Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program, 70583-70586 [E6-20540]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 5, 2006 / Notices
informs all interested parties that it may
not conduct or sponsor, and a
respondent is not required to respond
to, a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520.
Issued in Washington, DC on November 29,
2006.
D.J. Stadtler,
Director, Office of Budget, Federal Railroad
Administration.
[FR Doc. E6–20501 Filed 12–4–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Alternative Transportation in Parks
and Public Lands Program
Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability:
Alternative Transportation in Parks and
Public Lands Program.
AGENCY:
This notice solicits proposals
to compete for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007
funds through the Alternative
Transportation in Parks and Public
Lands (ATPPL) program, administered
by the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) in partnership with the
Department of the Interior (DOI) and the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest
Service. The purpose of the program is
to enhance the protection of national
parks and Federal lands, and increase
the enjoyment of those visiting them.
The program funds capital and planning
expenses for alternative transportation
systems such as buses and trams in
federally-managed parks and public
lands. Federal land management
agencies and State, tribal and local
governments acting with the consent of
a Federal land management agency are
eligible to apply. DOI, after consultation
with and in cooperation with FTA, will
determine the final selection and
funding of projects.
DATES: Complete proposals must be
received by the designated Federal land
management agency contact listed in
this notice by the close of business on
February 16, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Project proposals must be
submitted to the designated contact
person at the headquarters office of the
Federal land management agency that
manages the park or public land
involved. If the project involves more
than one Federal land management
agency, a project proposal template
must be submitted to all agencies
involved. The required project proposal
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:14 Dec 04, 2006
Jkt 211001
template is available at https://
www.fta.dot.gov/atppl. E-mail
submission is preferred. Mail and fax
submission will also be accepted.
• National Park Service: Mark H
Hartsoe, Mark_H_Hartsoe@nps.gov; tel:
202–513–7025, fax: 202–371–6675,
mail: 1849 C Street, NW., (MS2420);
Washington, DC 20240–0001.
• Fish and Wildlife Service: Nathan
Caldwell, nathan_caldwell@fws.gov, tel:
703–358–2205, fax: 703–358–2517,
mail: 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 634;
Arlington, VA 22203.
• Forest Service: Ellen LaFayette,
elafayette@fs.fed.us, tel: 703–605–4509,
fax: 703–605–1542, mail: 1400
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–1101. FedEx:
USDA Forest Service, Engineering Suite
RPC 500, 1601 N. Kent Street, Arlington,
VA 22209.
• Bureau of Land Management: Linda
Force, linda_force@blm.gov, tel: 202–
557–3567, fax: 202–452–5046, mail:
1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC
20240.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Scott Faulk, Office of Program
Management, Federal Transit
Administration, 202–366–1660, e-mail:
Scott.Faulk@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. General Program Information
II. Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting
Proposals
III. Proposal Review, Selection, and
Notification
IV. Additional Program Information
I. General Program Information
A. Authority
Section 3021 of the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act—A Legacy for Users of 2005
(SAFETEA–LU) established a new
program called the ATPPL program (49
U.S.C. 5320). SAFETEA–LU authorized
$97 million in funding for the program
for FY 2006 through 2009. SAFETEA–
LU authorized $23 million FY 2007.
Availability of funding is subject to
congressional appropriations, which
have not yet been finalized for FY 2007.
No one project may receive more than
25 percent of available funds.
B. Background
Congestion in and around parks and
public lands causes traffic delays and
noise and air pollution that
substantially detract from the visitor’s
experience and the protection of natural
resources. In August 2001, the
Department of Transportation (DOT)
and DOI published a comprehensive
PO 00000
Frm 00083
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
70583
study of alternative transportation needs
in national parks and related Federal
lands. The study identified significant
alternative transportation needs at sites
managed by the National Park Service,
the Bureau of Land Management, and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Additionally, a supplement to this
report identified Forest Service sites
that would benefit from such services.
Section 3021 of SAFETEA–LU (49
U.S.C. 5320) addresses these needs by
establishing a new program to fund
alternative transportation projects in
national parks and other federal lands.
The goals of the program are to:
• Conserve natural, historical, and
cultural resources;
• Reduce congestion and pollution;
• Improve visitor mobility and
accessibility;
• Enhance visitor experience; and
• Ensure access to all, including
persons with disabilities.
C. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are:
(1) Federal land management
agencies, including the National Park
Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service,
the Bureau of Land Management, the
Forest Service, and the Bureau of
Reclamation; and
(2) State, tribal and local governments
with jurisdiction over land in the
vicinity of an eligible area, acting with
the consent of a Federal land
management agency, alone or in
partnership with a Federal land
management agency or other
governmental or non-governmental
participant. If the applicant is a State,
tribal, or local government, a letter from
the unit(s) of the Federal land
management agency or agencies affected
expressing support for the project
should be submitted with the project
proposal.
