Availability of Fiscal Year 2008 Clean Fuels Grant Program Funds: Solicitation of Project Proposals, 29843-29846 [E8-11224]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES program-wide basis. FTA selected projects to include all significant technologies within a centrally-managed program. By granting a waiver for the entire program, FTA can decrease the start-up time for individual projects. Otherwise, each project would have to apply for waivers on a case-by-case basis. This is impractical in a research setting. Research projects often encounter unexpected problems that require changes to the scope of work. The continued development of Fuel Cell technology will result in more choices for FTA grantees and better, more environmentally friendly, buses for the riding public. Successful demonstrations through the Fuel Cell Bus Program will increase awareness of fuel cell technology and foster a domestic industry by identifying and mitigating barriers and uncertainties in the market. A limited waiver to support research and development would increase and improve domestic technical expertise. Moreover, a fullyinclusive public interest waiver will allow Fuel Cell Bus Program participants to collaborate to achieve the program goals in an appropriate timeframe. By reducing risk and expanding expertise, the Fuel Cell Bus Program will improve the availability of capital for a self-sustaining domestic fuel cell industry. For the foregoing reasons, FTA proposes to waive its Buy America requirements for all projects funded through its Fuel Cell Bus Program. Quick and successful deployment of fuel cell bus technology and infrastructure is in the public interest. Fuel cell technology will benefit the environment by lessening carbon emissions, decreasing the use of petroleum and other fossil fuels. Allowing foreign technologies will allow the project teams to focus on commercial viability instead of having to make fundamental advances independent of existing technology. Ultimately, this will lead to increased domestic demand for fuel cell bus technology and infrastructure, resulting in a sustainable U.S. market. FTA seeks comment from all interested parties. Please submit comments by May 29, 2008. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable. Issued this 15th day of May, 2008. Severn E.S. Miller, Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. E8–11403 Filed 5–21–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:03 May 21, 2008 Jkt 214001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Availability of Fiscal Year 2008 Clean Fuels Grant Program Funds: Solicitation of Project Proposals Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of funds in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 for the Discretionary Clean Fuels Grant Program, authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA–LU). The Clean Fuels Grant Program makes funds available to assist non-attainment or maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone or carbon monoxide (CO). Additionally, the program supports emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses and markets for those technologies. The authorizing legislation allows for the Secretary of Transportation to make awards under this program at her discretion in nonattainment or maintenance areas for ozone or CO. In FY 2008, $49,000,000 was available for the discretionary Clean Fuels Grant program; $20,247,000 of the available funding was earmarked to specific projects authorized in SAFETEA–LU. The $28,753,000 of Clean Fuels Grant program funding that was unallocated in FY 2008 remains available for discretionary award. This announcement is available on the Internet on the FTA Web site at: https://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will announce final selections on the Web site and in the Federal Register. A synopsis of this announcement will be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants Web site at https://www.grants.gov. Proposals may be submitted to FTA electronically at cfnofa@dot.gov or through the GRANTS.GOV ‘‘APPLY’’ function. Those who apply via e-mail at cfnofa@dot.gov should receive a confirmation e-mail within 2 business days. DATES: Complete proposals for the Clean Fuels Grant Program must be submitted by July 21, 2008. The proposals must be submitted electronically through the GRANTS.GOV Web site or via e-mail at cfnofa@dot.gov. Anyone intending to apply electronically through GRANTS.GOV should initiate the PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29843 process of registering on the GRANTS.GOV site immediately to ensure completion of registration before the deadline for submission. FTA will announce grant selections in the Federal Register when the selection process is complete. Supplemental information that cannot be submitted electronically may be submitted to the appropriate Regional Office (See Appendix A). ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the appropriate FTA Regional Office for general program information (Appendix A). For application-specific information and issues, contact Kimberly Sledge, Office of Transit Programs, (202) 366–2053, E-mail: kimberly.sledge@dot.gov or Henrika Buchanan-Smith, (202) 366–4020, Email: henrika.buchanan-smith@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/FIRS). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Table of Contents I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information III. Eligibility Information IV. Application and Submission Information V. Application Review, Selection, and Notification VI. Award Administration Appendix A FTA Regional Offices I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Authority The program is authorized under Section 5308(b) of SAFETEA–LU, Pub. L 109–59, August 10, 2005. ‘‘The Secretary shall make grants in accordance with this section to recipients to finance eligible projects.’’ B. Background The program was first established as the Clean Fuels Formula Grant Program in Section 3008 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, Pub. L. 105–178, June 9, 1998. The program was developed to assist non-attainment or maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and CO. Additionally, the program supported emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses and markets for those technologies. Although the program was authorized as a formula grant program, Congress did not allocate funds to the program. SAFETEA–LU changed the Clean Fuels Program from a formula based grant program to a discretionary grant program. However, the program retained its initial purpose. E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM 22MYN1 29844 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices II. Award Information In FY 2008, $28,753,000 in Clean Fuels Program funds are available to fund capital projects in areas that are maintenance or non-attainment for ozone or CO. These funds are available at up to 90 percent of the net incremental of the clean fuels component. III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants under this program are designated recipients, which are entities designated to receive Federal urbanized formula funds under 49 U.S.C. 5307. Areas with multiple transit operators but one designated recipient should submit a consolidated proposal. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES B. Eligible Expenses SAFETEA–LU grants authority to the Secretary to make grants under this section to assist recipients to finance eligible projects such as the following; (1) Purchasing or leasing clean fuel buses, including buses that employ a lightweight composite primary structure and vans for use in revenue service. The purchase or lease of non-revenue vehicles is not an eligible project. A definition of ‘‘clean fuel’’ vehicles can be found in the Clean Fuel Grant Program Regulation at 49 CFR 624.3. (2) Constructing or leasing clean fuel bus facilities or electrical recharging facilities and related equipment. Facilities and related equipment for clean diesel buses are not eligible. (3) Projects relating to clean fuel, biodiesel, hybrid electric, or zero emissions technology buses that exhibit equivalent or superior emissions reductions to existing clean fuel or hybrid electric technologies. Funds made available under this program cannot be used to fund operating expenses or preventive maintenance. Funds made available under this program cannot be used to reimburse projects that have incurred prior eligible expenses without a Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) issued by FTA for the project before the costs are incurred. C. Cost Sharing or Matching Costs will be shared at the following ratio: 90 percent FTA/10 percent local contribution for net incremental cost of the clean fuels component or 83 percent FTA/17 percent local contribution for the total project cost when purchasing vehicles. The Federal share for biodiesel buses is 90 percent/10 percent local share of the total project cost. FTA will not approve deferred local share under this program. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:03 May 21, 2008 Jkt 214001 IV. Application and Submission Information A. Proposal Submission Process Project proposals may be submitted electronically through https:// www.grants.gov or by e-mail electronically at cfnofa@dot.gov. Mail and fax submissions will not be accepted except for supplemental information that cannot be sent electronically. Applicants can only apply for funds appropriated for the 2008 fiscal year. However, an applicant may propose a project that would expend money over multiple years. The project, however, should be ready to implement and should be completed in a reasonable period of time. In sum, the period of performance of the award is separate from the year of funds of the award. B. Application Content (1) Applicant Information This addresses basic identifying information, including: i. Applicant name, ii. Contact information (including contact name, address, fax and phone number, iii. Description of services provided by the agency, including areas served, and iv. Existing fleet, facility and employee information, and v. A description of your technical, legal, and financial capacity to implement the proposed project. (2) Project Information Every proposal must: i. Describe the project to be funded and include with the proposal any necessary supporting documentation. Example: Information on the age of the current fleet, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) concurrence letters, population forecasts, ridership information. ii. Address each of the evaluation criteria separately. iii. Describe why the project is important to the area and how the project addresses local priorities. iv. Provide a line item budget for the project. v. Provide the Federal amount requested for each purpose for which funds are sought. vi. Document matching funds, including amount and source of the match. vii. Provide project time-line, including significant milestones such as date or contract for purchase of vehicle(s), actual or expected delivery date of vehicles and contract award and completion of facility improvements. PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 C. Funding Restrictions Only proposals from eligible recipients for eligible activities will be considered for funding (see Section III). Due to funding limitations, applicants that are selected for funding may receive less than the amount requested. D. Other Submission Requirements Applicants should submit 3 copies of any supplemental information that cannot be submitted electronically to the appropriate regional office. Supplemental information submitted in hardcopy must be postmarked by July 21, 2008. V. Application Review Information A. Project Evaluation Criteria Projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) Demonstrated Need i. Project represents a one-time or periodic need that cannot reasonably be funded from formula allocations or State and/or local revenues. ii. Project or applicant did not receive funding in a SAFETEA–LU earmark. iii. The project will have a positive impact on air quality. iv. The project is consistent with the applicant’s bus fleet management plan. v. The project is a transportation control measure in an approved State Implementation Plan. (2) Planning and Prioritization at Local/ Regional Level i. Project is consistent with the transit priorities identified in the long range plan and/or contingency/illustrative projects. The project could not be included in the financially constrained Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)/ Statewide Transportation Program (STIP) due to lack of funding (if selected, project must be on TIP before grant award). ii. Local support is demonstrated by availability of local match for this and/ or related projects and letters of support. iii. In an area with more than one transit operator, the application demonstrates coordination with and support of other transit operators, or other related projects within the applicant’s MPO or the geographic region within which the proposed project will operate. (3) The Project Is Ready To Implement i. Any required environmental work has been initiated for construction projects requiring an Environmental Assessment (EA). ii. Implementation plans are ready, including initial design of facilities projects. E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM 22MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices iii. TIP/STIP can be amended (evidenced by MPO/State endorsement). vi. Project can be obligated and implemented quickly, if selected. (4) The applicant demonstrates the benefits of the proposed project in reducing transportation related pollutants. (5) The proposed project supports emerging clean fuels technologies or advanced technologies for transit buses. (6) The applicant demonstrates the technical, legal, and financial capacity to carry out the project. This criterion refers to implementation of the particular project proposed. i. The applicant has the technical capacity to administer the project. ii. The acquisition is consistent with the bus fleet management plan. iii. There are no outstanding legal, technical, or financial issues with the grantee that would make this a high risk project. iv. Source of local match is identified and is available for prompt project implementation if selected (no deferred local share will be allowed). B. Review and Selection Process Proposals will first be screened and ranked by the appropriate FTA regional office (see Appendix A). After evaluating the projects based on the established criteria, the headquarters review team will provide a recommendation to the FTA Administrator. The Administrator will determine the final selection and amount of funding for each project. FTA will publish the list of all selected projects and funding levels in the Federal Register. Regional offices will also notify successful applicants of their success and the amount of funding awarded to the project. VI. Award Administration Information rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES A. Award Notices FTA will screen all proposals to determine whether all required eligibility elements, as described in III ‘‘Eligibility Information’’ are present. Once proposals have been reviewed and projects have been selected, FTA will award funds to the lead project sponsor to implement the project. These grants will be administered and managed by the FTA regional offices in accordance with the federal requirements of the Section 5308 program. FTA will award funding to successful applicants through a grant in FTA’s TEAM grant management system. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:03 May 21, 2008 Jkt 214001 B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 1. Grant Requirements If selected, applicants will apply for a grant through TEAM and adhere to the customary FTA grant requirements of the Section 5308 Clean Fuels Grant program, including those of the current version of FTA C 9300 and the Master Agreement. Discretionary grants greater than $500,000 will go through Congressional Notification and release process. Technical assistance regarding these requirements is available from each FTA regional office. The Applicant must submit the Certifications and Assurances prior to receiving a grant. The Applicant assures that it will comply with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, FTA circulars, and other Federal administrative requirements in carrying out any project supported by the FTA grant. The Applicant acknowledges that it is under a continuing obligation to comply with the terms and conditions of the grant agreement issued for its project with FTA. The Applicant understands that Federal laws, regulations, policies, and administrative practices might be modified from time to time and affect the implementation of the project. The Applicant agrees that the most recent Federal requirements will apply to the project, unless FTA issues a written determination otherwise. 2. Planning Applicants are encouraged to notify the appropriate State DOT and MPO in areas likely to be served by the project funds made available under this program. Incorporation of funded projects in the long range plans and transportation improvement programs of States and metropolitan areas is required of all funded projects. 