Notice of Fiscal Year 2009 Safety Grants and Solicitation for Applications, 61919-61922 [E8-24697]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 202 / Friday, October 17, 2008 / Notices
personally identifiable information.
Annual refresher training is mandatory.
Before being granted access to INLPR, a
user must first be granted access to
Department of State computer systems.
Remote access to Department of State
network from non-Department owned
systems is only authorized through
Department approved access program.
Remote access to the network is
configured with the Office of
Management and Budget Memorandum
M–07–16 security requirements of two
factor authentication and time out
function.
All Department of State employees
and contractors with authorized access
have undergone a thorough background
security investigation. Access to the
Department of State and its facilities is
controlled by security guards, and
admission is limited to those
individuals possessing a valid
identification card or under proper
escort. All paper records containing
personal information are maintained in
secured filing cabinets or in restricted
areas, access to which is limited to
authorized personnel. Access to
electronic files is password-protected
and under the direct supervision of the
information owner. The INLPR
structures access privileges to reflect the
separation of key duties that end-users
perform within the functions the
application supports. Access privileges
are consistent with the need-to-know,
separation of duties, and supervisory
requirements established for manual
processes.
When it is determined that a user no
longer needs access, the user account is
disabled.
RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:
These records are maintained until
they become inactive, at which time
they are destroyed or retired in
accordance with published record
disposition schedules of the Department
of State and as approved by the National
Archives and Records Administration.
More specific information may be
obtained by writing to the Director,
Office of Information Programs and
Services, A/ISS/IPS, SA–2, Department
of State, 515 22nd Street, NW.,
Washington DC 20522–8001.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
SYSTEM MANAGER AND ADDRESS:
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Bureau of International Narcotics and
Law Enforcement Affairs, 2201 C Street,
NW., Washington, DC 20520.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES:
Individuals who have reason to
believe that the INLPR system might
have records pertaining to them should
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:18 Oct 16, 2008
Jkt 217001
write to the Director, Office of
Information Programs and Services,
A/ISS/IPS, SA–2, Department of State,
515 22nd Street, NW., Washington, DC
20522–8001. The individual must
specify that he or she wishes the records
of the INLPR system to be checked. At
a minimum, the individual must
include: Name, date and place of birth,
current mailing address and zip code,
and signature.
RECORD ACCESS AND AMENDMENT PROCEDURES:
Individuals who wish to gain access
to or amend records pertaining to
themselves should write to the Director,
Office of Information Programs and
Services, A/ISS/IPS, SA–2, Department
of State, 515 22nd Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20522–8001.
61919
Pursuant
to section 10(a) (2) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
463, 5 U.S.C., Appendix 2), notice is
hereby given for a Special Committee
213 meeting. The agenda will include:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
November 6
• Opening Plenary Session (Welcome,
Introductions, and Agenda Review)
• Approval 1st Common Meeting SC–
213/WG–79 Summary
• Resolve final review and comment
(FRAC) comments and approve SC–213/
WG–79 draft MASPS for EVS, SVS, CVS
and EFVS
November 7
Federal Aviation Administration
• Continue resolution of FRAC
comments on the draft MASPS, as
required
• Approve document for
consideration by the PMC on December
16, 2008
• Closing Plenary Session (Other
Business, Date and Place of Next
Meeting, Meeting Evaluation, Adjourn)
Attendance is open to the interested
public but limited to space availability.
With the approval of the chairmen,
members of the public may present oral
statements at the meeting. Persons
wishing to present statements or obtain
information should contact the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section. Members of the public
may present a written statement to the
committee at any time.
Second Meeting, Special Committee
213/EUROCAE: Enhanced Flight Vision
Systems/Synthetic Vision Systems
(EFVS/SVS), EUROCAE Working Group
79 (WG–79).
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 10,
2008.
James H. Williams,
Director, Systems in Engineering and Safety,
RTCA Advisory Committee (Acting).
[FR Doc. E8–24764 Filed 10–16–08; 8:45 am]
RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
These records contain information
that is obtained directly from the
individual, international organizations,
prior employers, current employers,
and/or law enforcement agencies.
SYSTEM EXEMPTED FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS
OF THE PRIVACY ACT:
None.
[FR Doc. E8–24723 Filed 10–16–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710–24–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of RTCA Special
Committee 213/EUROCAE, Enhanced
Flight Vision Systems/Synthetic Vision
Systems (EFVS/SVS), EUROCAE
Working Group 79 (WG–79).