D. Eligible Expenses
SAFETEA–LU defines alternative
transportation as ‘‘transportation by bus,
rail, or any other publicly or privately
owned conveyance that provides to the
public general or special service on a
regular basis, including sightseeing
service. Such term also includes a nonmotorized transportation system
(including the provision of facilities for
pedestrians, bicycles, and nonmotorized watercraft).’’
A qualified project is a planning or
capital project in or in the vicinity of a
Federally-owned or managed park,
refuge, or recreational area that is open
to the general public and meets the
goals of the program. Operating
expenses are not eligible under the
program. A project proposal may
E:\FR\FM\05DEN1.SGM
05DEN1
70584
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 5, 2006 / Notices
include up to 15 percent of project
expenses for project administration,
contingency, and oversight. As specified
in 49 U.S.C. 5320(b)(5), the following
types of projects are eligible:
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
Planning
1. Activities to comply with
metropolitan and statewide planning
provisions. (49 U.S.C. 5320(b)(5)(A)
referencing 49 U.S.C. 5303, 5304, 5305).
2. Activities include planning studies
for an alternative transportation system
including evaluation of no-build and all
other reasonable alternatives, traffic
studies, visitor utilization studies,
transportation analysis, feasibility
studies, and environmental studies.
Capital
1. General Capital Expenses for
Alternative Transportation System
Projects
a. Eligible capital projects include all
aspects of ‘‘acquiring, constructing,
supervising, or inspecting equipment or
a facility for use in public
transportation, expenses incidental to
the acquisition or construction
(including designing, engineering,
location surveying, mapping, and
acquiring rights-of-way), payments for
the capital portions of rail trackage
rights agreements, transit-related
intelligent transportation systems,
relocation assistance, acquiring
replacement housing sites, and
acquiring, constructing, relocating, and
rehabilitating replacement housing;’’
b. Capital projects may include those
projects operated by an outside entity,
such as a public transportation agency,
state or local government, private
company engaged in public
transportation, or private non-profit
organization; and,
c. Projects may also include the
deployment/commercialization of
alternative transportation vehicles that
introduce innovative technologies or
methods.
2. ‘‘Fixed Guideway’’ and Bus Projects
a. The SAFETEA–LU legislation
includes language allowing eligibility of
‘‘fixed guideway’’ projects. These are
defined as those transportation projects
that run on a dedicated right of way,
like a light rail, trolley, bus rapid transit,
or any type of ferry system. For these
types of projects, eligible projects can
include:
i. Development of a new fixed
guideway project;
ii. Rehabilitation or modernization of
existing fixed guideway systems; and,
iii. Expansion of existing systems.
b. For bus or shuttle projects, eligible
projects can include:
i. Purchase of buses and related
equipment;
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:14 Dec 04, 2006
Jkt 211001
ii. Replacement of buses and related
equipment;
iii. Rehabilitation of buses and related
equipment;
iv. Construction of bus-related
facilities such as bus shelters; and,
v. Purchase of rolling stock that
incorporates clean fuel technology or
the replacement of buses of a type in use
on August 10, 2005, with clean fuel
vehicles.
3. The ATPPL program specifically
includes these other eligible capital
projects:
a. The capital costs of coordinating
Federal land management agency public
transportation systems with other public
transportation systems.
b. Non-motorized transportation
systems (including the provision of
facilities for pedestrians, bicycles and
non-motorized watercraft).
c. Water-borne access systems within
or in the vicinity of an eligible area as
appropriate and consistent with Section
5320.
d. Any other alternative
transportation project that
i. Enhances the environment;
ii. Prevents or mitigates an adverse
impact on a natural resource;
iii. Improves Federal land
management agency resource
management;
iv. Improves visitor mobility and
accessibility and the visitor experience;
v. Reduces congestion and pollution
(including noise pollution and visual
pollution); or
vi. Conserves a natural, historical, or
cultural resource (excluding
rehabilitation or restoration of a nontransportation facility).
In order to be considered for funding, a
project must consist of one or more of
the eligible activities listed above, meet
the definition of alternative
transportation, and contribute to the
goals of the program.
Lease vs. Purchase
The capital cost of leasing vehicles is
an eligible expense under the program.
For vehicle acquisition projects,
sponsors should compare the costeffectiveness of leasing versus
purchasing vehicles. Leasing may be
particularly cost effective in
circumstances in which transit service
is only needed during a peak visitation
period that lasts only a few months. In
these cases, leasing a vehicle for a few
months during the year may be less
expensive than purchasing a vehicle
that is then only used for a few months
during the year. An ATPPL award can
cover the capital cost of leasing vehicles
but not the cost of operations.