3. Reporting Post-award reporting requirements for grantees who purchase or lease hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles include semiannual submission of the following for the first three years of the useful life of the vehicle (this report should be attached in TEAM): i. Vehicle miles traveled; ii. Fuel/energy costs; iii. Vehicle fuel/energy consumption and oil consumption; iv. Number of road calls or breakdowns resulting from clean fuel and advanced propulsion technology systems; and v. Maintenance costs associated with the clean fuels or advanced propulsion system. PO 00000 Frm 00112 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29845 Note: Recipients of financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5308 that purchase or lease compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles may report the information described above, but this reporting is voluntary. Recipients of financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5308 that purchase or lease clean diesel vehicles are not required to report information beyond FTA grant reporting requirements for capital projects. VII. Agency Contact(s) Contact the appropriate FTA Regional Office (see Appendix A) for applicationspecific information and issues. For general program information, contact Kimberly Sledge, Office of Transit Programs, (202) 366–2053, e-mail: kimberly.sledge@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/ FIRS). Issued in Washington, DC, this 14th day of May, 2008. James S. Simpson, Administrator. Appendix A Richard H. Doyle, Regional Administrator, Region 1–Boston, Kendall Square, 55 Broadway, Suite 920, Cambridge, MA 02142–1093, Tel. 617–494–2055, States served: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont Brigid Hynes-Cherin, Regional Administrator, Region 2–New York, One Bowling Green, Room 429, New York, NY 10004–1415, Tel. 212–668– 2170, States served: New Jersey, New York Letitia Thompson, Regional Administrator, Region 3– Philadelphia, 1760 Market Street, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103– 4124, Tel. 215–656–7100, States served: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and District of Columbia Yvette Taylor, Regional Administrator, Region 4–Atlanta, 230 Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30303, Tel. 404–865–5600, States served: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi Islands Marisol Simon, Regional Administrator, Region 5–Chicago, 200 West Adams Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60606, Tel. 312–353–2789, States served: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin Robert C. Patrick, Regional Administrator, Region 6–Ft. Worth, 819 Taylor Street, Room 8A36, Ft. Worth, TX 76102, Tel. 817–978–0550, States served: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM 22MYN1 29846 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 100 / Thursday, May 22, 2008 / Notices Mokhtee Ahmad, Regional Administrator, Region 7–Kansas City, MO, 901 Locust Street, Room 404, Kansas City, MO 64106, Tel. 816– 329–3920, States served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska Terry Rosapep, Regional Administrator, Region 8–Denver, 12300 West Dakota Ave., Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228–2583, Tel. 720–963–3300, States served: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming Leslie T. Rogers, Regional Administrator, Region 9–San Francisco, 201 Mission Street, Room 1650, San Francisco, CA 94105–1926, Tel. 415–744–3133, States served: American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Northern Mariana Islands Rick Krochalis, Regional Administrator, Region 10–Seattle, Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3142, Seattle, WA 98174–1002, Tel. 206–220–7954. States served: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington [FR Doc. E8–11224 Filed 5–21–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket ID PHMSA–2007–0056] Pipeline Safety: Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Request for Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice invites public comments about PHMSA’s intention to request the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval for renewal of four existing information collections. These information collections are described below. DATES: Submit comments on or before July 21, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should reference Docket No. PHMSA–RSPA–2004–19854 and may be submitted in the following ways: • E-Gov Web Site: https:// www.regulations.gov. This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: DOT Docket Operations Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:03 May 21, 2008 Jkt 214001 Transportation, West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: DOT Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: In the E-Gov Web site: https://www.regulations.gov, under ‘‘Search Documents’’ select ‘‘Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.’’ Next, select ‘‘Notices,’’ and then click ‘‘Submit.’’ Select this notice by clicking on the docket number listed above. Submit your comment by clicking the yellow bubble in the right column then following the instructions. Identify docket ID PHMSA–2007– 0056 at the beginning of your comments. For comments by mail, please provide two copies. To receive PHMSA’s confirmation receipt, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Internet users may access all comments at https://www.regulations.gov, by following the steps above. Note: PHMSA will post all comments without changes or edits to https:// www.regulations.gov including any personal information provided. Privacy Act Statement Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received in response to any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement was published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Betsock, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety (PHP–30), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., East Building, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001, Telephone (202) 366–4595. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations requires PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected agencies an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping requests. This notice identifies information collection requests that PHMSA will be submitting to OMB for renewal and extension. These information collections are contained in the pipeline safety regulations, 49 CFR parts 190–199. PHMSA has revised burden estimates, where appropriate, to reflect current PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 reporting levels or adjustments based on changes in proposed or final rules published since the information collections were last approved. The following information is provided for each information collection: (1) Title of the information collection; (2) OMB control number; (3) abstract of the information collection activity; (4) description of affected public; (5) estimate of total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden; and (6) frequency of collection. PHMSA will request a three-year term of approval for each information collection activity. PHMSA requests comments on the following information collections: 1. Title: Pipeline Safety: Excess Flow Valves—Customer Notification. OMB Control Number: 2137–0593. Type of Request: Renewal of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Pipeline operators are required to provide notifications about excess flow valves to service line customers as described in 49 CFR 192.383. Upon request, an operator must make documentation of compliance available to PHMSA or the appropriate State regulatory agency. Estimated number of respondents: 900,000. Estimated annual burden hours: 18,000 hours. Frequency of collection: On occasion. 2. Title: Pipeline Safety: CustomerOwned Service Lines. OMB Control Number: 2137–0594. Type of Request: Renewal of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Operators of gas service lines who do not maintain certain buried piping of their customers must provide notification about maintenance to those customers (49 CFR 192.16). Upon request, an operator must make documentation of compliance available to PHMSA or the appropriate State regulatory agency. Estimated number of respondents: 550,000. Estimated annual burden hours: 9,167 hours. Frequency of collection: On occasion. 3. Title: Pipeline Safety: Qualification of Pipeline Safety, Training. OMB Control Number: 2137–0600. Type of Request: Renewal of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Pipeline operators are required to have continuing programs for qualifying and training personnel performing safety-sensitive functions on pipelines. (49 CFR part 192, subpart N and 49 CFR part 195, subpart G. Operators must maintain records, make E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM 22MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 100 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29843-29846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11224]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