AGENCY:
The FAA is issuing this notice
to advise the public of a first meeting of
RTCA Special Committee 213,
Standards for Air Traffic Data
Communication Services.
DATES: The meeting will be held
November 6–7, 2008 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
SUMMARY:
The meeting will be held at
RTCA, Inc., 1828 L Street NW., Suite
805, Washington, DC 20036.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (1)
RTCA Secretariat, 1828 L Street, NW.,
Suite 805, Washington, DC, 20036;
telephone (202) 833–9339; fax (202)
833–9434; Web site https://www.rtca.org.
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00143
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
Notice of Fiscal Year 2009 Safety
Grants and Solicitation for
Applications
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice is intended to
announce the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009
FMCSA safety grant opportunities and
to provide schedules and directions for
those grant programs posted on
grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).
FMCSA disseminates funds and
oversees grants awarded in support of
11 safety programs. These programs
E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM
17OCN1
61920
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 202 / Friday, October 17, 2008 / Notices
consist of the Motor Carrier Safety
Assistance Program (MCSAP) Basic and
Incentive grants, MCSAP New Entrant
Safety Audit grants, MCSAP High
Priority grants, Commercial Motor
Vehicle (CMV) Operator Safety Training
grants, Border Enforcement grants
(BEG), Commercial Driver’s License
Program Improvement (CDLPI) grants,
Commercial Driver’s License
Information System (CDLIS)
Modernization grants, Performance and
Registration Information Systems
Management (PRISM) grants, Safety
Data Improvement Program grants
(SaDIP), and Commercial Vehicle
Information Systems and Networks
(CVISN) grants. Each of these grant
programs was provided for in the
Agency’s most recent authorization, the
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA–LU). The purpose of
this Notice is to provide a
comprehensive source of information
regarding the opportunities for funding
under the FMCSA’s grant programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Additional information is provided
below for each individual grant
program.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
MCSAP Basic and Incentive Grants
Sections 4101 and 4107 of SAFETEA–
LU authorize the Motor Carrier Safety
Grants funding for FY 2006 through FY
2009. MCSAP Basic and Incentive
grants are governed by 49 U.S.C. 31102–
31104 and 49 CFR Part 350. Under the
Basic and Incentive grant programs, a
State lead MCSAP agency, as designated
by its Governor, is eligible to apply for
Basic and Incentive grant funding by
submitting a commercial vehicle safety
plan (CVSP). See 49 CFR 350.201 and
205. Pursuant to 49 CFR 350.303,
FMCSA will reimburse each lead State
MCSAP agency 80 percent of eligible
costs incurred in a fiscal year. Each lead
agency will provide a 20 percent match
to qualify for the program. In
accordance with 49 CFR 350.323, the
Basic grant funds will be distributed
proportionally to each State’s lead
MCSAP agency using the following four
equally weighted (25 percent) factors:
(1) 1997 road miles (all highways) as
defined by the FMCSA;
(2) All vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
as defined by the FMCSA;
(3) Population—annual census
estimates as issued by the U.S. Census
Bureau; and
(4) Special fuel consumption (net after
reciprocity adjustment) as defined by
the FMCSA.
A State lead MCSAP agency may qualify
for Incentive Funds if it can
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:18 Oct 16, 2008
Jkt 217001
demonstrate that its CMV safety
program has shown improvement in any
or all of the following five categories:
(1) Reduction in the number of large
truck-involved fatal accidents;
(2) Reduction in the rate of largetruck-involved fatal accidents or
maintenance of a large-truck-involved
fatal accident rate that is among the
lowest 10 percent of such rates for
MCSAP recipients and is not higher
than the rate most recently achieved;
(3) Upload of CMV accident reports in
accordance with current FMCSA policy
guidelines;
(4) Verification of Commercial
Driver’s Licenses during all roadside
inspections; and
(5) Upload of CMV inspection data in
accordance with current FMCSA policy
guidelines. Incentive funds will be
distributed in accordance with 49 CFR
350.327(b).
Prior to the start of each fiscal year,
FMCSA calculates the amount of Basic
and Incentive Funding each State is
expected to receive. This information is
provided to the States and is made
available on the Agency’s Web site at
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetysecurity/ATTCHMNT3-Est-09-FundingPlanning-Dist.pdf.
