HomeMy WebLinkAbout[05a] Transportation Enhancement Fund
Transportation Enhancement Funding
Part A – Pre-Application
Applicant:
Project Name:
Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership
c/o Minnesota Department of Transportation
7694 Industrial Park Road
Baxter, MN 56425-8096
(218) 828-5700
Application Deadline: Friday, November 18, 2011
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PRE-APPLICATION PLANNING CONSIDERATION CHECKLIST
APPLICANT ORGANIZATION
Applicant’s Agency/Organization – Must indicate one of the following:
State Agency Municipal/County Govt. Quasi-Governmental Tribal Other
Name: Project Manager:
Address: Title:
Telephone: Fax: Email:
Project Contact (if different from Project Manager):
Title:
Telephone: Fax: Email:
PROJECT NAME
Please answer the following questions pertaining to your proposed transportation
enhancement project. (Refer to the Guide on pages 4-6 for assistance in completing your
responses.)
1. Is your project eligible to receive federal transportation enhancement funding?
Yes No
2. Does your project have a demonstrated relationship to transportation?
Yes No
3. Is your project identified in an approved or adopted statewide, regional, or local plan?
Yes No
4. Does your agency have a clear concept of the project for which you are seeking transportation
enhancement funds and the costs of the proposed improvements?
Yes No
5. Has your agency developed a financial strategy to match the federal transportation
enhancement funds and any additional funding necessary to complete your proposed project?
Yes No
Page 2 October 2011
6. Is your agency prepared to cover ineligible costs?
Yes No
7. Has your agency secured a commitment to acquire or purchase the necessary right of way?
Yes No
8. Are any parts of this project mandated by a regulatory agency to mitigate the impacts of a
construction project?
Yes No
9. Are you aware of the environmental document path your project will likely follow?
Yes No
10. Are you aware of the federal project development process and other requirements associated
with the receipt of transportation enhancement funds?
Yes No
Applicants should be able to answer “Yes” to Questions 1-7, 9 and 10 in order to qualify for
federal transportation enhancement project funding and to proceed with completing Part B of
the application.
Page 3 October 2011
GUIDE TO PRE-APPLICATION CHECKLIST
1. SAFETEA-LU defines 12 exclusive activities that qualify for Enhancement funds. These activities
include:
Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles
Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites
Scenic or historic highway programs (including provision of tourist and welcome center facilities)
Landscaping and other scenic beautification
Historic preservation
Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities (including
historic railroad facilities and canals).
Preservation of abandoned railroad corridors (including the conversion and use thereof for
pedestrian or bicycle trails)
Control and removal of outdoor advertising
Archaeological planning and research
Mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality
while maintaining habitat connectivity
Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists
Establishment of transportation museums
One or more of these 12 activities must constitute at least 70 percent of the project cost. Unlisted
activities such as paving a parking lot, constructing buildings, or providing restrooms must constitute no
more than 30 percent of the project cost.
A list of possible projects under the 12 eligible activities identified in SAFETEA-LU is shown in Example
A, found on pages 7-9. This list is intended to suggest projects in each category but is not exclusive.
In Minnesota, the 12 federal categories cited above have been placed into three groups as follows:
HISTORIC.
1) This includes acquisition of historic sites, historic highway programs, historic
preservation, rehabilitation, and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or
facilities, archaeological planning and research, and establishment of transportation museums.
SCENIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL
2) . This includes acquisition of scenic easements and scenic
sites, scenic highway programs, landscaping and other scenic beautification, control and
removal of outdoor advertising, and mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff.
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES.
3) This includes provision of facilities for bicycles
and pedestrians, preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use
thereof for pedestrian or bicycle trails), and provision of safety/educational activities for
pedestrians and bicyclists.
2. Transportation enhancement projects must possess a substantial relationship to the intermodal
transportation system, but not necessarily to a currently planned highway project. This relationship
may be one of proximity/function or proximity/impact. (Proximity alone does not constitute a
substantial relationship to the intermodal transportation system and does not qualify a project for
enhancement funding.)
Page 4 October 2011
Function, proximity and impact can be defined as follows:
FUNCTION
1) - Projects must facilitate transportation or meet the primary needs of
transportation system users.