 Availability of Fiscal Year 2008 Clean Fuels Grant Program 
Funds: Solicitation of Project Proposals

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit 
Administration (FTA) announces the availability of funds in Fiscal Year 
(FY) 2008 for the Discretionary Clean Fuels Grant Program, authorized 
by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU). The Clean Fuels Grant Program 
makes funds available to assist non-attainment or maintenance areas in 
achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 
ozone or carbon monoxide (CO). Additionally, the program supports 
emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit 
buses and markets for those technologies. The authorizing legislation 
allows for the Secretary of Transportation to make awards under this 
program at her discretion in non-attainment or maintenance areas for 
ozone or CO.
    In FY 2008, $49,000,000 was available for the discretionary Clean 
Fuels Grant program; $20,247,000 of the available funding was earmarked 
to specific projects authorized in SAFETEA-LU. The $28,753,000 of Clean 
Fuels Grant program funding that was unallocated in FY 2008 remains 
available for discretionary award.
    This announcement is available on the Internet on the FTA Web site 
at: https://www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will announce final selections on the 
Web site and in the Federal Register. A synopsis of this announcement 
will be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic 
grants Web site at https://www.grants.gov. Proposals may be submitted to 
FTA electronically at cfnofa@dot.gov or through the GRANTS.GOV 
``APPLY'' function. Those who apply via e-mail at cfnofa@dot.gov should 
receive a confirmation e-mail within 2 business days.