For FY 2009, $152,387,000 for Basic
grant funding and $10,000,000 for
Incentive grant funding is expected to
be available. It should be noted that
Basic and Incentive grants are awarded
based on the State’s submission of the
CVSP. The evaluation factors described
in the section below titled ‘‘Application
Information for FY 2009 Grants’’ will
not be considered and submission of
applications to grants.gov is not
necessary.
New Entrant Safety Audit Grants
Sections 4101 and 4107 of SAFETEA–
LU also authorize the Motor Carrier
Safety Grants funding for FY 2006
through FY 2009 to enable grant
recipients to conduct interstate New
Entrant safety audits consistent with 49
CFR Parts 350.321 and 385.301. State
and local governments are eligible to
apply. The FMCSA’s share of these
grant funds will be 100 percent for State
agencies. New Entrant grant
applications must be submitted
electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, the level of funding is
expected to be up to $29,000,000 for
New Entrant Safety Audits.
MCSAP High Priority Grants
Section 4101 of SAFETEA–LU also
authorizes the Motor Carrier Safety
Grants funding for FY 2006 through FY
2009 to enable recipients to carry out
activities and projects that improve
PO 00000
Frm 00144
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
CMV safety and compliance with CMV
regulations. Funding is available for
projects that are national in scope,
increase public awareness and
education, demonstrate new
technologies and reduce the number
and rate of CMV accidents. Eligible
recipients are State agencies, local
governments, and organizations
representing government agencies that
use and train qualified officers and
employees in coordination with State
motor vehicle safety agencies.
For grants awarded for public
education activities, the Federal share
will be 100 percent. For all High Priority
grants other than those awarded in
support of public education activities,
the FMCSA will provide
reimbursements for no more than 80
percent of all eligible costs, and
recipients will be required to provide a
20 percent match. FMCSA may reserve
up to $5 million in FY 2009 High
Priority funding exclusively for
innovative traffic enforcement projects,
with particular emphasis on work zone
enforcement and rural road safety. Also,
FMCSA may reserve up to $10 million
for an innovative traffic enforcement
initiative known as ‘‘Ticketing
Aggressive Cars and Trucks’’ or TACT.
TACT provides a research-based safety
model that can be replicated by States
when conducting a high-visibility traffic
enforcement program to promote safe
driving behaviors among car and truck
drivers. The objective of this program is
to reduce the number of commercial
truck and bus related crashes, fatalities
and injuries resulting from improper
operation of motor vehicles and
aggressive driving behavior. More
information regarding TACT can be
found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
safety-security/tact/abouttact.htm.
Consistent with Section 4107 of
SAFETEA–LU, for FY 2009, up to
$15,000,000 of High Priority grant funds
are expected to be available. High
Priority grant applications must be
submitted electronically through
grants.gov.
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants
Section 4134 of SAFETEA–LU
establishes a grant program which
enables recipients to train current and
future drivers in the safe operation of
CMVs, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 31301(4).
Eligible awardees include State
governments, local governments, and
accredited post-secondary educational
institutions (public or private) such as
colleges, universities, vocationaltechnical schools and truck driver
training schools. Funding priority for
this discretionary grant funding will be
given to regional or multi-state
E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM
17OCN1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 202 / Friday, October 17, 2008 / Notices
educational or nonprofit associations
serving economically distressed regions
of the United States. The Federal share
of these funds will be 80 percent, and
the recipients will be required to
provide a 20 percent match. CMV
Operatory Safety Training grant
applications must be submitted
electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $1,000,000 of CMV
Operator Safety Training grant funds are
expected to be available.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Border Enforcement Grants (BEG)
Section 4110 of SAFETEA–LU
established the BEG program. The
purpose of this discretionary program is
to provide funding for border CMV
safety programs and related enforcement
activities and projects. An entity or a
State that shares a land border with
another country is eligible to receive
this grant funding. Eligible awardees
include State governments, local
governments, and entities (i.e.
accredited post-secondary educational
institutions (public or private) such as
universities). Requests from entities
must be coordinated with the State lead
CMV inspection agency. Applications
must include a Border Enforcement Plan
and meet the required maintenance of
expenditure requirement. BEG awards
will take into consideration the State or
entity’s performance on previous BEG
awards; its ability to expend the
awarded funds with the BEG
performance year; and activities meeting
the BEG national criteria established by
the FMCSA. As established by
SAFETEA–LU, the Federal share of
these funds will be 100 percent, and
there is no matching requirement. BEG
grant applications must be submitted
electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $32,000,000 of BEG
grant funds are expected to be available.
