and administrative assistance for areas under 50,000 in population. 
Funds are apportioned in proportion to each State's nonurbanized 
population. Each State must spend no less than 15 percent of its FY 
2005 Nonurbanized Area Formula apportionment for the development and 
support of intercity bus transportation, unless the Governor certifies 
to the Secretary that the intercity bus service needs of the State are 
being adequately met. Program guidance for the Nonurbanized Area 
Formula Program is found in C9040.1E, Nonurbanized Area Formula Program 
Guidance and Grant Application Instructions, dated October 1, 1998.
3. Period of Availability
    Funds apportioned to nonurbanized areas under the Nonurbanized Area 
Formula Program will remain available for two fiscal years following FY 
2005. Any funds that remain unobligated at the close of business on 
September 30, 2007, will revert to FTA for allocation among the States 
under the Nonurbanized Area Formula Program.

[[Page 78213]]

4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    Given the ongoing changes in the intercity bus industry, FTA 
encourages States to consult with intercity bus operators and 
communities affected by loss of service when evaluating the intercity 
bus needs of the State.
    The dollar unit value shown for the Nonurbanized Area Formula 
Program in Table 5 of this notice may be multiplied by the States 
nonurbanized population to replicate FTA's calculation of each State's 
apportionment.

I. Rural Transit Assistance Program (49 U.S.C. 5311(b)(2))

    This program provides funding to assist in the design and 
implementation of training and technical assistance projects, research, 
and other support services tailored to meet the needs of transit 
operators in nonurbanized areas. For more information about Rural 
Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) contact Lorna Wilson, Office of 
Resource Management and State Programs, at (202) 366-2053.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $5,208,000 to RTAP (49 U.S.C. 
5311(b)(2)) after the across-the-board 0.80 percent rescission, which 
is the total amount apportioned for RTAP, as shown in the table below.

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................          5,250,000
Rescission...........................................           (42,000)
                                                      ------------------
    Total Apportioned................................          5,208,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FY 2005 RTAP allocations to the States are displayed in Table 
14. Also displayed in Table 14 is the amount of each State's allocation 
that is currently available for obligation, in accordance with the 
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V. Funds are 
allocated to the States by an administrative formula consisting of a 
$65,000 floor for each State ($10,000 for territories), with the 
balance allocated based on nonurbanized population in the 2000 Census.
2. Program Requirements
    The funds are allocated to the States to undertake research, 
training, technical assistance, and other support services to meet the 
needs of transit operators in nonurbanized areas. These funds are to be 
used in conjunction with a State's administration of the Nonurbanized 
Area Formula Program.
3. Period of Availability
    Funds apportioned to nonurbanized areas under RTAP will remain 
available for two fiscal years following FY 2005. Any funds that remain 
unobligated at the close of business on September 30, 2007, will revert 
to FTA for allocation among the States under the RTAP.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    FTA also supports RTAP activities at the national level with the 
National Planning and Research Program (NPRP). The National RTAP 
activities support the States in their provision of training and 
technical assistance. Congress did not designate any NPRP funds for the 
National RTAP in the Conference Report accompanying the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2005. FTA will, however, consider the National RTAP 
among projects to be funded from the limited available NPRP funds.

J. Statewide Planning and Research Program (49 U.S.C. 5313(b))

    This program provides financial assistance to States for Statewide 
planning and other technical assistance activities (including 
supplementing the technical assistance program provided through the 
Metropolitan Planning Formula Program), planning support for 
nonurbanized areas, research, development and demonstration projects, 
fellowships for training in the public transportation field, university 
research, and human resource development. For more about the Statewide 
Planning and Research Program contact Candace Noonan, Program Manager, 
at (202) 366-1626.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $12,513,485 to the Statewide 
Planning and Research Program (49 U.S.C. 5313(b)) after the across-the-
board 0.80 percent rescission. The total amount apportioned for the 
Statewide Planning and Research Program (SPRP) is $12,659,599, as shown 
in the table below.

                 Statewide Planning and Research Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................         12,614,400
Rescission...........................................          (100,915)
Prior Year Funds Added...............................            146,114
                                                      ------------------
  Total Apportioned..................................         12,659,599
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    State apportionments for this program are displayed in Table 2. 
Also displayed in Table 2 is the amount of each State's apportionment 
that is currently available for obligation, in accordance with the 
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V. Funds are 
allocated by a formula that is based on information received from the 
latest decennial census, and the State's UZA population as compared to 
the UZA population of all States. However, a State must receive at 
least 0.5 percent of the amount apportioned under this program.
2. Program Requirements
    Statewide Planning and Research funds are apportioned to States by 
statutory formula to provide funds for Statewide Planning and Research 
Programs. These funds may be used for a variety of purposes such as 
planning, technical studies and assistance, demonstrations, management 
training, and cooperative research. In addition, a State may authorize 
a portion of these funds to be used to supplement metropolitan planning 
funds allocated by the State to its UZAs, as the State deems 
appropriate. Program guidance for the Statewide Planning and Research 
Program is found in FTA Circular C8200.1, Program Guidance and 
Application Instructions for State Planning and Research Program 
Grants, dated December 27, 2001.
3. Period of Availability
    The funds apportioned in this notice under the Statewide Planning 
and Research Program will remain available to be obligated by FTA to 
recipients for three fiscal years following FY 2005. Any of these 
apportioned funds that remain unobligated at the close of business on 
September 30, 2008, will revert to FTA for reapportionment under the 
program.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    Section VI of this document provides various guidance and 
information specific to FTA planning programs, including the Statewide 
Planning and Research Program. Refer to that section for additional 
information relevant to this program.

K. National Planning and Research Program (49 U.S.C. 5314)

    Through funding under this program, FTA seeks to deliver solutions 
that improve public transportation. FTA's Strategic Research Goals are 
to increase transit ridership, improve capital and operating 
efficiencies, improve safety and emergency preparedness, and to protect 
the environment and promote energy independence. For more about the 
National Planning and Research Program contact Bruce Robinson, Office

[[Page 78214]]

of Research, Demonstration and Innovation, at (202) 366-4209.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $37,200,000 for the National 
Planning and Research Program after the across-the-board 0.80 percent 
rescission. Of this amount $20,892,622 is allocated for specific 
activities, after applicable reductions for the Small Business 
Innovation Research program.