PROXIMITY
2) - Except for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkway facilities, projects
must be contiguous to or within sight of at least one of the following transportation facilities:
public transit routes, hubs and terminals; railroads, ports, and intermodal terminals; and
bikeways and pedestrian facilities.
IMPACT
3) - Projects must deal with the interrelationship between transportation
systems/users and the surrounding environment.)
3. State, regional, and local agencies have developed numerous system plans addressing one or more
enhancements activities. In many cases, these plans provide detailed documentation on the existing
conditions and planned improvements, as well as surveys of public use and attitudes. They also can
provide insight on the process for setting priorities and recommending investments. As a result, the
facilities identified in these plans are likely to provide the greatest benefits to all the residents of
Minnesota and the regions within which they are located.
4. Applicants must be able to provide essential information about the background, purpose,
location/termini, and cost of their project. If a project is so large that the required funding is beyond the
ability of the sponsor to provide the local match in a single year or the required funding would require a
significant amount of federal funding, applicants are advised to submit the project in segments.
Applicants submitting their project in segments must ensure that each segment has the ability to stand
alone as a single enhancement project. They must also be able to provide a detailed cost breakdown
for each segment and prioritize the different segments of the project. Applicants are advised there will
be no guarantee of federal funding for remaining segments of the project; and consequently, are
encouraged to identify other funding sources to ensure full implementation of their proposed project
5.SAFETEA-LU requires a non-federal match of at least 20 percent of project costs. The Central
Minnesota ATP relies upon the input from its four regional planning partners in setting
transportation priorities for non-MnDOT projects seeking federal funds. Regions reserve the right to
limit the number and amount awarded for each application to ensure efficient and effective use of
limited federal funds. Therefore, applicants may be requested to exceed the minimum 20 percent
matching requirements to maximize and leverage available federal funds. Assurance of this
required local match by the proposer at the time of application indicates a necessary level of
support by the proposer to immediately proceed with project development and implementation.
SAFETEA-LU allows for the matching of federal funds with right-of-way on all projects and for the
use of “soft” or “in kind” match on enhancement and scenic byway projects. The right-of-way used
for match should be right-of-way either purchased or donated specifically for the project. Right-of-
way purchased at an earlier time to do other work or the initial construction of the route should not
be used as match. The “soft” or “in kind” match for enhancement projects must be something that
has a tangible cost, such as railroad ties or wires necessary to run a historic streetcar. Charging a
professional fee for labor being performed by non-professionals is not allowed.
Page 5 October 2011
6. Preliminary and construction engineering are ineligible for enhancement funding. Land acquisition
necessary for preserving abandoned railroad corridor is eligible for reimbursement if the property is
being acquired for the provision of pedestrian and bicycle trails. Appraisal fees, legal fees, and
other costs associated with acquisition of right-of-way are ineligible.
7. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively acquire any right-of-way needed for
their transportation enhancement project. Acquisition of property may be secured through direct
purchase, donation, easement, or a combination thereof. Applications will be favored that show an
achievable and realistic plan for acquisition.
8. SAFETEA-LU requires that Enhancement funds not be used to implement mitigation of the adverse
impacts associated with implementation of other transportation projects. According to the FHWA,
environmental measures conducted as routine or customary elements of transportation projects or
those provided to mitigate project impacts in compliance with the requirements of environmental,
historic preservation, or other laws are not eligible for Enhancement funding. Enhancement
activities are over and above normal transportation projects. Typically, a normal transportation
project involves mitigation, including landscaping, other permit requirements, and provisions
negotiated as a condition of obtaining a permit for the transportation project. If this proposal is an
enhancement to a larger project, check the environmental document for these items - Is the
proposed enhancement part of the project description? Is it listed as mitigation? If so, the activity
would not be "over and above" a normal project.
9. All federal aid projects must undergo a successful environmental review and clearance to be
awarded. Typical environmental document paths vary in complexity and take a variety of forms
(e.g. Project Memorandum, Project Path Report, Environmental Assessment, etc.). Depending
upon the environmental path required, applicants must demonstrate and document how their
project impacts existing environmental, historical, cultural, and social resources. Impacts to these
resources should be first avoided, then minimized, and mitigated if they cannot be avoided and/or
minimized.