PO 00000
Frm 00084
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Project sponsors should also compare
the cost effectiveness of providing
service versus contracting for service.
The capital portion of contracted service
is an eligible capital expense under the
program. For example, if a public land
contracts with a private bus company to
provide a shuttle service with privately
owned buses, the portion of the contract
that covers the capital expense of the
buses is an eligible expense under the
ATPPL program. Operating expenses are
not eligible under the program. Project
sponsors will be asked to compare the
cost-effectiveness of their preferred
option to other alternatives in the
financial sustainability portion of the
proposal.
E. Proposal Evaluation Criteria and
Other Considerations
It is anticipated that the demand for
financial assistance through the ATPPL
program will significantly exceed the
funds available, and thus the selection
process will be highly competitive.
Project proposals will be evaluated
based on how well the proposed project
would meet the goals of the program
identified in the legislation and in
section I B of this notice. The criteria
below, which are consistent with the
considerations identified in section
5320(g)(2), aid evaluators in
determining how well projects would
meet these goals. The application
template contains specific questions
related to each of these criteria to guide
the applicant in justifying the project.
Proposed capital projects will be
evaluated based on the following
criteria:
• Demonstration of Need
Æ Visitor mobility & experience
current or anticipated problem
Æ Environmental current or
anticipated problem
• Visitor Mobility & Experience
Benefits of Project
Æ Reduced traffic congestion
Æ Enhanced visitor mobility,
accessibility, and safety
Æ Improved visitor education,
recreation, and health benefits
• Environmental Benefits of Project
Æ Protection of sensitive natural,
cultural, and historic resources
Æ Reduced pollution (air, noise,
visual)
• Financial Sustainability and
Operational Efficiency
Æ Effectiveness in meeting
management goals
Æ Realistic financial plan
Æ Cost effectiveness
Æ Partnering, funding from other
sources, innovative financing
Proposed planning projects will be
evaluated based on the following
criteria:
E:\FR\FM\05DEN1.SGM
05DEN1
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 5, 2006 / Notices
• Demonstration of Need
Æ Visitor mobility & experience
current or anticipated problem
Æ Environmental current or
anticipated problem
• Methodology for Assessing Visitor
Mobility & Experience Benefits of
Project
Æ Reduced traffic congestion
Æ Enhanced visitor mobility,
accessibility, and safety
Æ Improved visitor education,
recreation, and health benefits
• Methodology for Assessing
Environmental Benefits of Project
Æ Protection of sensitive natural,
cultural, and historical Resources
Æ Reduced pollution (air, noise,
visual)
• Methodology for Assessing
Operational Efficiency and Financial
Sustainability of Alternatives
Æ Realistic financial plan
Æ Cost effectiveness
Æ Partnering, funding from other
sources
• The planning project involves
partnerships and funding from other
sources.
A special note on non-motorized
transportation systems: While nonmotorized systems, such as trails, are
eligible under the program, not all nonmotorized systems will meet the goals of
the program needed to be considered for
funding. Like motorized systems, in
order to be considered for funding, nonmotorized systems must reduce or
mitigate the number of auto trips by
providing an alternative to travel by
private auto. In addition, non-motorized
systems must provide a high degree of
connectivity within a transportation
system. Finally, they should improve
safety for motorized and non-motorized
transportation system users.
Additional consideration will be
given to projects based upon geographic
diversity, balance between urban and
rural projects, and balance in size of
projects.
The program of projects may also be
balanced by type of project, as
categorized below, to best show
accomplishments from the program.
• New alternative transportation
systems—to show new systems made
possible by this new program.
• Expansion or enhancement of an
existing alternative transportation
system—to demonstrate improvements
and expansions enabled by the program.
• Rehabilitation or replacement of
vehicles or facilities of existing
alternative transportation systems—to
support and sustain existing meritorious
systems into the future.
• Planning studies—to prepare for
new systems that can be funded in
future years.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:14 Dec 04, 2006
Jkt 211001
II. Guidelines for Preparing and
Submitting Proposals
Project proposal templates as well as
guidance on completing them are
available at https://www.fta.dot.gov/
atppl. There are separate proposal
templates for planning and capital
(‘‘implementation’’) projects. Project
proposals must be submitted to the
designated contact person at the
headquarters office of the Federal land
management agency that manages the
park or public land involved. This list
can be found in the ADDRESSES section
of this notice. If the project involves
more than one Federal land
management agency, a proposal
template must be submitted to all
agencies involved. Project proposals
must adhere to the page limits listed on
the proposal templates. Submission by
e-mail is preferred. Mail and fax
submissions will also be accepted.
In addition, a synopsis of this
announcement will also be posted in the
FIND module of the government-wide
electronic grants Web site at https://
www.grants.gov.