                 National Planning and Research Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation........................................         37,500,000
Rescission...........................................          (300,000)
                                                      ------------------
  Total Apportioned..................................         37,200,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All research and research and development projects are subject to a 
2.6% reduction for the Small Business Innovative Research Program. This 
determination is made by FTA based on the proposed statement of work. 
The project allocations are listed in Table 15, along with the amount 
that is currently available for obligation, in accordance with the 
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004, Part V.
2. Program Requirements
    Application Instructions and Program Management Guidelines are set 
forth in FTA Circular 6100.1C. Research projects must support FTA's 
Strategic Research Goals and meet the Office of Management and Budget's 
Research and Development Investment Criteria. All research recipients 
are required to work with FTA to develop approved Statements of Work 
and plans to evaluate research results before award.
3. Period of Availability
    Funds are available until expended.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    Funds not designated by Congress for specific projects and 
activities will be programmed by FTA based on national priorities.

L. Job Access and Reverse Commute Program

    The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program provides funding 
for transportation services designed to increase access to jobs and 
employment-related activities. Job Access projects are those that 
transport welfare recipients and low-income individuals, including 
economically disadvantaged persons with disabilities, in urban, 
suburban, or rural areas to and from jobs and activities related to 
their employment. Reverse Commute projects provide transportation 
services for the general public from urban, suburban, and rural areas 
to suburban employment opportunities. A total of up to $10,000,000 from 
the appropriation may be used for Reverse Commute Projects. For more 
information about the JARC program contact Gregory D. Brown, Office of 
Resource Management and States Program, at (202) 366-2053.
1. Total Apportionments
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $124,000,000 for the Job 
Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program after the across-the-board 
0.80 percent rescission. The total amount allocated to JARC projects is 
$123,702,400, as shown in the table below.

                     Job Access and Reverse Commute
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation...........................................   $125,000,000
Rescission..............................................     (1,000,000)
Tech. Asst. Takedown....................................       (297,600)
                                                         ---------------
  Total Allocation......................................    123,702,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------

JARC project allocations designated in the Conference Report are 
included in this notice as Table 16. The amounts designated in the 
report have been adjusted to reflect the rescission, and the $297,600 
set-aside for technical assistance and evaluation of the program.
2. Program Requirements
    Although TEA-21 requires that JARC project selections be made 
through a national competition based on statutorily specified criteria, 
the 2005 Appropriations Act overrides the requirement for competitive 
selection by directing FTA to award grants for the JARC designations 
included in the Conference report language upon receipt of an 
application. The Federal share for JARC projects, both capital and 
operating assistance, is 50 percent of net project cost. Planning is 
not an eligible activity.
    Unless statutorily directed otherwise, FTA will honor the 
discretionary project designations included in Conference Report 
language for JARC, to the extent that the projects meet the statutory 
intent of the program. Section 125 of the 2005 Appropriations Act, made 
the JARC funds designated to projects in FY 2005 available upon FTA's 
receipt of an application. Section 547 in the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2004, provided likewise for JARC projects 
designated in FY 2004. Requests for reprogramming of funding must be 
directed to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations for 
resolution.
3. Period of Availability
    Funds for JARC projects competitively selected by FTA remain 
available for two fiscal years following the fiscal year of selection. 
No projects competitively selected in previous fiscal years remain 
available for obligation in FY 2005. Congressional allocations of JARC 
projects remain available to the designated entity unless reallocated 
by Congress. Congress did not reallocate unobligated Congressional 
allocations for JARC projects from fiscal years 2002 in the 2005 
Appropriations Act, so they remain available for obligation. Projects 
designated prior to FY 2002 were reallocated in prior years.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    Prior year unobligated balances for JARC allocations in the amount 
of $119,748,937 remain available for obligation in FY 2005. These 
balances include Congressional allocations from fiscal years 2002, 2003 
and 2004. These unobligated amounts are displayed in Table 17.

M. Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program

    The Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility (OTRB) Program authorizes FTA 
to make grants to operators of over-the-road buses to help finance the 
incremental capital and training costs of complying with the DOT over-
the-road bus accessibility final rule, 49 CFR Part 37, published on 
September 28, 1998 (63 FR 51670). FTA conducts a national solicitation 
of applications, and grantees are selected on a competitive basis. For 
more information about the OTRB program contact Blenda Younger, Office 
of Resource Management and States Program, at (202) 366-2053.
1. Total Allocation
    The 2005 Appropriations Act provides $6,894,400 for the Over-the-
Road Bus Accessibility (OTRB) Program after the across-the-board 0.80 
percent rescission, which is the total amount allocable for OTRB, as 
shown in the table below.

                 Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation...........................................     $6,950,000
Rescission..............................................        (55,600)
                                                         ---------------
  Total Allocation......................................      6,894,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Of this amount, $5,239,744 is allocable to providers of intercity 
fixed-

[[Page 78215]]

route service, and $1,654,666 to other providers of over-the-road bus 
services, including local fixed-route service, commuter service, and 
charter and tour service. The total amount of $4,656,832 is currently 
available for obligation in accordance with the Surface Transportation 
Extension Act of 2004, Part V. This includes $3,539,192 for intercity 
fixed-route service and $1,117,640 for other over-the-road bus 
services.
2. Program Requirements
    Projects are competitively selected. The Federal share of the 
project is 90 percent of net project cost. Program guidance is provided 
in the Federal Register notice soliciting applications. The FY 2004 
notice was published November 24, 2003, and is available at http://www.fta.dot.gov/legal/federal_register/2004/12174_12199_ENG_HTML.htm. Assistance is available to operators of buses used 
substantially or exclusively in intercity, fixed route, over-the-road 
bus service. Capital projects eligible for funding include projects to 
add lifts and other accessibility components to new vehicle purchases 
and to purchase lifts to retrofit existing vehicles. Eligible training 
costs include developing training materials or providing training for 
local providers of over-the-road bus services.
3. Period of Availability
    Funds are available until expended.
4. Other Program or Apportionment Related Information and Highlights
    A Federal Register notice providing program guidance and 
application procedures for FY 2005 will be published at a later date 
and synopsized at www.grants.gov. A Federal Register notice of FY 2004 
project selections was published November 16, 2004, and is available at 
http://www.fta.dot.gov/legal/federal_register/2004/12174_16182_ENG_HTML.htm.