DATES: Complete proposals for the Clean Fuels Grant Program must be 
submitted by July 21, 2008. The proposals must be submitted 
electronically through the GRANTS.GOV Web site or via e-mail at 
cfnofa@dot.gov. Anyone intending to apply electronically through 
GRANTS.GOV should initiate the process of registering on the GRANTS.GOV 
site immediately to ensure completion of registration before the 
deadline for submission. FTA will announce grant selections in the 
Federal Register when the selection process is complete.

ADDRESSES: Supplemental information that cannot be submitted 
electronically may be submitted to the appropriate Regional Office (See 
Appendix A).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the appropriate FTA Regional 
Office for general program information (Appendix A). For application-
specific information and issues, contact Kimberly Sledge, Office of 
Transit Programs, (202) 366-2053, E-mail: kimberly.sledge@dot.gov or 
Henrika Buchanan-Smith, (202) 366-4020, E-mail: henrika.buchanan-
smith@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1-800-877-8339 (TDD/FIRS).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Table of Contents

I. Funding Opportunity Description
II. Award Information
III. Eligibility Information
IV. Application and Submission Information
V. Application Review, Selection, and Notification
VI. Award Administration
Appendix A FTA Regional Offices

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Authority

    The program is authorized under Section 5308(b) of SAFETEA-LU, Pub. 
L 109-59, August 10, 2005.
    ``The Secretary shall make grants in accordance with this section 
to recipients to finance eligible projects.''