A ‘‘webinar’’-style workshop to
provide information on the program and
guidance on applying will be held
during the middle of December 2006.
Check the Web site at https://
www.fta.dot.gov/atppl for more details.
If you do not have adequate Internet
access you may request hard copies of
the webinar presentations and
information on how to phone in to the
webinar from Scott Faulk at 202–366–
1660.
If applicants would like to apply for
funds appropriated for future fiscal
years, applicants must reapply each
year. An applicant may also propose a
project that would expend money in
multiple years even though the award is
from one year’s worth of appropriated
ATPPL program funds. The project,
would however, need to be ready to
begin and need to be completed in a
reasonable period of time, as evaluated
on a case by case basis. In sum, the
period of performance of the award is
separate from the year of funds of the
award.
III. Proposal Review, Selection and
Notification
Proposals will first be reviewed and
screened by the headquarters office of
the relevant Federal land management
agency (or agencies if the project
involves more than one). Following this
initial review, proposals will be
evaluated by an interagency team which
includes representatives from FTA, each
of the Federal land management
agencies, and DOI. After evaluating the
PO 00000
Frm 00085
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
70585
projects based on the criteria in the law
and further explained in part E of this
notice, the team will provide a
recommendation to the Secretary of the
Interior. The Secretary of the Interior,
after consultation with and in
cooperation with the Secretary of
Transportation, shall determine the final
selection and amount of funding for
each project.
Selected projects will be announced
in Spring 2007. DOI will notify each
Federal land management agency of
projects awarded for sites under the
agency’s jurisdiction. FTA will publish
the list of all selected projects and
funding levels in the Federal Register,
as well as in its annual report to
Congress on the ATPPL program
submitted as part of its Annual Report
on New Starts in early February 2008.
Criteria and application procedures may
be reassessed for subsequent years.
IV. Additional Program Information
A. Funds Administration
Once proposals have been reviewed
and projects have been selected, FTA
will award funds to the lead project
sponsor to implement the project. These
funds will be administered according to
federal requirements as well as the
appropriate policies, guidelines and
rules of the pertinent agencies.
For projects directly administered by
a Federal land management agency,
these funds will be administered by
interagency agreement between the FTA
and the respective agency. For programs
administered by a State, tribal, or local
governmental authority, these funds
will be administered through a grant
administered by FTA.
B. Program Requirements and Oversight
The requirements for recipients of
funding through the program can be
found at https://www.fta.dot.gov/atppl
under ‘‘Requirements for Recipients of
Funding.’’ This document also describes
the oversight FTA will provide for this
program.
C. Performance Measures
Participants may be asked to compile
data for use in measuring program
performance.
D. Technical Assistance, Planning, and
Research
The ATPPL program allows DOT to
spend not more than 10 percent of
program funds to carry out planning,
research, and technical assistance
activities. FTA will oversee the funds
allocated to technical assistance to assist
program participants in planning,
implementing, and evaluating
alternative transportation projects. In
E:\FR\FM\05DEN1.SGM
05DEN1
70586
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 5, 2006 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
for MARAD to properly consider the
comments. Comments should also state
the commenter’s interest in the waiver
application, and address the waiver
criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s
regulations at 46 CFR Part 388.
DATES: Submit comments on or before
January 4, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to
docket number MARAD–2006 26481.
Written comments may be submitted by
hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk,
U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL–401,
Department of Transportation, 400 7th
St., SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001.
You may also send comments
electronically via the Internet at https://
dmses.dot.gov/submit/. All comments
will become part of this docket and will
be available for inspection and copying
at the above address between 10 a.m.
and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through
Friday, except federal holidays. An
electronic version of this document and
all documents entered into this docket
is available on the World Wide Web at
https://dms.dot.gov.
Maritime Administration
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
addition, FTA will be responsible for
the provision of planning guidance and
dissemination of research findings. First
products include a program manual to
be issued in November and the webinar
to be held on November 29. A limited
number of technical assistance visits are
available to assist potential project
sponsors in the initial stages of
planning. Project sponsors or potential
project sponsors may contact the
relevant Federal land management
agency headquarters contact or the FTA
contact in the Addresses section to
request technical assistance or provide
ideas of types of activities that would be
particularly helpful in furthering the
goals of the program.
Issued in Washington, DC, this 29th day of
November, 2006.
James S. Simpson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E6–20540 Filed 12–4–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–57–P
[Docket Number 2006 26481]
Requested Administrative Waiver of
the Coastwise Trade Laws
Maritime Administration,
Department of Transportation.
ACTION: Invitation for public comments
on a requested administrative waiver of
the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel
CIRCADIAN.