CDLPI Grant
Section 4124 of SAFETEA–LU
includes a discretionary grant program
that provides funding for improving
States’ implementation of the
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
program, including expenses for
computer hardware and software,
publications, testing, personnel, training
Funds may not be used to rent, lease, or
buy land or buildings. The agency
designated by each State as the primary
driver licensing agency responsible for
the development, implementation, and
maintenance of the CDL program is
eligible to apply for grant funding. State
grant proposals must include the State’s
assessment of its CDL and a detailed
budget explaining how the funds will be
used. The Federal share of funds for
projects awarded under this grant is
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:18 Oct 16, 2008
Jkt 217001
established by SAFETEA–LU as 100
percent. Therefore, there is no State
matching requirement. The funding
opportunity announcement on
grants.gov will provide more detailed
information on the application process;
national funding priorities for FY 2009;
evaluation criteria; required documents
and certifications; State maintenance of
expenditure requirements; and
additional information related to the
availability of funds. Additional
information is listed later in this
document. CLDPI grant applications
must be submitted electronically
through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $25,000,000 of grant
funds are expected to be available.
CDLIS Modernization Grants
Section 4123 of SAFETEA–LU
includes a discretionary grant program
that provides funding for modernization
of CDLIS. This section includes funds
for States to upgrade their driver
licensing information systems for the
specific purpose of making them
compatible with the new modernized
CDLIS specifications. The agency in
each State designated as the primary
driver licensing agency responsible for
the development, implementation, and
maintenance of the CDL program is
eligible to apply for grant funding. The
Federal share of the funds for projects
awarded under this grant is established
by SAFETEA–LU as 80 percent; there is
a 20 percent matching requirement.
States may use in-kind contributions to
meet this matching requirement
(including annual CDLIS pointer fees).
Funds are available to any State that is
in substantial compliance with the
requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31311 and
submits a grant proposal that qualifies
under the conditions in this notice,
including assuming the responsibility of
incorporating the new CDLIS
specifications and improving its
commercial driver licensing system.
State grant proposals must include a
detailed budget explaining how the
funds will be used and how the State
will meet the matching requirements.
The funding opportunity announcement
on grants.gov will provide more detailed
information on the application process;
eligible projects under the CDLIS
Modernization plan; evaluation criteria;
required documents and certifications;
and additional information related to
the availability of funds. Additional
information is listed later in this
document. CDLIS Modernization grant
applications must be submitted
electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $8,000,000 of grant
funds are expected to be available.
PO 00000
Frm 00145
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
61921
SaDIP Grants
Section 4128 of SAFETEA–LU
establishes the Safety Data Improvement
Program (SaDIP). The legislation
supports a discretionary grant program
that provides funding for States to
improve the quality of large truck and
bus crash and inspection data reported
by the States to FMCSA. Eligible
awardees include a State agency located
in one of the fifty States, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern
Mariana Islands, American Samoa,
Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SaDIP grant applications must be
submitted electronically through
grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $3,000,000 of grant
funds are expected to be available.
PRISM Grants
Section 4109 of SAFETEA–LU
provides funding for States to
implement the Performance and
Registration Information Systems
Management (PRISM) requirements that
link Federal motor carrier safety
information systems with State CMV
registration and licensing systems to
enable a State to determine the safety
fitness of a motor carrier or registrant
when licensing or registering or while
the license or registration is in effect.
PRISM grant applications must be
submitted electronically through
grants.gov.
In FY 2009, $5,000,000 of grant funds
are expected to be available.
CVISN Grants
Section 4126 of SAFETEA–LU
provides funding for States to deploy,
operate, and maintain elements of their
Commercial Vehicle Information
Systems and Networks (CVISN)
Program, including commercial vehicle,
commercial driver, and carrier-specific
information systems and networks. The
agency in each State designated as the
primary agency responsible for the
development, implementation, and
maintenance of a CVISN-related system
is eligible to apply for grant funding.
Section 4126 of SAFETEA–LU
distinguishes between two types of
CVISN projects: Core and Expanded. To
be eligible for funding of Core CVISN
deployment project(s), a State must have
its most current Core CVISN Program
Plan and Top-Level Design approved by
FMCSA and the proposed project(s)
should be consistent with its approved
Core CVISN Program Plan and TopLevel Design. If a State does not have a
Core CVISN Program Plan and TopLevel Design, it may apply for up to
$100,000 in funds to either compile or
update a Core CVISN Program Plan and
Top-Level Design.