B. Background

    The program was first established as the Clean Fuels Formula Grant 
Program in Section 3008 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st 
Century, Pub. L. 105-178, June 9, 1998. The program was developed to 
assist non-attainment or maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining 
the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and CO. 
Additionally, the program supported emerging clean fuel and advanced 
propulsion technologies for transit buses and markets for those 
technologies. Although the program was authorized as a formula grant 
program, Congress did not allocate funds to the program. SAFETEA-LU 
changed the Clean Fuels Program from a formula based grant program to a 
discretionary grant program. However, the program retained its initial 
purpose.

[[Page 29844]]

II. Award Information

    In FY 2008, $28,753,000 in Clean Fuels Program funds are available 
to fund capital projects in areas that are maintenance or non-
attainment for ozone or CO. These funds are available at up to 90 
percent of the net incremental of the clean fuels component.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants under this program are designated recipients, 
which are entities designated to receive Federal urbanized formula 
funds under 49 U.S.C. 5307. Areas with multiple transit operators but 
one designated recipient should submit a consolidated proposal.

B. Eligible Expenses

    SAFETEA-LU grants authority to the Secretary to make grants under 
this section to assist recipients to finance eligible projects such as 
the following;
    (1) Purchasing or leasing clean fuel buses, including buses that 
employ a lightweight composite primary structure and vans for use in 
revenue service. The purchase or lease of non-revenue vehicles is not 
an eligible project. A definition of ``clean fuel'' vehicles can be 
found in the Clean Fuel Grant Program Regulation at 49 CFR 624.3.
    (2) Constructing or leasing clean fuel bus facilities or electrical 
recharging facilities and related equipment. Facilities and related 
equipment for clean diesel buses are not eligible.
    (3) Projects relating to clean fuel, biodiesel, hybrid electric, or 
zero emissions technology buses that exhibit equivalent or superior 
emissions reductions to existing clean fuel or hybrid electric 
technologies.
    Funds made available under this program cannot be used to fund 
operating expenses or preventive maintenance. Funds made available 
under this program cannot be used to reimburse projects that have 
incurred prior eligible expenses without a Letter of No Prejudice 
(LONP) issued by FTA for the project before the costs are incurred.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Costs will be shared at the following ratio: 90 percent FTA/10 
percent local contribution for net incremental cost of the clean fuels 
component or 83 percent FTA/17 percent local contribution for the total 
project cost when purchasing vehicles. The Federal share for biodiesel 
buses is 90 percent/10 percent local share of the total project cost. 
FTA will not approve deferred local share under this program.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Proposal Submission Process

    Project proposals may be submitted electronically through https://
www.grants.gov or by e-mail electronically at cfnofa@dot.gov. Mail and 
fax submissions will not be accepted except for supplemental 
information that cannot be sent electronically.
    Applicants can only apply for funds appropriated for the 2008 
fiscal year. However, an applicant may propose a project that would 
expend money over multiple years. The project, however, should be ready 
to implement and should be completed in a reasonable period of time. In 
sum, the period of performance of the award is separate from the year 
of funds of the award.

B. Application Content

(1) Applicant Information
    This addresses basic identifying information, including:
    i. Applicant name,
    ii. Contact information (including contact name, address, fax and 
phone number,
    iii. Description of services provided by the agency, including 
areas served, and
    iv. Existing fleet, facility and employee information, and
    v. A description of your technical, legal, and financial capacity 
to implement the proposed project.
(2) Project Information
    Every proposal must:
    i. Describe the project to be funded and include with the proposal 
any necessary supporting documentation. Example: Information on the age 
of the current fleet, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 
concurrence letters, population forecasts, ridership information.
    ii. Address each of the evaluation criteria separately.
    iii. Describe why the project is important to the area and how the 
project addresses local priorities.
    iv. Provide a line item budget for the project.
    v. Provide the Federal amount requested for each purpose for which 
funds are sought.
    vi. Document matching funds, including amount and source of the 
match.
    vii. Provide project time-line, including significant milestones 
such as date or contract for purchase of vehicle(s), actual or expected 
delivery date of vehicles and contract award and completion of facility 
improvements.