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: As authorized by Public Law
105–383 and Public Law 107–295, the
Secretary of Transportation, as
represented by the Maritime
Administration (MARAD), is authorized
to grant waivers of the U.S.-build
requirement of the coastwise laws under
certain circumstances. A request for
such a waiver has been received by
MARAD. The vessel, and a brief
description of the proposed service, is
listed below. The complete application
is given in DOT docket 2006–26481 at
https://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties
may comment on the effect this action
may have on U.S. vessel builders or
businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag
vessels. If MARAD determines, in
accordance with Public Law 105–383
and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR
Part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003),
that the issuance of the waiver will have
an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses
U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a
waiver will not be granted. Comments
should refer to the docket number of
this notice and the vessel name in order
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:14 Dec 04, 2006
Jkt 211001
Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Maritime
Administration, MAR–830 Room 7201,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC 20590. Telephone 202–366–5979.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As
described by the applicant the intended
service of the vessel CIRCADIAN is:
Intended Use: ‘‘Sailing instruction for
coastal and offshore passages, sailing
charters.’’
Geographic Region: Connecticut,
Delaware, Florida, Georgia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland,
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island,
Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands.
Dated: November 29, 2006.
By order of the Maritime Administrator.
Joel C. Richard,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. E6–20497 Filed 12–4–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–81–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
[Docket Number: 2006 26482]
Requested Administrative Waiver of
the Coastwise Trade Laws
Maritime Administration,
Department of Transportation.
ACTION: Invitation for public comments
on a requested administrative waiver of
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00086
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel
DREAM ON.
SUMMARY: As authorized by Public Law
105–383 and Public Law 107–295, the
Secretary of Transportation, as
represented by the Maritime
Administration (MARAD), is authorized
to grant waivers of the U.S.-build
requirement of the coastwise laws under
certain circumstances. A request for
such a waiver has been received by
MARAD. The vessel, and a brief
description of the proposed service, is
listed below. The complete application
is given in DOT docket 20xx–xxxx at
https://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties
may comment on the effect this action
may have on U.S. vessel builders or
businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag
vessels. If MARAD determines, in
accordance with Public Law 105–383
and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR
Part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003),
that the issuance of the waiver will have
an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses
U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a
waiver will not be granted. Comments
should refer to the docket number of
this notice and the vessel name in order
for MARAD to properly consider the
comments. Comments should also state
the commenter’s interest in the waiver
application, and address the waiver
criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s
regulations at 46 CFR Part 388.
DATES: Submit comments on or before
January 4, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to
docket number MARAD–2006 26482.
Written comments may be submitted by
hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk,
U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL–401,
Department of Transportation, 400 7th
St., SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001.
You may also send comments
electronically via the Internet at https://
dmses.dot.gov/submit/. All comments
will become part of this docket and will
be available for inspection and copying
at the above address between 10 a.m.
and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through
Friday, except federal holidays. An
electronic version of this document and
all documents entered into this docket
is available on the World Wide Web at
https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Maritime
Administration, MAR–830 Room 7201,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC 20590. Telephone 202–366–5979.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As
described by the applicant the intended
service of the vessel DREAM ON is:
E:\FR\FM\05DEN1.SGM
05DEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70583-70586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20540]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability: Alternative Transportation in
Parks and Public Lands Program.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice solicits proposals to compete for Fiscal Year (FY)
2007 funds through the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public
Lands (ATPPL) program, administered by the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) in partnership with the Department of the Interior
(DOI) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. The
purpose of the program is to enhance the protection of national parks
and Federal lands, and increase the enjoyment of those visiting them.
The program funds capital and planning expenses for alternative
transportation systems such as buses and trams in federally-managed
parks and public lands. Federal land management agencies and State,
tribal and local governments acting with the consent of a Federal land
management agency are eligible to apply. DOI, after consultation with
and in cooperation with FTA, will determine the final selection and
funding of projects.
DATES: Complete proposals must be received by the designated Federal
land management agency contact listed in this notice by the close of
business on February 16, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Project proposals must be submitted to the designated
contact person at the headquarters office of the Federal land
management agency that manages the park or public land involved. If the
project involves more than one Federal land management agency, a
project proposal template must be submitted to all agencies involved.
The required project proposal template is available at https://
www.fta.dot.gov/atppl. E-mail submission is preferred. Mail and fax
submission will also be accepted.
National Park Service: Mark H Hartsoe, Mark--H--
Hartsoe@nps.gov; tel: 202-513-7025, fax: 202-371-6675, mail: 1849 C
Street, NW., (MS2420); Washington, DC 20240-0001.
Fish and Wildlife Service: Nathan Caldwell, nathan_
caldwell@fws.gov, tel: 703-358-2205, fax: 703-358-2517, mail: 4401 N.
Fairfax Drive, Room 634; Arlington, VA 22203.