V. FTA Program Guidance and Requirements

A. Automatic Pre-Award Authority to Incur Project Costs

    This information incorporates and elaborates on guidance previously 
provided in the FTA Fiscal Years 2002--2004 Apportionments and 
Allocations Notices, which can be found on the FTA Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/25_ENG_HTML.htm.
1. Policy
    FTA provides blanket, or automatic, pre-award authority to certain 
program areas described below. This pre-award authority allows grantees 
to incur project costs prior to grant approval and retain their 
eligibility for subsequent reimbursement after grant approval. The 
grantee assumes all risk and is responsible for ensuring that all 
conditions are met to retain eligibility. This automatic pre-award 
spending authority permits a grantee to incur costs on an eligible 
transit capital or planning project without prejudice to possible 
future Federal participation in the cost of the project or projects. 
Prior to exercising pre-award authority, grantees must comply with the 
conditions and Federal requirements outlined in paragraphs 2 and 3 
below. Failure to do so will render an otherwise eligible project 
ineligible for FTA financial assistance. In addition, prior to 
incurring costs, grantees are strongly encouraged to consult with the 
appropriate FTA regional office regarding the eligibility of the 
project for future FTA funds and the applicability of the conditions 
and Federal requirements.
    In the June 24, 1998 Federal Register Notice on TEA-21, pre-award 
authority was extended to all formula funds and flexible funds that 
would be apportioned during the authorization period of TEA-21, 1998-
2003. In the February 11, 2004 Federal Register Notice of FY 2004 
Apportionments and Allocations, FTA extended pre-award authority to 
grantees for project costs to be reimbursed by formula funds and 
flexible funds to be appropriated in FY 2005. In this notice, FTA is 
extending this pre-award authority for formula funds and flexible funds 
that will be appropriated in FY 2006. Pre-award authority for operating 
and planning projects under the formula grant programs is not limited 
to the authorization period. In addition, automatic pre-award authority 
for section 5303 and 5313(b) has been granted through FY 2006. Pre-
award authority also applies to section 5309 Capital Investment Bus and 
Bus-Related allocations and JARC allocations identified in this and 
previous notices. For such section 5309 Capital Investment Bus and Bus-
Related and JARC projects, the date that costs may be incurred is the 
date that the appropriation bill in which they are contained was 
enacted. In the February 11, 2004 notice FTA extended pre-award 
authority to Section 330 projects, and, in this notice, FTA is also 
extending comparable pre-award authority to those surface 
transportation projects commonly referred to as Section 115 projects 
administered by FTA, for which amounts were provided in the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 and Section 117 projects in the 
2005 Appropriations Act. We strongly encourage any prospective 
applicant that does not have a relationship with FTA to review Federal 
grant requirements with the FTA regional office before incurring costs.
    Blanket pre-award authority does not apply to section 5309 Capital 
Investment New Starts funds. Specific instances of pre-award authority 
for Capital Investment New Starts projects are described in paragraph 4 
below. Pre-award authority does not apply to Capital Investment Bus and 
Bus-Related projects not specified in this or previous notices. Before 
an applicant may incur costs for Capital Investment New Starts 
projects, Bus and Bus-Related projects, or any other projects not 
listed in this notice or previous notices, it must first obtain a 
written Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) from FTA. To obtain an LONP, a 
grantee must submit a written request accompanied by adequate 
information and justification to the appropriate FTA regional office, 
as described V.B below.
    In using pre-award authority for FY 2006 formula funds, grantees 
are cautioned that reauthorization may result in changes in program 
structure, administrative requirements, or funding availability. As 
with all pre-award authority, activities must be conducted in 
compliance with Federal requirements in order to retain eligibility for 
future reimbursement. New grantees are encouraged to contact the 
appropriate FTA regional office before incurring costs, in order to 
ensure that requirements are met so that expenses remain eligible.
2. Conditions
    The conditions under which pre-award authority may be utilized are 
specified below:
    a. Pre-award authority is not a legal or implied commitment that 
the project(s) will be approved for FTA assistance or that FTA will 
obligate Federal funds. Furthermore, it is not a legal or implied 
commitment that all items undertaken by the applicant will be eligible 
for inclusion in the project(s).
    b. All FTA statutory, procedural, and contractual requirements must 
be met.
    c. No action will be taken by the grantee that prejudices the legal 
and administrative findings that the Federal Transit Administrator must 
make in order to approve a project.
    d. Local funds expended by the grantee pursuant to and after the 
date of the pre-award authority will be eligible for credit toward 
local match or reimbursement if FTA later makes a

[[Page 78216]]