C. Funding Restrictions

    Only proposals from eligible recipients for eligible activities 
will be considered for funding (see Section III). Due to funding 
limitations, applicants that are selected for funding may receive less 
than the amount requested.

D. Other Submission Requirements

    Applicants should submit 3 copies of any supplemental information 
that cannot be submitted electronically to the appropriate regional 
office. Supplemental information submitted in hardcopy must be 
postmarked by July 21, 2008.

V. Application Review Information

A. Project Evaluation Criteria

    Projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
(1) Demonstrated Need
    i. Project represents a one-time or periodic need that cannot 
reasonably be funded from formula allocations or State and/or local 
revenues.
    ii. Project or applicant did not receive funding in a SAFETEA-LU 
earmark.
    iii. The project will have a positive impact on air quality.
    iv. The project is consistent with the applicant's bus fleet 
management plan.
    v. The project is a transportation control measure in an approved 
State Implementation Plan.
(2) Planning and Prioritization at Local/Regional Level
    i. Project is consistent with the transit priorities identified in 
the long range plan and/or contingency/illustrative projects. The 
project could not be included in the financially constrained 
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)/Statewide Transportation Program 
(STIP) due to lack of funding (if selected, project must be on TIP 
before grant award).
    ii. Local support is demonstrated by availability of local match 
for this and/or related projects and letters of support.
    iii. In an area with more than one transit operator, the 
application demonstrates coordination with and support of other transit 
operators, or other related projects within the applicant's MPO or the 
geographic region within which the proposed project will operate.
(3) The Project Is Ready To Implement
    i. Any required environmental work has been initiated for 
construction projects requiring an Environmental Assessment (EA).
    ii. Implementation plans are ready, including initial design of 
facilities projects.

[[Page 29845]]

    iii. TIP/STIP can be amended (evidenced by MPO/State endorsement).
    vi. Project can be obligated and implemented quickly, if selected.
    (4) The applicant demonstrates the benefits of the proposed project 
in reducing transportation related pollutants.
    (5) The proposed project supports emerging clean fuels technologies 
or advanced technologies for transit buses.
    (6) The applicant demonstrates the technical, legal, and financial 
capacity to carry out the project. This criterion refers to 
implementation of the particular project proposed.
    i. The applicant has the technical capacity to administer the 
project.
    ii. The acquisition is consistent with the bus fleet management 
plan.
    iii. There are no outstanding legal, technical, or financial issues 
with the grantee that would make this a high risk project.
    iv. Source of local match is identified and is available for prompt 
project implementation if selected (no deferred local share will be 
allowed).