Forest Service: Ellen LaFayette, elafayette@fs.fed.us,
tel: 703-605-4509, fax: 703-605-1542, mail: 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20250-1101. FedEx: USDA Forest Service, Engineering
Suite RPC 500, 1601 N. Kent Street, Arlington, VA 22209.
Bureau of Land Management: Linda Force, linda_
force@blm.gov, tel: 202-557-3567, fax: 202-452-5046, mail: 1849 C
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Faulk, Office of Program
Management, Federal Transit Administration, 202-366-1660, e-mail:
Scott.Faulk@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. General Program Information
II. Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting Proposals
III. Proposal Review, Selection, and Notification
IV. Additional Program Information
I. General Program Information
A. Authority
Section 3021 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act--A Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFETEA-LU)
established a new program called the ATPPL program (49 U.S.C. 5320).
SAFETEA-LU authorized $97 million in funding for the program for FY
2006 through 2009. SAFETEA-LU authorized $23 million FY 2007.
Availability of funding is subject to congressional appropriations,
which have not yet been finalized for FY 2007. No one project may
receive more than 25 percent of available funds.
B. Background
Congestion in and around parks and public lands causes traffic
delays and noise and air pollution that substantially detract from the
visitor's experience and the protection of natural resources. In August
2001, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DOI published a
comprehensive study of alternative transportation needs in national
parks and related Federal lands. The study identified significant
alternative transportation needs at sites managed by the National Park
Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Additionally, a supplement to this report identified Forest
Service sites that would benefit from such services.
Section 3021 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5320) addresses these needs
by establishing a new program to fund alternative transportation
projects in national parks and other federal lands. The goals of the
program are to:
Conserve natural, historical, and cultural resources;
Reduce congestion and pollution;
Improve visitor mobility and accessibility;
Enhance visitor experience; and
Ensure access to all, including persons with disabilities.
C. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are:
(1) Federal land management agencies, including the National Park
Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management,
the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation; and
(2) State, tribal and local governments with jurisdiction over land
in the vicinity of an eligible area, acting with the consent of a
Federal land management agency, alone or in partnership with a Federal
land management agency or other governmental or non-governmental
participant. If the applicant is a State, tribal, or local government,
a letter from the unit(s) of the Federal land management agency or
agencies affected expressing support for the project should be
submitted with the project proposal.
D. Eligible Expenses
SAFETEA-LU defines alternative transportation as ``transportation
by bus, rail, or any other publicly or privately owned conveyance that
provides to the public general or special service on a regular basis,
including sightseeing service. Such term also includes a non-motorized
transportation system (including the provision of facilities for
pedestrians, bicycles, and non-motorized watercraft).''
A qualified project is a planning or capital project in or in the
vicinity of a Federally-owned or managed park, refuge, or recreational
area that is open to the general public and meets the goals of the
program. Operating expenses are not eligible under the program. A
project proposal may
[[Page 70584]]
include up to 15 percent of project expenses for project
administration, contingency, and oversight. As specified in 49 U.S.C.
5320(b)(5), the following types of projects are eligible:
Planning
1. Activities to comply with metropolitan and statewide planning
provisions. (49 U.S.C. 5320(b)(5)(A) referencing 49 U.S.C. 5303, 5304,
5305).
2. Activities include planning studies for an alternative
transportation system including evaluation of no-build and all other
reasonable alternatives, traffic studies, visitor utilization studies,
transportation analysis, feasibility studies, and environmental
studies.
Capital
1. General Capital Expenses for Alternative Transportation System
Projects
a. Eligible capital projects include all aspects of ``acquiring,
constructing, supervising, or inspecting equipment or a facility for
use in public transportation, expenses incidental to the acquisition or
construction (including designing, engineering, location surveying,
mapping, and acquiring rights-of-way), payments for the capital
portions of rail trackage rights agreements, transit-related
intelligent transportation systems, relocation assistance, acquiring
replacement housing sites, and acquiring, constructing, relocating, and
rehabilitating replacement housing;''
b. Capital projects may include those projects operated by an
outside entity, such as a public transportation agency, state or local
government, private company engaged in public transportation, or
private non-profit organization; and,
c. Projects may also include the deployment/commercialization of
alternative transportation vehicles that introduce innovative
technologies or methods.
2. ``Fixed Guideway'' and Bus Projects
a. The SAFETEA-LU legislation includes language allowing
eligibility of ``fixed guideway'' projects. These are defined as those
transportation projects that run on a dedicated right of way, like a
light rail, trolley, bus rapid transit, or any type of ferry system.