grant for the project(s) or project amendment(s).
    e. The Federal amount of any future FTA assistance awarded to the 
grantee for the project will be determined on the basis of the overall 
scope of activities and the prevailing statutory provisions with 
respect to the Federal/local match ratio at the time the funds are 
obligated.
    f. For funds to which the pre-award authority applies, the 
authority expires with the lapsing of the fiscal year funds.
    g. When a grant for the project is subsequently awarded, the 
Financial Status Report, in TEAM-Web, must indicate the use of pre-
award authority.
3. Environmental, Planning, and Other Federal Requirements
    All Federal grant requirements must be met at the appropriate time 
for the project to remain eligible for Federal funding. For example, 
the requirement that a project be included in a locally adopted 
metropolitan transportation improvement program and Federally-approved 
statewide transportation improvement program (23 CFR part 450) must be 
satisfied before the grantee may advance the project beyond planning 
and preliminary design with non-Federal funds under pre-award 
authority. For planning projects, the project must be included in a 
locally-approved Planning Work Program that has been coordinated with 
the State. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
and other environmental laws and executive orders (e.g., protection of 
parklands, wetlands, and historic properties) must be completed before 
State or local funds are spent on implementation activities, such as 
finalizing the design, site preparation, construction, and acquisition, 
for a project that is expected to be subsequently funded with FTA 
funds. The grantee may not advance the project beyond planning and 
preliminary design before FTA has determined the project to be a 
categorical exclusion, or has issued a finding of no significant impact 
(FONSI) or an environmental record of decision (ROD), in accordance 
with FTA environmental regulations, 23 CFR Part 771. The conformity 
requirements of the Clean Air Act, 40 CFR Part 93, if applicable, must 
also be fully met before the project may be advanced into 
implementation under pre-award authority with non-Federal funds.
    In addition, Federal procurement procedures, as well as the whole 
range of applicable Federal requirements (e.g., Buy America, Davis-
Bacon Act), must be followed for projects in which Federal funding will 
be sought in the future. Failure to follow any such requirements could 
make the project ineligible for Federal funding. In short, this 
increased administrative flexibility requires a grantee to make certain 
that no Federal requirements are circumvented through the use of pre-
award authority. If a grantee has questions or concerns regarding the 
environmental requirements, or any other Federal requirements that must 
be met before incurring costs, it should contact the appropriate 
regional office.
4. Pre-Award Authority for New Starts Projects
a. Preliminary Engineering and Final Design
    Projects proposed for section 5309 New Starts funds are required to 
follow a Federally defined New Starts project development process. This 
New Starts process includes, among other things, FTA approval of the 
entry of the project into Preliminary Engineering (PE) and into Final 
Design (FD). In accordance with section 5309(e), FTA considers the 
merits of the project, the strength of its financial plan, and its 
readiness to enter the next phase in deciding whether or not to approve 
entry into PE or FD. Upon FTA approval to enter PE, FTA extends pre-
award authority to incur costs for PE activities. Upon FTA approval to 
enter FD, FTA extends pre-award authority to incur costs for FD 
activities. The pre-award authority for each phase is automatic upon 
FTA's signing of a letter to the project sponsor approving entry into 
that phase. PE and FD are defined in the New Starts regulation entitled 
Major Capital Investment Projects, found at 49 CFR Part 611.
b. Real Property Acquisition Activities
    FTA extends automatic pre-award authority for the acquisition of 
real property and real property rights for a New Starts project upon 
completion of the NEPA process for that project. The NEPA process is 
completed when FTA signs an environmental Record of Decision (ROD) or 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), or makes a Categorical 
Exclusion (CE) determination. With the limitations and caveats 
described below, real estate acquisition for a New Starts project may 
commence, at the project sponsor's risk, upon completion of the NEPA 
process.
    For FTA-assisted projects, any acquisition of real property or real 
property rights must be conducted in accordance with the requirements 
of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition 
Policies Act (URA) and its implementing regulations, 49 CFR part 24. 
This pre-award authority is strictly limited to costs incurred: (i) to 
acquire real property and real property rights in accordance with the 
URA regulation, and (ii) to provide relocation assistance in accordance 
with the URA regulation. This pre-award authority is limited to the 
acquisition of real property and real property rights that are 
explicitly identified in the final environmental impact statement 
(FEIS), environmental assessment (EA), or CE document, as needed for 
the selected alternative that is the subject of the FTA-signed ROD or 
FONSI, or CE determination. This pre-award authority does not cover 
site preparation, demolition, or any other activity that is not 
strictly necessary to comply with the URA, with one exception. That 
exception is when a building that has been acquired, has been emptied 
of its occupants, and awaits demolition poses a potential fire-safety 
hazard or other hazard to the community in which it is located, or is 
susceptible to reoccupation by vagrants, demolition of the building is 
also covered by this pre-award authority upon FTA's written agreement 
that the adverse condition exists.
    FTA's rationale for providing this pre-award authority was 
described in the FY 2003 Apportionments and Allocations Notice 
published in the Federal Register on March 12, 2003, (68 FR 1106 et 
seq.). The FY 2003 Notice may be found on the FTA Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/library/legal/federalregister/2003/fr31203.pdf. Project 
sponsors should use pre-award authority for real property acquisition 
and relocation assistance very carefully, with a clear understanding 
that it does not constitute a funding commitment by FTA.
c. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Activities
    NEPA requires that major projects proposed for FTA funding 
assistance be subjected to a public and interagency review of the need 
for the project, its environmental and community impacts, and 
alternatives to avoid and reduce adverse impacts. Projects of more 
limited scope also need a level of environmental review, either to 
support an FTA finding of no significant impact (FONSI) or to 
demonstrate that the action is categorically excluded from the more 
rigorous level of NEPA review.
    FTA's regulation entitled Environmental Impact and Related 
Procedures at 23 CFR part 771 states that the costs incurred by a grant 
applicant for the preparation of environmental documents requested by 
FTA are eligible for FTA financial assistance (23 CFR 771.105(e)).

[[Page 78217]]

Accordingly, FTA extends automatic pre-award authority for costs 
incurred to comply with NEPA regulations and to conduct NEPA-related 
activities for a proposed New Starts project, effective as of the date 
of the Federal approval of the relevant STIP or STIP amendment that 
includes the project or any phase of the project. NEPA-related 
activities include, but are not limited to, public involvement 
activities, historic preservation reviews, section 4(f) evaluations, 
wetlands evaluations, endangered species consultations, and biological 
assessments. This pre-award authority is strictly limited to costs 
incurred to conduct the NEPA process, and to prepare environmental, 
historic preservation and related documents. It does not cover 
preliminary engineering activities beyond those necessary for NEPA 
compliance. As with any pre-award authority, FTA reimbursement for 
costs incurred is not guaranteed.
d. Other New Starts Activities Requiring Letter of No Prejudice (LONP)
    Except as discussed in paragraphs (a) through (c) above, a grant 
applicant must obtain a written LONP from FTA before incurring costs 
for any activity expected to be funded by New Start funds not yet 
granted. To obtain an LONP, an applicant must submit a written request 
accompanied by adequate information and justification to the 
appropriate FTA regional office, as described in section V.B below.

B. Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) Policy

1. Policy
    LONP authority allows an applicant to incur costs on a project 
utilizing non-Federal resources, with the understanding that the costs 
incurred subsequent to the issuance of the LONP may be reimbursable as 
eligible expenses or eligible for credit toward the local match should 
FTA approve the project at a later date. LONPs are applicable to 
projects and project activities not covered by automatic pre-award 
authority. The majority of LONPs will be for section 5309 New Starts 
funds not covered under a full funding grant agreement, or for section 
5309 Bus and Bus-Related funds not yet appropriated by Congress. At the 
end of an authorization period, LONPs may be issued for formula funds 
beyond the life of the current authorization or FTA's extension of 
automatic pre-award authority.
2. Conditions and Federal Requirements
    The conditions for pre-award authority specified in V.A.2 above 
apply to all LONPs. The Environmental, Planning and Other Federal 
Requirements described in V.A.3, also apply to all LONPs. Because 
project implementation activities may not be initiated prior to NEPA 
completion, FTA will normally not issue an LONP for such activities 
until the NEPA process has been completed with a ROD, FONSI, or 
Categorical Exclusion determination.
3. Request for LONP
    Before incurring costs for a project not covered by automatic pre-
award authority, the project sponsor must first submit a written 
request for an LONP, accompanied by adequate information and 
justification, to the appropriate regional office and obtain written 
approval. As a prerequisite to FTA approval of an LONP for a New Starts 
project, FTA will require project sponsors to demonstrate project 
worthiness and readiness. Projects will be assessed based upon the 
criteria considered in the New Start evaluation process. Specifically, 
upon the request for an LONP, the applicant shall provide sufficient 
information to allow FTA to consider the following items:
    a. Description of the activities to be covered by the LONP.
    b. Justification for advancing the identified activities.
    c. Data that indicates that the project will maintain its ability 
to receive a ``Recommended'' rating.
    d. Allocated level of risk and contingency for the activity 
requested.
    e. Status of procurement progress, including, if appropriate, 
submittal of bids for the activities covered by the LONP.
    f. Strength of the capital and operating financial plan for the New 
Starts project and the future transit system.
    g. Adequacy of the Project Management Plan.
    h. Resolution of any readiness issues that would affect the 
project, such as land acquisition and technical capacity to carry out 
the project.

C. FTA FY 2005 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances

    On October 26, 2004, the Federal Fiscal Year 2005 Annual List of 
Certifications and Assurances was published in the Federal Register. 
The 2005 Annual List contains the following changes to the previous 
year's Federal Register publication:
    (1) In the preface to the certifications and assurances, a 
paragraph has been added to explain that not all certifications and 
assurances will apply to all Applicants; and that the certifications 
and assurances are pre-award requirements and do not encompass all 
Federal requirements that may apply to the Applicant and its project.
    (2) Certification 13(A)(1)(j) is amended to state that in the case 
of an Applicant serving in a UZA with a population of 200,000 or more, 
only capital security projects may be financed with the one percent of 
the UZA formula funds set aside by 49 U.S.C. 5307(d)(1)(J) for security 
projects.
    (3) The Affirmation of the Applicant has been edited to clarify 
that the criminal fraud provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001 apply to all 
certifications, assurances, agreements, and other submissions to FTA.
    The 2005 Annual List is accessible on the Internet at 
www.fta.dot.gov. Any questions regarding this document may be addressed 
to the appropriate Regional Office or to Pat Simpich, in the FTA Office 
of Program Management, at (202) 366-1662.

D. FHWA Funds Used for Transit Purposes

    The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 
(ISTEA) and TEA-21 have expanded modal choice in transportation funding 
by including substantial flexibility to transfer funds between FTA and 
FHWA program funding categories.
1. Transfer Process
    The process for transferring flexible formula funds between FTA and 
FHWA programs is described below. For information on the transfer of 
funds between FTA and FHWA planning programs, contact the FTA/FHWA 
staff identified in VI.D below.
    Transfer from FHWA to FTA. FHWA funds designated for use in transit 
capital projects must be derived from the metropolitan and statewide 
planning and programming process, and must be included in an approved 
STIP before the funds can be transferred. By letter, the State DOT 
requests the FHWA Division Office to transfer highway funds for a 
transit project. The letter should specify the project, amount to be 
transferred, apportionment year, State, Federal aid apportionment 
category (i.e., Surface Transportation Program (STP), Congestion 
Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), Interstate Substitute, or 
congressional earmark), and should include a description of the project 
as contained in the STIP.
    The FHWA Division Office confirms that the apportionment amount is 
available for transfer and concurs in the transfer, by letter to the 
State DOT and FTA. The FHWA Office of Budget and Finance then transfers 
obligation authority and an equal amount of cash

[[Page 78218]]