E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM
17OCN1
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
61922
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 202 / Friday, October 17, 2008 / Notices
A State may also apply for funds to
prepare an Expanded CVISN Program
Plan and Top-Level Design if FMCSA
acknowledged the State as having
completed Core CVISN deployment. In
order to be eligible for funding of any
Expanded CVISN deployment project(s),
a State must have its most current
Expanded CVISN Program Plan and
Top-Level Design approved by FMCSA
and any proposed Expanded CVISN
project(s) should be consistent with its
Expanded CVISN Program Plan and
Top-Level Design. If a State does not
have an Expanded CVISN Program Plan
and Top-Level Design, it may apply for
up to $100,000 in funds to either
compile or update an Expanded CVISN
Program Plan and Top-Level Design.
In FY 2009, $25,000,000 of CVISN
grant funds are expected to be available.
CVISN grant applications must be
submitted electronically through
grants.gov. Awards for approved CVISN
grant applications are made on a firstcome, first-served basis.
Application Information for FY 2009
Grants: (Note: This section is not
applicable to MCSAP Basic and
Incentive grant application processes.)
Visit www.grants.gov. Information on
the grant, application process, and
additional contact information is
available at that Web site. General
information about the FMCSA grant
programs is available in the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
which can be found on the Internet at
https://www.cfda.gov. To apply for
funding, applicants must register with
grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/
applicants/get-registered.jsp and submit
an application in accordance with
instructions provided.
Evaluation Factors: The following
evaluation factors will be used in
reviewing the applications for all
FMCSA discretionary grants.
(1) Prior performance—Completion of
identified programs and goals per the
project plan.
(2) Effective Use of Prior Grants—
Demonstrated timely use of available
funds.
(3) Cost Effectiveness—Applications
will be evaluated and prioritized on the
expected impact on safety relative to the
investment of grant funds. Where
appropriate, costs per unit will be
calculated and compared with national
averages to determine effectiveness. In
other areas, proposed costs will be
compared with historical information to
confirm reasonableness.
(4) Applicability to announced
priorities—If national priorities are
included in the grants.gov notice, those
grants that specifically address these
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:18 Oct 16, 2008
Jkt 217001
issues will be given priority
consideration.
(5) Ability of the applicant to support
the strategies and activities in the
proposal for the entire project period of
performance.
(6) Use of innovative approaches in
executing a project plan to address
identified safety issues.
(7) Feasibility of overall program
coordination and implementation based
upon the project plan.
(8) Grant specific evaluation factors as
described in the grants.gov application
information. The FMCSA provides
information on its Web site outlining
past fiscal year (FY) MCSAP Basic,
Incentive, and discretionary grants
funding by State (https://
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/
safety-initiatives/mcsap/funding.htm).
DATES: For the following discretionary
grant programs, FMCSA will consider
funding completed applications
between the following dates:
New Entrant Safety Audits Grants—
October 1, 2008–December 1, 2008
Border Enforcement Grants—October 1,
2008–November 15, 2008
MCSAP High Priority Grants—October
1, 2008
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants—
October 1, 2008–December 1, 2008
CDLPI Grants—November 1, 2008–
January 30, 2009
CDLIS Modernization Grants—
November 15, 2008–February 15,
2009
SaDIP Grants—November 1, 2008–
February 1, 2009
PRISM Grants—January 1, 2009–March
1, 2009
CVISN Grants—January 1, 2009–July 15,
2009
When each of those applications has
been reviewed, and funding has been
awarded as appropriate, applications
submitted after these due dates may be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Please contact the following FMCSA
staff with questions or needed
information on the Agency’s grant
programs:
New Entrant Safety Audits Grants—
Arthur Williams,
arthur.williams@dot.gov, 202–366–
3695
Border Enforcement Grants—Carla
Vagnini, carla.vagnini@dot.gov, 202–
366–3771
MCSAP High Priority Grants—Cim
Weiss, cim.weiss@dot.gov, 202–366–
0275
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants—
Julie Otto, julie.otto@dot.gov, 202–
366–0710
PO 00000
Frm 00146
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
CDLPI Grants—Brandon Poarch,
brandon.poarch@dot.gov, 202–366–
3030
CDLIS Modernization Grants—Brandon
Poarch, brandon.poarch@dot.gov,
202–366–3030
SaDIP Grants—Suzanne Cotty,
suzanne.cotty@dot.gov, 202–493–
0304
PRISM Grants—Tom Lawler,
tom.lawler@dot.gov, 202–366–3866
CVISN Grants—Jeff Secrist,
jeff.secrist@dot.gov, 202–385–2367
All staff may be reached at FMCSA,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are
from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST, Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Issued on: October 7, 2008.