For these types of projects, eligible projects can include:
i. Development of a new fixed guideway project;
ii. Rehabilitation or modernization of existing fixed guideway
systems; and,
iii. Expansion of existing systems.
b. For bus or shuttle projects, eligible projects can include:
i. Purchase of buses and related equipment;
ii. Replacement of buses and related equipment;
iii. Rehabilitation of buses and related equipment;
iv. Construction of bus-related facilities such as bus shelters;
and,
v. Purchase of rolling stock that incorporates clean fuel
technology or the replacement of buses of a type in use on August 10,
2005, with clean fuel vehicles.
3. The ATPPL program specifically includes these other eligible
capital projects:
a. The capital costs of coordinating Federal land management agency
public transportation systems with other public transportation systems.
b. Non-motorized transportation systems (including the provision of
facilities for pedestrians, bicycles and non-motorized watercraft).
c. Water-borne access systems within or in the vicinity of an
eligible area as appropriate and consistent with Section 5320.
d. Any other alternative transportation project that
i. Enhances the environment;
ii. Prevents or mitigates an adverse impact on a natural resource;
iii. Improves Federal land management agency resource management;
iv. Improves visitor mobility and accessibility and the visitor
experience;
v. Reduces congestion and pollution (including noise pollution and
visual pollution); or
vi. Conserves a natural, historical, or cultural resource
(excluding rehabilitation or restoration of a non-transportation
facility).
In order to be considered for funding, a project must consist of one or
more of the eligible activities listed above, meet the definition of
alternative transportation, and contribute to the goals of the program.
Lease vs. Purchase
The capital cost of leasing vehicles is an eligible expense under
the program. For vehicle acquisition projects, sponsors should compare
the cost-effectiveness of leasing versus purchasing vehicles. Leasing
may be particularly cost effective in circumstances in which transit
service is only needed during a peak visitation period that lasts only
a few months. In these cases, leasing a vehicle for a few months during
the year may be less expensive than purchasing a vehicle that is then
only used for a few months during the year. An ATPPL award can cover
the capital cost of leasing vehicles but not the cost of operations.
Project sponsors should also compare the cost effectiveness of
providing service versus contracting for service. The capital portion
of contracted service is an eligible capital expense under the program.
For example, if a public land contracts with a private bus company to
provide a shuttle service with privately owned buses, the portion of
the contract that covers the capital expense of the buses is an
eligible expense under the ATPPL program. Operating expenses are not
eligible under the program. Project sponsors will be asked to compare
the cost-effectiveness of their preferred option to other alternatives
in the financial sustainability portion of the proposal.
E. Proposal Evaluation Criteria and Other Considerations
It is anticipated that the demand for financial assistance through
the ATPPL program will significantly exceed the funds available, and
thus the selection process will be highly competitive. Project
proposals will be evaluated based on how well the proposed project
would meet the goals of the program identified in the legislation and
in section I B of this notice. The criteria below, which are consistent
with the considerations identified in section 5320(g)(2), aid
evaluators in determining how well projects would meet these goals. The
application template contains specific questions related to each of
these criteria to guide the applicant in justifying the project.
Proposed capital projects will be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
Demonstration of Need
[cir] Visitor mobility & experience current or anticipated problem
[cir] Environmental current or anticipated problem
Visitor Mobility & Experience Benefits of Project
[cir] Reduced traffic congestion
[cir] Enhanced visitor mobility, accessibility, and safety
[cir] Improved visitor education, recreation, and health benefits
Environmental Benefits of Project
[cir] Protection of sensitive natural, cultural, and historic
resources
[cir] Reduced pollution (air, noise, visual)
Financial Sustainability and Operational Efficiency
[cir] Effectiveness in meeting management goals
[cir] Realistic financial plan
[cir] Cost effectiveness
[cir] Partnering, funding from other sources, innovative financing
Proposed planning projects will be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
[[Page 70585]]
Demonstration of Need
[cir] Visitor mobility & experience current or anticipated problem
[cir] Environmental current or anticipated problem
Methodology for Assessing Visitor Mobility & Experience
Benefits of Project
[cir] Reduced traffic congestion
[cir] Enhanced visitor mobility, accessibility, and safety
[cir] Improved visitor education, recreation, and health benefits
Methodology for Assessing Environmental Benefits of
Project
[cir] Protection of sensitive natural, cultural, and historical
Resources
[cir] Reduced pollution (air, noise, visual)
Methodology for Assessing Operational Efficiency and
Financial Sustainability of Alternatives
[cir] Realistic financial plan
[cir] Cost effectiveness
[cir] Partnering, funding from other sources
The planning project involves partnerships and funding
from other sources.
A special note on non-motorized transportation systems: While non-
motorized systems, such as trails, are eligible under the program, not
all non-motorized systems will meet the goals of the program needed to
be considered for funding. Like motorized systems, in order to be
considered for funding, non-motorized systems must reduce or mitigate
the number of auto trips by providing an alternative to travel by
private auto. In addition, non-motorized systems must provide a high
degree of connectivity within a transportation system. Finally, they
should improve safety for motorized and non-motorized transportation
system users.