10. There are significant state and federal project processing requirements that come with federal
funds. These requirements translate into expenditures of time and money on the parts of both the
agency proposing the project and the agency administering the federal funds for the project.
Successful applicants must consider a number of state and federal regulations and requirements
during project development and implementation.
State statutes require all federal funds to be administered by an eligible fiscal agent. Cities over
5,000 in population, counties, state agencies, and Indian Tribal Governments may apply directly for
federal aid. Cities under 5,000; townships; and quasi-governmental and private non-profit entities
may apply but require sponsorship from a state agency or county. Projects are subject to specific
standards during the design and construction stages.
Applicants are expected to maintain and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Davis-
Bacon and Copeland Acts, and other anti-discrimination laws at the state and federal level in the
development of their projects. Further, applicants must agree to operate and maintain facilities
constructed with federal transportation funds for the useful life of the improvement and not change
the use of any right of way acquired without prior approval from the FHWA. Most physical
conditions and total reconstructions are considered by the FHWA to have useful lives of 20 years.
Bridge constructions and total reconstructions have useful lives of 50 years.
Page 6 October 2011
Example A
EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
1.PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLES
BICYCLE FACILITIES
A. Bicycle trails/paths
B. Paved shoulders and wide curb lanes for bicycle lanes (beyond dimensions required by applicable
road design standards)
C. Benches, lighting and other related amenities
D. Trail head facilities that provide access to trail systems, e.g., right-of-way, public parks and lands,
rest areas, etc.
E. Bicycle racks on buses, trains
F. Bicycle parking, e.g., racks, lockers and shelters
G. Traffic control signs and signals
H. Bridges and tunnels
PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
I. Pedestrian sidewalks, trails, paths, bridges, crosswalks, tunnels
J. Traffic structures and devices for the purpose of traffic calming
K. Benches, lighting and other related amenities
L. Traffic control signs and signals
2. ACQUISITION OF SCENIC EASEMENTS AND SCENIC OR HISTORIC SITES
A. Costs related to the direct purchase, donation, transfer or trade of property for specific sites or
pullouts. (Fee acquisition has proven to be a more effective and less costly method of preserving
sites.) Land must be in public ownership and open to the public.
B. Costs related to acquisition of scenic easements by direct purchase, donation, transfer or trade.
(Should only be used in a selective manner.)
3. SCENIC OR HISTORIC HIGHWAY PROGRAMS (Including provision of tourist and welcome center
facilities)
A. Planning, development and implementation of state or regional programs to develop and promote
transportation corridors as a tourism and economic development resource.
B. Interpretation projects and site development projects, e.g., plaques, restoration of historic
transportation sites, restoration of historic light standards.
C. Production of promotional media, e.g., brochures, publications and electronic communications.
D. Corridor management planning.
E. Information and route identification signing on historic routes, e.g., Yellowstone trail, Glacial Ridge
trail, etc.
F. Construction of a scenic overlook site or facility.
G. Rehabilitation of state entrance monuments.
H. Repair, renovation, expansion of interpretive sites.
I. Construction of a rest area or a tourist information facility.
Page 7 October 2011
4. LANDSCAPING AND OTHER SCENIC BEAUTIFICATION
A. Highway and view-shed landscaping to address visual quality and habitat (above and beyond
current practices in landscaping projects, i.e., mitigation or commitments made during project
development to obtain plan approval).
B. Site landscaping to address visual quality and habitat (park, rest area, historic site).
C. Preservation or restoration of historic landscapes.
D. Incorporation of design elements into transportation structures to compliment the surrounding
environment (above and beyond current practices, i.e., mitigation or commitments made during
project development to obtain plan approval).
E. Environmental enhancement projects to improve habitat and promote diversity in biological species.
5. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Site must be included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, or a
contributor to a National Register Historic District or a local landmark or contributing resource within a
local historic district, designated by a Certified Local Government. Sites must also have a substantial
relationship to the past or current transportation system.
A. Acquisition of historic sites.
B. Historic highway programs.
C. Historic preservation and interpretation.
D. Construction of historical or geological interpretive sites.
6. REHABILITATION AND OPERATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES OR FACILITIES
(Including historic railroad facilities and canals)
Structures and facilities include tunnels, bridges, trestles, embankments, rails or other guideways, rolling
stock, canal viaducts, tow paths and locks, stations and other transportation features integrally related to
the operation and passenger or freight use of any mode of transportation.
A. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities.
7. PRESERVATION OF ABANDONED RAILROAD CORRIDORS
(Including the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian and bicycle trails)
A. Acquisition of abandoned railroad corridors.
B. Trail construction on abandoned railroad corridors.
8. CONTROL AND REMOVAL OF OUTDOORS ADVERTISING
A. Projects to achieve consent among stakeholders and adopt local ordinances regarding outdoor
advertising.
B. Expenditures made to remove existing nonconforming signs*, displays and devices on the interstate
and federal-aid primary highway system under a legal process that bases payment on an equitable
appraisal.
* A nonconforming sign is: One which was lawfully erected, but which does not comply with the
provisions of state law or state regulations passed at a later date or which later fails to comply with state
Page 8 October 2011
law or state regulations due to changed conditions. Illegally erected or maintained signs are not
nonconforming signs.
9. ARCHAEOLOGICAL PLANNING AND RESEARCH
A. Planning and research for any preservation and interpretation of archaeological sites. (This would
not include data recovery.)
10. MITIGATION OF WATER POLLUTION DUE TO HIGHWAY RUNOFF OR REDUCE VEHICLE-
CAUSED WILDLIFE MORTALITY WHILE MAINTAINING HABITAT CONNECTIVITY
(Mitigation in this case means retrofitting existing roads and ditches to correct water quality problems or
to achieve a net gain in water quality. Measures taken on a construction project or reconstruction project
not eligible
to correct water quality problems caused by the project are .)
A. Creation of wetlands to filter water transported by highway ditches and structures.
B. Construction of structures to filter water transported by highway ditches and structures.
C. Planning to systemically manage water quality stemming from highway runoff and from water
carried by highway ditches.
D. Stabilization and restoration of decaying stream banks.
E. Filter strips along ravines, gullies and ditches.
F. Stabilization of off-site sedimentation generators affecting roadways.
G. Design and implementation of methods to reduce vehicle-related wildlife mortality including, but not
limited to: fencing and underpasses for small vertebrates, fencing, and warning devices for large
vertebrates, planting non-palatable vegetation along right-of-ways to reduce vertebrate road
mortality, vegetative plantings to deflect large bird flight patterns away from traffic, and off right-of-
way habitat modifications/improvements to divert wildlife away from vehicle traffic.
11. PROVISION OF SAFETY AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS
A. Production and distribution of informational media.
B. Production and placement of print, radio and television advertising.
C. Signing and pavement marking that reinforces safety message.
D. Development and in-service training for pedestrian and bicycle safety curriculum.
E. Training for staff or agencies engaged in safety and education activities for pedestrians and
bicyclists. This could include classes, field demonstrations or conference sponsorship.
12. ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MUSEUMS
A. Construction or renovation of structures to display and interpret transportation history and/or
artifacts.
B. Acquisition of artifacts for interpretation and display.
C. Interpretation and display of artifacts.
D. Development of supporting publications, media, and curriculum.
Page 9 October 2011
Transportation Enhancement Funding
Part B – Project Application
Applicant:
Project Name:
Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership
c/o Minnesota Department of Transportation
7694 Industrial Park Road
Baxter, MN 56425-8096
(218) 828-5700
Application Deadline: Friday, January 13, 2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
Section 1 – General Instructions ---------------------------------------------------- 2
Section 2 – Project Summary -------------------------------------------------------- 3
Section 3 – Eligibility Criteria --------------------------------------------------------- 4
Section 4 – Project Information ------------------------------------------------------ 5
Section 5 – Budget Information------------------------------------------------------- 6
Section 6 – Project Timeline ---------------------------------------------------------- 7
Section 7 – Evaluation Criteria ------------------------------------------------------- 8
Appendices ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Area Transportation Partnerships -------------------------------- A1
o
RDC/MPO Boundary Map ----------------------------------------- A2
o
List of Contacts ------------------------------------------------------- A3
o
Evaluation Criteria Instructions ----------------------------------- B1
o
Program Requirements -------------------------------------------- C1
o
Sample Resolutions ------------------------------------------------ D1
o
Page 1 October 2011
Section 1 – General Instructions
Part B is the Project Application to request federal transportation enhancement funds. Applicants
completing Part B should have already completed Part A (Pre-Application Planning Checklist) to
ensure their eligibility to receive and manage federal transportation enhancement funds for the
proposed project.