to FTA. All FHWA CMAQ, STP, and Congressionally earmarked funds for 
transit projects in the Appropriations Act or Conference Report will be 
transferred to one of the three FTA formula programs (i.e. Urbanized 
Area Formula (section 5307), Nonurbanized Area Formula (section 5311) 
or Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (section 5310).
    The FTA grantee's application for the project must specify which 
program the funds will be used for, and the application must be 
prepared in accordance with the requirements and procedures governing 
that program. Upon review and approval of the grantee's application, 
FTA obligates funds for the project.
    Transferred funds are treated as FTA formula funds, but are 
assigned a distinct identifying code for tracking purposes. The funds 
may be used for any capital purpose eligible under the FTA formula 
program to which they are transferred and, in the case of CMAQ, for 
certain operating costs. FTA and FHWA have issued guidance on project 
eligibility under the CMAQ program in a Notice at 65 FR 9040 et seq. 
(February 23, 2000). In accordance with 23 U.S.C. 104(k), all FTA 
requirements except local share are applicable to transferred funds; 
FHWA local share requirements apply to funds transferred from FHWA to 
FTA. Transferred funds should be combined with regular FTA funds in a 
single annual grant application.
    In the event that transferred funds are not obligated for the 
intended purpose within the period of availability of the program to 
which they were transferred, they become available to the Governor for 
any eligible capital transit project.
    Transfers from FTA to FHWA. The Metropolitan Planning Organization 
(MPO) submits a written request to the FTA Regional Office for a 
transfer of FTA section 5307 formula funds (apportioned to a UZA 
200,000 and over in population) to FHWA based on approved use of the 
funds for highway purposes, as contained in the Governor's approved 
State Transportation Improvement Program. The MPO must certify that: 
(1) The funds are not needed for capital investments required by the 
Americans with Disabilities Act; (2) notice and opportunity for comment 
and appeal has been provided to affected transit providers; and (3) 
local funds used for non-Federal match are eligible to provide 
assistance for either highway or transit projects. The FTA Regional 
Administrator reviews and concurs in the request, then forwards the 
approval to FTA Headquarters, where a reduction equal to the dollar 
amount being transferred to FHWA is made to the grantee's Urbanized 
Area Formula Program apportionment.
    For information regarding these procedures, please contact Kristen 
D. Clarke, FTA Budget Office, at (202) 366-1686; or James V. Lunetta, 
FHWA Finance Division, at (202) 366-2845.
2. Matching Share for FHWA Transfers
    The provisions of Title 23 U.S.C. regarding the non-Federal share 
apply to Title 23 funds used for transit projects. Thus, FHWA funds 
transferred to FTA retain the same matching share that the funds would 
have if used for highway purposes and administered by FHWA.
    There are three instances in which a Federal share higher than 80 
percent would be permitted. First, in States with large areas of Indian 
and certain public domain lands and national forests, parks and 
monuments, the local share for highway projects is determined by a 
sliding scale rate, calculated based on the percentage of public lands 
within that State. This sliding scale, which permits a greater Federal 
share, but not to exceed 95 percent, is applicable to transfers used to 
fund transit projects in these public land States. FHWA develops the 
sliding scale matching ratios for the increased Federal share.
    Second, commuter carpooling and vanpooling projects and transit 
safety projects using FHWA transfers administered by FTA may retain the 
same 100 percent Federal share that would be allowed for ride-sharing 
or safety projects administered by FHWA.
    The third instance is the 100 percent Federally-funded safety 
projects; however, these are subject to a nationwide 10 percent program 
limitation.
3. Miscellaneous Transit Earmarks in FHWA Programs
    The FY 2002 and FY 2003 Appropriations Acts and accompanying 
reports included Section 330, which identified a number of transit 
projects among projects designated to receive funding from certain 
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding sources. In FY 2004, 
Section 115 similarly included transit projects among projects 
designated to receive funding from certain FHWA sources. Some of these 
FY 2002-2004 designations for transit projects have not yet been 
obligated. The 2005 Appropriations Act also includes a new set of 
designations under Section 117, which may include some projects that 
FHWA will identify to be administered by FTA. For those projects 
identified by FHWA as transit in nature, FHWA allots the funds to FTA 
to administer. The funds are available for the designated project until 
obligated and expended. However, because these are FHWA funds, FTA 
cannot carry over unobligated balances remaining at the end of the 
fiscal year. Instead FHWA re-allots carryover to FTA annually, after 
reconciling account balances. Because the requirements and procedures 
associated with these projects differ in some cases from those for the 
FTA programs that FTA grantees are familiar with, and the availability 
of funds for obligation by FTA depends on allotments from FHWA, transit 
applicants seeking funding under these miscellaneous FHWA designations 
must work closely with the appropriate FTA regional office and FHWA 
Division Office when applying for a grant under these designations.

E. Grant Application Procedures

    Grantees must provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number for inclusion in all applications for a 
Federal grant or cooperative agreement submitted on or after October 1, 
2003. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published this 
requirement in the Federal Register on June 27, 2003 at 68 FR 38402 et 
seq. On August 4, 2003, FTA issued a Dear Colleague letter including 
instructions on how to obtain a DUNS number; the letter can be accessed 
at http://www.fta.dot.gov/legal/guidance/dear_colleague/2003/178_12145_ENG_HTML.htm. The DUNS number should be entered into the 
grantee profile in TEAM-Web. Additional information about this and 
other Federal grant streamlining initiatives mandated by the Federal 
Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-
107) can be accessed on OMB's Web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/reform.html.
    All applications for FTA funds should be submitted to the 
appropriate FTA regional office. FTA utilizes TEAM-Web, an Internet-
accessible electronic grant application system, and all applications 
are filed electronically. FTA has provided exceptions to the 
requirement for electronic filing of applications for certain new, non-
traditional grantees in the JARC and OTRB programs, as well as to a few 
grantees that have not successfully connected to or accessed TEAM-Web.
    In FY 2005, FTA is committed to maintaining the average number of 
days required to process a completed grant application at 36 days or 
fewer, while continuing to process at least 80 percent of grants within 
60 days of receipt of a completed application by the

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appropriate Regional Office. In FY 2004, FTA achieved this goal, with 
an average processing time of 30 days and 91 percent of grants 
obligated within 60 days of submission of a completed application.
    In order for an application to be considered complete and for FTA 
to assign a grant number, enabling submission in TEAM-Web, the 
requirements listed in III.A of this document must be met. During FY 
2005, any grantee applying for funds available under an extension of 
TEA-21 before the full year's apportionment becomes available is 
encouraged to include contingency items for the remainder of the funds, 
so that the entire project can be certified by DOL at the time of the 
initial application. The FTA circulars contain more information 
regarding application contents. State applicants for section 5311 funds 
are reminded that they must certify to DOL that all subrecipients have 
agreed to the standard labor protection warranty for section 5311, and 
must provide DOL with specified related information for each grant.
    Before FTA can award grants for discretionary projects and 
activities designated by Congress, notification must be given to 
members of Congress, and in the case of awards greater than $1 million, 
to the House and Senate appropriations committees.

F. Payments

    Once a grant has been awarded and executed, funds can be drawn 
down. On October 6, 2004, FTA implemented its new web-based payment 
system called ``ECHO-Web''. ECHO-Web is an Internet accessible system 
that provides grantees the capability to submit payment requests on-
line, as well as receive user-IDs and passwords via e-mail. Each 
grantee may have three people with a user profile (before, there was 
only one ECHO ID). The new system has been improved with encryption and 
software applications that meet current computer security standards and 
regulations.
    FTA's former payment system that required FTA grantees enter draw-
down requests through an outdated modem connection, has been retired. 
Grantees that have not submitted the registration package necessary for 
set-up under ECHO Web should contact the appropriate FTA regional 
office.