Additional consideration will be given to projects based upon
geographic diversity, balance between urban and rural projects, and
balance in size of projects.
The program of projects may also be balanced by type of project, as
categorized below, to best show accomplishments from the program.
New alternative transportation systems--to show new
systems made possible by this new program.
Expansion or enhancement of an existing alternative
transportation system--to demonstrate improvements and expansions
enabled by the program.
Rehabilitation or replacement of vehicles or facilities of
existing alternative transportation systems--to support and sustain
existing meritorious systems into the future.
Planning studies--to prepare for new systems that can be
funded in future years.
II. Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting Proposals
Project proposal templates as well as guidance on completing them
are available at https://www.fta.dot.gov/atppl. There are separate
proposal templates for planning and capital (``implementation'')
projects. Project proposals must be submitted to the designated contact
person at the headquarters office of the Federal land management agency
that manages the park or public land involved. This list can be found
in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. If the project involves more
than one Federal land management agency, a proposal template must be
submitted to all agencies involved. Project proposals must adhere to
the page limits listed on the proposal templates. Submission by e-mail
is preferred. Mail and fax submissions will also be accepted.
In addition, a synopsis of this announcement will also be posted in
the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web site at
https://www.grants.gov.
A ``webinar''-style workshop to provide information on the program
and guidance on applying will be held during the middle of December
2006. Check the Web site at https://www.fta.dot.gov/atppl for more
details. If you do not have adequate Internet access you may request
hard copies of the webinar presentations and information on how to
phone in to the webinar from Scott Faulk at 202-366-1660.
If applicants would like to apply for funds appropriated for future
fiscal years, applicants must reapply each year. An applicant may also
propose a project that would expend money in multiple years even though
the award is from one year's worth of appropriated ATPPL program funds.
The project, would however, need to be ready to begin and need to be
completed in a reasonable period of time, as evaluated on a case by
case basis. In sum, the period of performance of the award is separate
from the year of funds of the award.
III. Proposal Review, Selection and Notification
Proposals will first be reviewed and screened by the headquarters
office of the relevant Federal land management agency (or agencies if
the project involves more than one). Following this initial review,
proposals will be evaluated by an interagency team which includes
representatives from FTA, each of the Federal land management agencies,
and DOI. After evaluating the projects based on the criteria in the law
and further explained in part E of this notice, the team will provide a
recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary of the
Interior, after consultation with and in cooperation with the Secretary
of Transportation, shall determine the final selection and amount of
funding for each project.
Selected projects will be announced in Spring 2007. DOI will notify
each Federal land management agency of projects awarded for sites under
the agency's jurisdiction. FTA will publish the list of all selected
projects and funding levels in the Federal Register, as well as in its
annual report to Congress on the ATPPL program submitted as part of its
Annual Report on New Starts in early February 2008. Criteria and
application procedures may be reassessed for subsequent years.
IV. Additional Program Information
A. Funds Administration
Once proposals have been reviewed and projects have been selected,
FTA will award funds to the lead project sponsor to implement the
project. These funds will be administered according to federal
requirements as well as the appropriate policies, guidelines and rules
of the pertinent agencies.
For projects directly administered by a Federal land management
agency, these funds will be administered by interagency agreement
between the FTA and the respective agency. For programs administered by
a State, tribal, or local governmental authority, these funds will be
administered through a grant administered by FTA.
B. Program Requirements and Oversight
The requirements for recipients of funding through the program can
be found at https://www.fta.dot.gov/atppl under ``Requirements for
Recipients of Funding.'' This document also describes the oversight FTA
will provide for this program.
C. Performance Measures
Participants may be asked to compile data for use in measuring
program performance.
D. Technical Assistance, Planning, and Research
The ATPPL program allows DOT to spend not more than 10 percent of
program funds to carry out planning, research, and technical assistance
activities. FTA will oversee the funds allocated to technical
assistance to assist program participants in planning, implementing,
and evaluating alternative transportation projects. In
[[Page 70586]]
addition, FTA will be responsible for the provision of planning
guidance and dissemination of research findings. First products include
a program manual to be issued in November and the webinar to be held on
November 29. A limited number of technical assistance visits are
available to assist potential project sponsors in the initial stages of
planning. Project sponsors or potential project sponsors may contact
the relevant Federal land management agency headquarters contact or the
FTA contact in the Addresses section to request technical assistance or
provide ideas of types of activities that would be particularly helpful
in furthering the goals of the program.
Issued in Washington, DC, this 29th day of November, 2006.
James S. Simpson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E6-20540 Filed 12-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P