Part B requests additional details about the project applicant and their proposed project, including
anticipated benefits, detailed budget information, financial plan, maintenance plan, project timeline,
etc. This information will be used to evaluate, rank, and select projects for future transportation
enhancement funding.
Applicants must complete Sections 1 through 6 of the application and include any maps or graphics
they feel would be helpful in reviewing and evaluating your project proposal.
22 copies
Please submit of your completed project application to the designated regional contact
Friday, January 13, 2012
person in your area no later than . Applications received after this deadline
cannot be considered for funding.
Page 2 October 2011
Section 2 – Project Summary
APPLICANT ORGANIZATION
Applicant’s Agency/Organization – Must indicate one of the following:
State Agency Municipal/County Govt. MPO Quasi-Governmental Tribal Other
Name: Project Manager:
Address: Title:
Telephone: Fax: Email:
Project Contact (if different from Project Manager):
Title:
Telephone: Fax: Email:
SPONSORING AGENCY
Name:
Address:
PROJECT NAME
PROJECT LOCATION
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (summary)
Length: Width:
Quantity:
Begin Termini: End Termini:
(specify where applicable)
COST SUMMARY RIGHT-OF-WAY NEEDS
*Federal Funds Requested: $ Property to be purchased? yes no
**Total Local Matching Funds: $ Easement(s) needed? yes no
Total Eligible Project Cost: $ Donated Property? yes no
***Show the matching percentage (matching fundstotal eligible project cost):
The applicant recommends that this project be selected for funding through the Transportation Enhancement
Program and attests a commitment to the project’s development, implementation, construction, maintenance,
management, and financing.
_________________________________ ____________________ _____________________
Signature Title Date
This application must be accompanied by a resolution from the appropriate sponsoring agency showing a
willingness to guarantee at least a 20 percent matching funds. The sponsor will also be responsible for
assuring future maintenance of the completed project by resolution. (See Appendix)
*Minimum Federal Request: $50,000
**Minimum Total Project Cost: $100,000
***Minimum Match: 20%
Transportation enhancement activities are a provision under the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA-LU). States are required to retain the highest of either 10 percent of their SAFETEA-LU Surface Transportation Program funds or the
FFY 2005 enhancement level for transportation enhancements. The Central Minnesota ATP annually makes transportation enhancements eligible for
federal SAFETEA-LU funding. The ATP relies upon the input from its four regional planning partners in setting transportation priorities for non-MnDOT
projects seeking federal funds targeted to the ATP area. Regions are responsible for reviewing all qualifying transportation enhancement applications.
Further, regions reserve the right to limit the number of and amount awarded to each transportation application recommended to the ATP for inclusion
in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Regions base their determination on their review of each application and consideration of other
transportation priorities, including highway, bridge, and public transit projects.
Page 3 October 2011
Section 3 – Eligibility Criteria
SAFETEA-LU defines 12 exclusive activities that qualify for federal enhancement funds.
Check () all that apply (refer to Examples of Eligible Enhancement Projects in Part A of the
Enhancement Application for assistance):
Facilities for pedestrians or bicycles
Safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists
Acquisition of scenic easement and scenic or historic sites
Scenic or historic highway programs
Landscaping or other scenic beautification
Historic Preservation
Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities
Preservation of abandoned railway corridors
Control and removal of outdoor advertising
Archaeological planning and research
Environmental mitigation of pollution due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle-caused
wildlife mortality
Establishment of transportation museums
Historic Grouping
Scenic Environmental Grouping
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Grouping
In Minnesota, the 12 federal categories cited above have been placed into the following three
groups. Check () all that apply:
HISTORIC
. This includes acquisition of historic sites, historic highway programs, historic
preservation, rehabilitation, and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or
facilities, archaeological planning and research, and establishment of transportation museums.
SCENIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL.
This includes acquisition of scenic easements and scenic
sites, scenic highway programs, landscaping and other scenic beautification, control and
removal of outdoor advertising, and mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff.
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES.
This includes provision of facilities for bicycles and
pedestrians, preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use
thereof for pedestrian or bicycle trails), and provision of safety/educational activities for
pedestrians and bicyclists.