G. Oversight

    FTA conducts periodic oversight reviews to assess grantee 
compliance with Federal requirements. Each UZA grantee is reviewed 
every three years (a triennial review). States are reviewed 
periodically for their management of the section 5310 and 5311 
programs. Other more detailed reviews are scheduled based on an annual 
grantee risk assessment.

H. Technical Assistance

    FTA headquarters and regional staff will be pleased to answer your 
questions and provide any technical assistance you may need to apply 
for FTA program funds and manage the grants you receive. This notice 
and the program guidance circulars previously identified in this 
document may be accessed via the FTA Web site at www.fta.dot.gov.
    In addition, copies of the following circulars and other useful 
information are available on the FTA Web site and may be obtained from 
FTA regional offices: 4220.1E, Third Party Contracting Requirements, 
dated June 19, 2003; and C5010.1C, Grant Management Guidelines, dated 
October 1, 1998. The FY 2005 Annual List of Certifications and 
Assurances is also posted on the FTA Web site. Other documents on the 
FTA Web site of particular interest to public transit providers and 
others include the annual Statistical Summaries of FTA Grant Assistance 
Programs and the National Transit Database Profiles. The DOT final rule 
on ``Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department 
of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs,'' which was effective 
July 16, 2003, can be found on the Department's Web site at http://osdbu.dot.gov/business/DBE/49cfrpart26_final_rule.html.

VI. Guidance and Information Specific to FTA Planning Programs

A. Census 2000 Planning and Programming Requirements Deadline

    The 2000 Census made changes, among other things, to the number and 
location of UZAs. These UZA designations are used by FTA to apportion 
funds. Each UZA must have an MPO in place to program Federal funding 
for highway and transit projects. MPOs must submit updates to their 
planning area boundaries, based on the 2000 Census.
    FY 2005 is a critical year to complete a number of planning and 
programming items that resulted from the designation of new and revised 
UZAs by the 2000 Census. Subsequent designation by the U.S. DOT of new 
TMAs also requires completion of other items. These items, which must 
be completed in order to receive Federal funding, include the 
following:
    1. New TMAs (27) were identified by the U.S. DOT on July 8, 2002. 
Federal Certification of these new TMAs must be completed by July 8, 
2005. Congestion Management Systems are required for these TMAs.
    2. Seventy-six new UZAs were identified by the 2000 Census. Per FTA 
and FHWA guidance, these new UZAs must have an existing or new MPO in 
place with an adopted plan, TIP, and planning boundary maps no later 
than October 1, 2005 in order to continue to receive Federal funds.
    3. Some new UZAs will require air quality conformity findings. 
Failure to have a plan and TIP with a conformity finding will result in 
a conformity lapse.
    4. Existing MPOs must update their planning area boundaries (area 
expected to be urbanized in the next 20 years) based on the 2000 
Census. Previously published guidance requires MPOs to update and send 
the new boundaries to the FTA regional office and the FHWA Division 
Office no later than the next scheduled plan update after October 1, 
2002, or by October 1, 2005, whichever occurs first.

B. Local Match Waiver for Specified Planning Activities

    Job Access and Reverse Commute Planning. Federal, State and local 
welfare reform initiatives may require the development of new and 
innovative public and other transportation services to ensure that 
former welfare recipients have adequate mobility for reaching 
employment opportunities. In recognition of the key role that 
transportation plays in ensuring the success of welfare-to-work 
initiatives, FTA and FHWA permit the waiver of the local match 
requirement for JARC planning activities undertaken with both FTA and 
FHWA Metropolitan Planning Program and State Planning and Research 
Program funds. FTA and FHWA will support requests for waivers if they 
are included in Metropolitan Unified Planning Work Programs and State 
Planning and Research Programs and meet all other requirements.

C. Planning Emphasis Areas for FY 2005

    The FTA and FHWA identify Planning Emphasis Areas (PEAs) annually 
to promote priority themes for consideration in Statewide and 
metropolitan (Unified) planning work programs proposed for FTA and FHWA 
funding. The FY 2005 PEAs are proposed for consideration in the 
development of unified planning work programs (UPWPs) and State 
Planning and Research (SP&R) programs during FY 2005, even though the 
UPWP might not be approved until early in FY 2006.
    FTA and FHWA provide technical assistance and informational support 
for

[[Page 78220]]