William A. Quade,
Associate Administrator for Enforcement and
Program Delivery.
Terry Shelton,
Associate Administrator for Research and
Information Technology.
[FR Doc. E8–24697 Filed 10–16–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket ID FMCSA–2008–0292]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Vision
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of applications for
exemptions; request for comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of
applications from 22 individuals for
exemptions from the vision requirement
in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations. If granted, the exemptions
would enable these individuals to
qualify as drivers of commercial motor
vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce
without meeting the Federal vision
standard.
Comments must be received on
or before November 17, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
bearing the Federal Docket Management
System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA–
2008–0292 using any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\17OCN1.SGM
17OCN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 202 (Friday, October 17, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61919-61922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-24697]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Notice of Fiscal Year 2009 Safety Grants and Solicitation for
Applications
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice is intended to announce the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009
FMCSA safety grant opportunities and to provide schedules and
directions for those grant programs posted on grants.gov (https://
www.grants.gov). FMCSA disseminates funds and oversees grants awarded
in support of 11 safety programs. These programs
[[Page 61920]]
consist of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) Basic
and Incentive grants, MCSAP New Entrant Safety Audit grants, MCSAP High
Priority grants, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Operator Safety
Training grants, Border Enforcement grants (BEG), Commercial Driver's
License Program Improvement (CDLPI) grants, Commercial Driver's License
Information System (CDLIS) Modernization grants, Performance and
Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) grants, Safety Data
Improvement Program grants (SaDIP), and Commercial Vehicle Information
Systems and Networks (CVISN) grants. Each of these grant programs was
provided for in the Agency's most recent authorization, the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The purpose of this Notice is to provide a
comprehensive source of information regarding the opportunities for
funding under the FMCSA's grant programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Additional information is provided below for
each individual grant program.
MCSAP Basic and Incentive Grants
Sections 4101 and 4107 of SAFETEA-LU authorize the Motor Carrier
Safety Grants funding for FY 2006 through FY 2009. MCSAP Basic and
Incentive grants are governed by 49 U.S.C. 31102-31104 and 49 CFR Part
350. Under the Basic and Incentive grant programs, a State lead MCSAP
agency, as designated by its Governor, is eligible to apply for Basic
and Incentive grant funding by submitting a commercial vehicle safety
plan (CVSP). See 49 CFR 350.201 and 205. Pursuant to 49 CFR 350.303,
FMCSA will reimburse each lead State MCSAP agency 80 percent of
eligible costs incurred in a fiscal year. Each lead agency will provide
a 20 percent match to qualify for the program. In accordance with 49
CFR 350.323, the Basic grant funds will be distributed proportionally
to each State's lead MCSAP agency using the following four equally
weighted (25 percent) factors:
(1) 1997 road miles (all highways) as defined by the FMCSA;
(2) All vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as defined by the FMCSA;
(3) Population--annual census estimates as issued by the U.S.
Census Bureau; and
(4) Special fuel consumption (net after reciprocity adjustment) as
defined by the FMCSA.
A State lead MCSAP agency may qualify for Incentive Funds if it can
demonstrate that its CMV safety program has shown improvement in any or
all of the following five categories:
(1) Reduction in the number of large truck-involved fatal
accidents;
(2) Reduction in the rate of large-truck-involved fatal accidents
or maintenance of a large-truck-involved fatal accident rate that is
among the lowest 10 percent of such rates for MCSAP recipients and is
not higher than the rate most recently achieved;
(3) Upload of CMV accident reports in accordance with current FMCSA
policy guidelines;
(4) Verification of Commercial Driver's Licenses during all
roadside inspections; and
(5) Upload of CMV inspection data in accordance with current FMCSA
policy guidelines. Incentive funds will be distributed in accordance
with 49 CFR 350.327(b).
Prior to the start of each fiscal year, FMCSA calculates the amount
of Basic and Incentive Funding each State is expected to receive. This
information is provided to the States and is made available on the
Agency's Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safety-security/
ATTCHMNT3-Est-09-Funding-Planning-Dist.pdf.
For FY 2009, $152,387,000 for Basic grant funding and $10,000,000
for Incentive grant funding is expected to be available. It should be
noted that Basic and Incentive grants are awarded based on the State's
submission of the CVSP. The evaluation factors described in the section
below titled ``Application Information for FY 2009 Grants'' will not be
considered and submission of applications to grants.gov is not
necessary.