Page 4 October 2011
Section 4 – Project Information
1. Describe why this project is important to your community and how it will improve existing
conditions.
2. Describe the main users by type or classification and the approximate number of users to be
served by the proposed project.
3. Describe any current and/or previous uses of the project area.
4. Explain current and future ownership of the property.
5. Explain how your agency will provide the necessary local match to leverage the federal
transportation enhancement funds requested and cover any additional (or ineligible) costs
required for the completion of your project.
6. Explain the 20-year maintenance plan and any maintenance agreements that will be required
with other agencies for your proposed project.
Page 5 October 2011
Section 5 – Budget Information
Detailed Project Budget
Estimated
Items Eligible for Reimbursement: Quantity Unit Cost Total Cost
LINE A: TOTAL
Estimated
Items Not Eligible For Reimbursement: Quantity Unit Cost Total Cost
LINE B: TOTAL
Administrative Costs - preliminary and construction engineering
LINE C: TOTAL
LINES A, B, & C TOTALED
Total cost of proposed project:
LINE B & C TOTALED
Items not eligible for enhancement funding:
LINE A TOTAL
Total of eligible costs (minimum of $100,000)
Financial Request*
Item Amount Percent of Total
Federal Enhancement Funds Requested
(maximum 80%)
Local Financial Match
Local Soft or In-kind Match
* Calculation based on eligible costs from Line A above.
Page 6 October 2011
Section 6 – Project Timeline
Please answer the questions below to assist reviewers in determining whether your proposal’s project
schedule is realistic and achievable.
QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED:
1. Are project segments or phases prioritized?
Yes No
If so, please indicate priority and schedule for each phase.
2. When will the project manager be selected? (month and year)
3. What environmental document path will the project most likely follow, i.e., Project
Memorandum, Project Path Report, Environmental Assessment, etc.?
4. When will the environmental document be completed? (month and year)
5. When will plans be prepared? (month and year)
6. When will construction bids be advertised? (month and year)
7. When will bids be opened? (month and year)
8. When will construction begin? (month and year)
9. When will construction be completed? (month and year)
Page 7 October 2011
Section 7 – Evaluation Criteria
Projects will be scored based on the responses provided the following five criteria. (Refer to
Evaluation Criteria Instruction at Appendix B1 for assistance in completing this section.)
1. Is your project identified in a statewide, regional, or local plan, which has been adopted by
0-25 POINTS
federal, state, regional, or local agencies?
Yes No
0-25 POINTS
2. Describe how your project completes a larger project, concept, or plan.
3. Explain the degree to which a project addresses issues/needs in one, two, or three of the three
0-15 POINTS
groupings (Section 2 – Eligibility) established for Minnesota’s process.
Historic Grouping
Scenic Environmental Grouping
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Grouping
0-10 POINTS
4. Describe adjacent land use and the relationship to the proposed project.
5. Explain the project’s relationship to transportation system (e.g. function, proximity, impact)
0-25 POINTS
_______________________
TOTAL POINTS 0-100 POINTS
Page 8 October 2011
A P P E N D I C E S
Area Transportation Partnership Boundary Map ----------------------------- A1
RDC/MPO Boundary Map ---------------------------------------------------------- A2
List of Contacts ------------------------------------------------------------------------- A3
Evaluation Criteria Instructions ---------------------------------------------------- B1
Program Requirements -------------------------------------------------------------- C1
Sample Resolutions ------------------------------------------------------------------ D1
Page 9 October 2011
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A1, Page 1 October 2011
A1, Page 2 October 2011
LIST OF CONTACTS
REGION 5
Counties of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena
Jake Huebsch
Region 5 Development Commission
200 First Street NE, Suite 2
Staples, MN 56479
Phone: (218) 894-3233, Ext. 15 Fax: (2l8) 894-1328
REGION 7E
Counties of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine
Bob Bollenbeck
East Central Regional Development Commission
100 South Park Street
Mora, MN 55051
Phone: (320) 679-4065 Fax: (320) 679-4120
REGION 7W
Counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright (excluding the St. Cloud
Metropolitan area)
Steve Voss
MnDOT District 3
7694 Industrial Park Road
Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: (218) 828-5779 Fax: (218) 828-5815
1-800-657-3971
ST. CLOUD METROPOLITAN AREA
Cities of St. Augusta, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park
Cathryn Hanson
St. Cloud Area Planning Organization
1040 County Road 4
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 252-7568 Fax: (320) 252-6557
A3, Page 3 October 2011
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EVALUATION CRITERIA INSTRUCTIONS
Criterion 1 - Is your project identified in a statewide, regional, or local plan, which has been
adopted by federal, state, regional, or local agencies?