the PEAs through the Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program 
(TPCB), which can be accessed at http://www.planning.dot.gov/. The TPCB 
is available to respond to requests and provide opportunities for peer 
exchange of innovative practices in these emphasis areas throughout the 
year. Requests for information and technical support through the TPCB 
can be made by accessing the Web site noted above. In addition, 
training courses that address these PEAs in a variety of planning 
contexts are available through the National Transit Institute (NTI) and 
the National Highway Institute (NHI). Information on course offerings 
is available at the TPCB Web site noted above and at the NTI and NHI 
Web sites: www.ntionline.com/ and www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/default.asp.
    For FY 2005, six key planning themes have been identified: (1) 
Consideration of safety and security in the transportation planning 
process; (2) linkage of the planning and NEPA processes; (3) 
consideration of management and operations within planning processes; 
(4) State DOT consultation with non-metropolitan local officials; (5) 
enhancement of the technical capacity of planning processes; and 6) 
coordination of human service transportation.
    1. Consideration of Safety and Security in the Transportation 
Planning Process. TEA-21 included safety and security as factors to 
consider in the development of plans and programs, in recognition of 
the importance of safety and security of transportation systems as a 
national priority. TEA-21 calls for transportation projects and 
strategies that ``increase the safety and security of transportation 
systems.'' This entails communication and collaboration among safety 
professionals, the enforcement community, and transportation planners 
in order to successfully integrate safety and security into all stages 
of the transportation planning process.
    Information is available at http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/pubrds.htm 
describing the tools and strategies associated with the implementation 
of safety conscious planning within Statewide and metropolitan 
transportation planning processes, including resources targeted to 
States and MPOs. A training course titled ``Safety Conscious Planning'' 
is available through NTI (see Web site above) with additional 
information available from TPCB Web site and FHWA and FTA, as follows: 
www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/scp/index.htm and http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/.
    2. Linking the Planning and NEPA Processes. FHWA and FTA are 
developing guidance on the appropriate use of planning results during a 
NEPA review. This guidance will be derived from a study of NEPA case 
law that synthesizes what the Federal courts have said about the role 
of MPO and statewide planning in FHWA's and FTA's NEPA decision-making. 
The guidance will be posted on the Web site for the Transportation 
Planning Capacity Building Program at http://www.planning.dot.gov as 
soon as it is available.
    A series of facilitated workshops entitled ``Linking Planning and 
NEPA'' were delivered in FY 2004, with another series to be delivered 
in FY 2005. These workshops are described at the NTI and NHI Web sites 
noted above.
    3. Consideration of Management and Operations within Planning 
Processes. TEA-21 challenged FHWA and FTA to move beyond traditional 
capital programs for improving the movement of people and goods--
focusing on the need to improve the way transportation systems are 
managed and operated. Discussion papers on the topic are available at 
www.plan4operations.dot.gov. In addition, an NHI training course on the 
topic is scheduled to be available in the second quarter of FY 2005. 
Also, ``Getting More by Working Together-Opportunities for Linking 
Planning and Operations'', a reference guide for use by State DOT's, 
MPO's, and Transit Operators on opportunities for linking planning and 
operations, will be released in FY 2005.
    4. State DOT Consultation With Non-Metropolitan Local Officials. On 
January 23, 2003, FTA and FHWA issued a Final Rule on consultation, 
followed by a technical correction on February 14, 2003, which can be 
accessed at http://www.fta.dot.gov/library/legal/federalregister/2003/fr12303.html and http://www.fta.dot.gov/library/legal/federalregister/2003/fr21403.html. This final rule amended the 1993 Joint FTA/FHWA 
Planning regulation published in the Federal Register, Volume 58, No. 
207, on October 28, 1993. By February 24, 2004, each State was required 
to have a documented process(es) that implements consultation with non-
metropolitan local officials in the Statewide transportation planning 
process and development of the Statewide Transportation Improvement 
Program (STIP), to be separate and discrete from the State's public 
involvement process. By February 24, 2006 and every five years 
thereafter, States must review and solicit comments (for a minimum of 
60 days) from non-metropolitan local officials and other interested 
parties on the effectiveness of the existing consultation process(es) 
and proposed modifications. As part of this requirement, a ``specific 
request for comments shall be directed to the State association of 
counties, State municipal league, regional planning agencies, or 
directly to non-metropolitan local officials.'' In the meantime, FHWA 
and FTA will be using the Statewide planning findings that accompany 
approvals of the STIP as the primary mechanism for tracking and 
monitoring State progress in implementing and later reviewing and 
refining these processes.
    5. Enhancing the Technical Capacity of Planning Processes. Reliable 
information on current and projected usage and performance of 
transportation systems is critical to the ability of planning processes 
to supply credible information to decision-makers to support 
preparation of plans and programs that respond to each locality's 
unique needs and policy issues. If this expertise is found to be 
lacking, the responsible agencies within metropolitan and Statewide 
planning processes are encouraged to devote appropriate resources to 
enhance and maintain their technical capacity. Training courses on this 
topic are available through NTI and NIH, with additional information 
available through the TPCB Web site and the Travel Model Improvement 
Program, which can be accessed at http://tmip.fhwa.dot.gov/.
    6. Coordination of Human Service Transportation. The importance of 
coordinating human service transportation and the supporting United We 
Ride initiative were described earlier in this publication (see III.B--
Transportation Coordination--United We Ride). This initiative supports 
Federal, State, and local agencies working together to ensure that 
transportation services are seamless, comprehensive and accessible to 
all citizens.
    For further information on these PEAs, contact Candace Noonan, FTA 
Office of Planning and Environment, (202) 366-1648, or John Humeston, 
FHWA Office of Planning, (404) 562-3667.

D. Consolidated Planning Grants

    Since FY 1997, FTA and FHWA have offered States the option of 
participating in a pilot Consolidated Planning Grant (CPG) program. 
This streamlined fund drawdown process eliminates the need to monitor 
individual fund sources, if several have been used, and ensures that

[[Page 78221]]

the oldest funds will always be used first.
    Under the CPG, States can report metropolitan planning expenditures 
(to comply with the Single Audit Act) for both FTA and FHWA under the 
Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance number for FTA's Metropolitan 
Planning Program. Additionally, for States with an FHWA Metropolitan 
Planning (PL) fund-matching ratio greater than 80 percent, the State 
(through FTA) can request a waiver of the 20 percent local share 
requirement in order that all FTA funds used for metropolitan planning 
in a CPG can be granted at the higher FHWA rate. For some States, this 
Federal match rate can exceed 90 percent. In FY 2005, the CPG program 
was expanded to allow the transfer of FTA planning funds to FHWA in 
addition to the current process whereby FHWA funds for planning are 
transferred to FTA. For planning projects funded through a CPG, the 
State DOT requests the transfer of funds in a letter to the FHWA 
Division Office (if transferring funds to FTA) or to the FTA regional 
office (if transferring funds to FHWA).
    States interested in transferring planning funds between FTA and 
FHWA should contact the FTA regional office or FHWA Division Office for 
more detailed procedures.
    For further information on participating in the CPG Pilot, contact 
Candace Noonan, Planning Oversight Division, FTA, at (202) 366-1648, or 
Anthony Solury, Office of Planning and Environment, FHWA, at (202) 366-
5003. Information concerning participation in the CPG program can be 
found on the FTA Web site at http://www.fta.dot.gov/224_6039_ENG_HTML.htm.

Jennifer L. Dorn,
Administrator.
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P

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[FR Doc. 04-28408 Filed 12-28-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-C