New Entrant Safety Audit Grants
Sections 4101 and 4107 of SAFETEA-LU also authorize the Motor
Carrier Safety Grants funding for FY 2006 through FY 2009 to enable
grant recipients to conduct interstate New Entrant safety audits
consistent with 49 CFR Parts 350.321 and 385.301. State and local
governments are eligible to apply. The FMCSA's share of these grant
funds will be 100 percent for State agencies. New Entrant grant
applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, the level of funding is expected to be up to
$29,000,000 for New Entrant Safety Audits.
MCSAP High Priority Grants
Section 4101 of SAFETEA-LU also authorizes the Motor Carrier Safety
Grants funding for FY 2006 through FY 2009 to enable recipients to
carry out activities and projects that improve CMV safety and
compliance with CMV regulations. Funding is available for projects that
are national in scope, increase public awareness and education,
demonstrate new technologies and reduce the number and rate of CMV
accidents. Eligible recipients are State agencies, local governments,
and organizations representing government agencies that use and train
qualified officers and employees in coordination with State motor
vehicle safety agencies.
For grants awarded for public education activities, the Federal
share will be 100 percent. For all High Priority grants other than
those awarded in support of public education activities, the FMCSA will
provide reimbursements for no more than 80 percent of all eligible
costs, and recipients will be required to provide a 20 percent match.
FMCSA may reserve up to $5 million in FY 2009 High Priority funding
exclusively for innovative traffic enforcement projects, with
particular emphasis on work zone enforcement and rural road safety.
Also, FMCSA may reserve up to $10 million for an innovative traffic
enforcement initiative known as ``Ticketing Aggressive Cars and
Trucks'' or TACT. TACT provides a research-based safety model that can
be replicated by States when conducting a high-visibility traffic
enforcement program to promote safe driving behaviors among car and
truck drivers. The objective of this program is to reduce the number of
commercial truck and bus related crashes, fatalities and injuries
resulting from improper operation of motor vehicles and aggressive
driving behavior. More information regarding TACT can be found at
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/tact/abouttact.htm.
Consistent with Section 4107 of SAFETEA-LU, for FY 2009, up to
$15,000,000 of High Priority grant funds are expected to be available.
High Priority grant applications must be submitted electronically
through grants.gov.
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants
Section 4134 of SAFETEA-LU establishes a grant program which
enables recipients to train current and future drivers in the safe
operation of CMVs, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 31301(4). Eligible awardees
include State governments, local governments, and accredited post-
secondary educational institutions (public or private) such as
colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools and truck driver
training schools. Funding priority for this discretionary grant funding
will be given to regional or multi-state
[[Page 61921]]
educational or nonprofit associations serving economically distressed
regions of the United States. The Federal share of these funds will be
80 percent, and the recipients will be required to provide a 20 percent
match. CMV Operatory Safety Training grant applications must be
submitted electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $1,000,000 of CMV Operator Safety Training grant funds
are expected to be available.
Border Enforcement Grants (BEG)
Section 4110 of SAFETEA-LU established the BEG program. The purpose
of this discretionary program is to provide funding for border CMV
safety programs and related enforcement activities and projects. An
entity or a State that shares a land border with another country is
eligible to receive this grant funding. Eligible awardees include State
governments, local governments, and entities (i.e. accredited post-
secondary educational institutions (public or private) such as
universities). Requests from entities must be coordinated with the
State lead CMV inspection agency. Applications must include a Border
Enforcement Plan and meet the required maintenance of expenditure
requirement. BEG awards will take into consideration the State or
entity's performance on previous BEG awards; its ability to expend the
awarded funds with the BEG performance year; and activities meeting the
BEG national criteria established by the FMCSA. As established by
SAFETEA-LU, the Federal share of these funds will be 100 percent, and
there is no matching requirement. BEG grant applications must be
submitted electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $32,000,000 of BEG grant funds are expected to be
available.
CDLPI Grant
Section 4124 of SAFETEA-LU includes a discretionary grant program
that provides funding for improving States' implementation of the
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program, including expenses for
computer hardware and software, publications, testing, personnel,
training Funds may not be used to rent, lease, or buy land or
buildings. The agency designated by each State as the primary driver
licensing agency responsible for the development, implementation, and
maintenance of the CDL program is eligible to apply for grant funding.