State, regional, and local agencies have developed numerous system plans addressing one or
more enhancement activities. In many cases, these plans provide detailed documentation on
the existing conditions and planned improvements as well as surveys of public use and
attitudes. They also can provide insight on the process for setting priorities and recommending
investments. The facilities identified in these plans are likely to provide the greatest benefits to
all the residents of Minnesota and the regions within which they are located. Proposers should
identify the relationship of the project to any statewide or regional plans/objectives. They should
also explain how the project is consistent with these plans and objectives, and refer to specific
sections of the plan.
Criterion 2 - Describe how your project completes a larger project, concept, or plan.
There may be a number of larger projects that are missing a key or final element. Funding
these missing elements with Enhancement funds could provide a sort of synergistic benefit
extending beyond the immediate benefits provided by the component for which funding is being
sought. Examples include bike or pedestrian trail segments that fill gaps in existing trails;
historic preservation that completes the restoration of an historic site/property that has already
been partially/substantially restored; and landscaping that completes an original concept/plan
which was not installed earlier due to funding constraints. These are only generic examples.
Applicants are encouraged to look at their projects in light of the general concept identified here
and describe how their project fits into a larger project concept or plan which has been or soon
will be implemented using another funding source.
Criterion 3 - Explain the degree to which a project addresses issues/needs in one, two, or
three of the three groupings established for Minnesota’s process.
There are 12 eligible categories of projects identified under the SAFETEA-LU Transportation
Enhancement Program. Minnesota has placed these categories into three groupings: Historic,
Scenic/Environmental, and Pedestrian/Bicycle facilities. With limited funding available, it makes
sense to emphasize projects that accomplish multiple objectives. One generic example would
be a bicycle/pedestrian path that includes some landscaping and restoration of an historic
structure adjacent to it.
Points will be awarded based on the following:
Historic Grouping: Describe the current recognized level of historic significance (federal, state,
or local). This would include any specific designations such as the National Register for Historic
Places, State Historical Register, etc. Also indicate the degree to which the project will
enhance, preserve, or protect the historic/archaeological resource.
Scenic Environmental Grouping: Explain degree to which scenic or environmental resources
are rare, unique or significant, degree to which potential for enhancement exists for landscaping
or scenic beautification, current degree of visual blight, magnitude of environmental problem,
and degree to which the project would preserve, rehabilitate or develop scenic, or environmental
resources or solve the environmental problem.
B1, Page 1 October 2011
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Grouping: Explain the degree to which the proposed project
would encourage/facilitate pedestrian and/or bicycle transportation.
Criterion 4 - Describe adjacent land use and the relationship to the proposed project.
Projects should not have the potential to harm or negatively impact the environment. For
example, projects that will have problems getting environmental clearances due to the nature of
the site location and/or design, that create conflicts with adjacent land uses or have chosen a
site that is not intended or suited for the proposed project will receive lower scores in this
category.
Criterion 5 - Explain the project’s relationship to transportation system (e.g. function,
proximity, impact)
Projects must possess a substantial relationship to the intermodal transportation system, but not
necessarily to a currently planned highway project. This relationship may be one of
proximity/function or proximity/impact. (Proximity alone does not constitute a substantial
relationship to the intermodal transportation system and does not qualify a project for
enhancement funding.) Function, proximity and impact can be defined as follows:
FUNCTION - Projects must facilitate transportation or meet the primary needs of transportation
system users.
PROXIMITY - Except for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkway facilities, projects must
be contiguous to or within sight of at least one of the following transportation facilities: public
transit routes, hubs and terminals; railroads, ports, and intermodal terminals; and bikeways and
pedestrian facilities.
IMPACT - Projects must deal with the interrelationship between transportation systems/users
and the surrounding environment.)