B. Review and Selection Process

    Proposals will first be screened and ranked by the appropriate FTA 
regional office (see Appendix A). After evaluating the projects based 
on the established criteria, the headquarters review team will provide 
a recommendation to the FTA Administrator. The Administrator will 
determine the final selection and amount of funding for each project.
    FTA will publish the list of all selected projects and funding 
levels in the Federal Register. Regional offices will also notify 
successful applicants of their success and the amount of funding 
awarded to the project.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    FTA will screen all proposals to determine whether all required 
eligibility elements, as described in III ``Eligibility Information'' 
are present. Once proposals have been reviewed and projects have been 
selected, FTA will award funds to the lead project sponsor to implement 
the project. These grants will be administered and managed by the FTA 
regional offices in accordance with the federal requirements of the 
Section 5308 program. FTA will award funding to successful applicants 
through a grant in FTA's TEAM grant management system.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Grant Requirements
    If selected, applicants will apply for a grant through TEAM and 
adhere to the customary FTA grant requirements of the Section 5308 
Clean Fuels Grant program, including those of the current version of 
FTA C 9300 and the Master Agreement. Discretionary grants greater than 
$500,000 will go through Congressional Notification and release 
process. Technical assistance regarding these requirements is available 
from each FTA regional office.
    The Applicant must submit the Certifications and Assurances prior 
to receiving a grant. The Applicant assures that it will comply with 
all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, FTA 
circulars, and other Federal administrative requirements in carrying 
out any project supported by the FTA grant. The Applicant acknowledges 
that it is under a continuing obligation to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the grant agreement issued for its project with FTA. The 
Applicant understands that Federal laws, regulations, policies, and 
administrative practices might be modified from time to time and affect 
the implementation of the project. The Applicant agrees that the most 
recent Federal requirements will apply to the project, unless FTA 
issues a written determination otherwise.
2. Planning
    Applicants are encouraged to notify the appropriate State DOT and 
MPO in areas likely to be served by the project funds made available 
under this program. Incorporation of funded projects in the long range 
plans and transportation improvement programs of States and 
metropolitan areas is required of all funded projects.
3. Reporting
    Post-award reporting requirements for grantees who purchase or 
lease hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles include 
semiannual submission of the following for the first three years of the 
useful life of the vehicle (this report should be attached in TEAM):
    i. Vehicle miles traveled;
    ii. Fuel/energy costs;
    iii. Vehicle fuel/energy consumption and oil consumption;
    iv. Number of road calls or breakdowns resulting from clean fuel 
and advanced propulsion technology systems; and
    v. Maintenance costs associated with the clean fuels or advanced 
propulsion system.

    Note: Recipients of financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5308 
that purchase or lease compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied 
natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles may 
report the information described above, but this reporting is 
voluntary. Recipients of financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5308 
that purchase or lease clean diesel vehicles are not required to 
report information beyond FTA grant reporting requirements for 
capital projects.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Contact the appropriate FTA Regional Office (see Appendix A) for 
application-specific information and issues. For general program 
information, contact Kimberly Sledge, Office of Transit Programs, (202) 
366-2053, e-mail: kimberly.sledge@dot.gov. A TDD is available at 1-800-
877-8339 (TDD/FIRS).

    Issued in Washington, DC, this 14th day of May, 2008.
James S. Simpson,
Administrator.

Appendix A

Richard H. Doyle, Regional Administrator, Region 1-Boston, Kendall 
Square, 55 Broadway, Suite 920, Cambridge, MA 02142-1093, Tel. 617-494-
2055, States served: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 
Rhode Island, and Vermont
Brigid Hynes-Cherin, Regional Administrator, Region 2-New York, One 
Bowling Green, Room 429, New York, NY 10004-1415, Tel. 212-668-2170, 
States served: New Jersey, New York
Letitia Thompson, Regional Administrator, Region 3-Philadelphia, 1760 
Market Street, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4124, Tel. 215-656-
7100, States served: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West 
Virginia, and District of Columbia
Yvette Taylor, Regional Administrator, Region 4-Atlanta, 230 Peachtree 
Street, NW., Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30303, Tel. 404-865-5600, States 
served: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi Islands
Marisol Simon, Regional Administrator, Region 5-Chicago, 200 West Adams 
Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60606, Tel. 312-353-2789, States served: 
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin
Robert C. Patrick, Regional Administrator, Region 6-Ft. Worth, 819 
Taylor Street, Room 8A36, Ft. Worth, TX 76102, Tel. 817-978-0550, 
States served: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas

[[Page 29846]]

Mokhtee Ahmad, Regional Administrator, Region 7-Kansas City, MO, 901 
Locust Street, Room 404, Kansas City, MO 64106, Tel. 816-329-3920, 
States served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska
Terry Rosapep, Regional Administrator, Region 8-Denver, 12300 West 
Dakota Ave., Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228-2583, Tel. 720-963-3300, 
States served: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and 
Wyoming
Leslie T. Rogers, Regional Administrator, Region 9-San Francisco, 201 
Mission Street, Room 1650, San Francisco, CA 94105-1926, Tel. 415-744-
3133, States served: American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, 
Nevada, and the Northern Mariana Islands
Rick Krochalis, Regional Administrator, Region 10-Seattle, Jackson 
Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3142, Seattle, WA 98174-
1002, Tel. 206-220-7954. States served: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and 
Washington

[FR Doc. E8-11224 Filed 5-21-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P
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