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
Following is a listing of some of the regulations that apply to any project receiving federal transportation
funds. These requirements must be taken into consideration during the project development and project
implementation stages.
Davis-Bacon and Copeland Acts:
Payment of a pre-determined wage is applicable to all federal-aid construction contracts exceeding $2,000
and to all related subcontracts, except for projects located on roadways classified as local roads or rural
minor collectors.
ADA Requirements:
All transportation enhancement assisted projects must comply with the handicapped accessibility standards,
as stated in Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 55, of the Minnesota State Building
Code; and with the Public Service Provisions of the 1983 disability amendments, Minnesota Human Rights
Act.
According to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) "No qualified individual with a disability shall,
by reason of that disability, be excluded from participating in or be denied the benefits of the services,
programs or activities provided by a public entity, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination by such entity.”
ADA requires, among other things, modification of equipment and removal of physical barriers.
Anti-Discrimination Laws:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of
race, color, national origin, age or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be
otherwise subjected to discrimination.
Each sponsoring participant must display posters explaining non-discrimination provisions of Title VI,
including compliance procedures and must develop a procedure for processing Title VI related complaints.
Minnesota Statutes 363.073, part 5000.3535 (Subp. 7) also prohibits discrimination with regard to marital
status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
Matching Funds:
SAFETEA-LU allows for the matching of federal funds with right-of-way on all projects and for the use of “soft”
or “in kind” match on enhancement and scenic byway projects. The right-of-way used for match should be
right-of-way either purchased or donated specifically for the project. Right-of-way purchased at an earlier time
to do other work or the initial construction of the route should not be used as match. The “soft” or “in kind”
match for enhancement projects must be something that has a tangible cost, such as railroad ties or wires
necessary to run a historic streetcar. Charging a professional fee for labor being performed by non-
professionals is not allowed.
Federal funds are received when right-of-way or soft match is used. If the right-of-way or soft match is
sufficient to make up 20 percent of the total cost of the project (contract plus right-of-way or soft match), then
C1, Page 2 October 2011
the contract would receive 100 percent federal funds. If the right-of-way or soft match is less than 20 percent
then some state or local match would be required. The following examples assume 80/20 participation.
Soft Match Example for Enhancement Projects
A B C
Contract Cost $100,000 $100,000 $100,000
ROW or Soft Match 25,000 40,000 20,000
Total Project Cost $125,000 $140,000 $120,000
Federal Share 80% of
$100,000 $112,000 $96,000
Total
Additional State-Local
$ 0 $ 0 $ 4,000
responsibility
In Example A and B, no local or state match is required as 80 percent is equal to or greater than the contract
cost. Federal funds used would be $100,000. Example C illustrates that a local or state match would be
required as 80 percent is less than the contract amount. Federal funds used would equal $96,000.
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SAMPLE RESOLUTIONS
Resolution of Support from Sponsoring Agency
Be it resolved that __________________________ act as sponsoring agency for a “Transportation
(Sponsoring Agency)
Enhancements” project identified as ______________________________________ and acknowledges
herewith that it is willing to be the project sponsor, knowing full well that such sponsorship includes a willingness
to secure and guarantee the local share of costs associated with this project and responsibility for seeing this
project through to its completion, with compliance of all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Be it further resolved that __________________________ is hereby authorized to act as agent on
(Name of Primary Contact Person)
behalf of this applicant.
Agreement to Maintain Facility
WHEREAS: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that states agree to operate and
maintain facilities constructed with federal transportation funds for the useful life of the improvement and not
change the use of right of way acquired without prior approval from the FHWA; and
WHEREAS: Transportation enhancement projects receive federal funding from the Surface Transportation
Program (STP) of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); and
WHEREAS: is the project sponsor for the transportation enhancement
(City, County or Agency Name)
project identified as .
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Project Sponsor hereby agrees to assume full responsibility
for assuring the operation and maintenance of property and facilities related to the aforementioned
transportation enhancement project will be faithfully executed by the appropriate responsible parties.
Certification
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by
on this _______ day of ________________________, 20____.
(City, County or Agency Name)
: :
SIGNED
WITNESSED
____________________________________ __________________________________
(Signature) (Signature)
__________________________________ __________________________________
(Title) (Date) (Title) (Date)
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