State grant proposals must include the State's assessment of its CDL
and a detailed budget explaining how the funds will be used. The
Federal share of funds for projects awarded under this grant is
established by SAFETEA-LU as 100 percent. Therefore, there is no State
matching requirement. The funding opportunity announcement on
grants.gov will provide more detailed information on the application
process; national funding priorities for FY 2009; evaluation criteria;
required documents and certifications; State maintenance of expenditure
requirements; and additional information related to the availability of
funds. Additional information is listed later in this document. CLDPI
grant applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $25,000,000 of grant funds are expected to be
available.
CDLIS Modernization Grants
Section 4123 of SAFETEA-LU includes a discretionary grant program
that provides funding for modernization of CDLIS. This section includes
funds for States to upgrade their driver licensing information systems
for the specific purpose of making them compatible with the new
modernized CDLIS specifications. The agency in each State designated as
the primary driver licensing agency responsible for the development,
implementation, and maintenance of the CDL program is eligible to apply
for grant funding. The Federal share of the funds for projects awarded
under this grant is established by SAFETEA-LU as 80 percent; there is a
20 percent matching requirement. States may use in-kind contributions
to meet this matching requirement (including annual CDLIS pointer
fees). Funds are available to any State that is in substantial
compliance with the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31311 and submits a grant
proposal that qualifies under the conditions in this notice, including
assuming the responsibility of incorporating the new CDLIS
specifications and improving its commercial driver licensing system.
State grant proposals must include a detailed budget explaining how the
funds will be used and how the State will meet the matching
requirements. The funding opportunity announcement on grants.gov will
provide more detailed information on the application process; eligible
projects under the CDLIS Modernization plan; evaluation criteria;
required documents and certifications; and additional information
related to the availability of funds. Additional information is listed
later in this document. CDLIS Modernization grant applications must be
submitted electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $8,000,000 of grant funds are expected to be
available.
SaDIP Grants
Section 4128 of SAFETEA-LU establishes the Safety Data Improvement
Program (SaDIP). The legislation supports a discretionary grant program
that provides funding for States to improve the quality of large truck
and bus crash and inspection data reported by the States to FMCSA.
Eligible awardees include a State agency located in one of the fifty
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana
Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SaDIP grant
applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov.
For FY 2009, $3,000,000 of grant funds are expected to be
available.
PRISM Grants
Section 4109 of SAFETEA-LU provides funding for States to implement
the Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM)
requirements that link Federal motor carrier safety information systems
with State CMV registration and licensing systems to enable a State to
determine the safety fitness of a motor carrier or registrant when
licensing or registering or while the license or registration is in
effect. PRISM grant applications must be submitted electronically
through grants.gov.
In FY 2009, $5,000,000 of grant funds are expected to be available.
CVISN Grants
Section 4126 of SAFETEA-LU provides funding for States to deploy,
operate, and maintain elements of their Commercial Vehicle Information
Systems and Networks (CVISN) Program, including commercial vehicle,
commercial driver, and carrier-specific information systems and
networks. The agency in each State designated as the primary agency
responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of a
CVISN-related system is eligible to apply for grant funding.
Section 4126 of SAFETEA-LU distinguishes between two types of CVISN
projects: Core and Expanded. To be eligible for funding of Core CVISN
deployment project(s), a State must have its most current Core CVISN
Program Plan and Top-Level Design approved by FMCSA and the proposed
project(s) should be consistent with its approved Core CVISN Program
Plan and Top-Level Design. If a State does not have a Core CVISN
Program Plan and Top-Level Design, it may apply for up to $100,000 in
funds to either compile or update a Core CVISN Program Plan and Top-
Level Design.
[[Page 61922]]
A State may also apply for funds to prepare an Expanded CVISN
Program Plan and Top-Level Design if FMCSA acknowledged the State as
having completed Core CVISN deployment. In order to be eligible for
funding of any Expanded CVISN deployment project(s), a State must have
its most current Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design
approved by FMCSA and any proposed Expanded CVISN project(s) should be
consistent with its Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design.
If a State does not have an Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level
Design, it may apply for up to $100,000 in funds to either compile or
update an Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design.
In FY 2009, $25,000,000 of CVISN grant funds are expected to be
available. CVISN grant applications must be submitted electronically
through grants.gov. Awards for approved CVISN grant applications are
made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Information for FY 2009 Grants: (Note: This section is
not applicable to MCSAP Basic and Incentive grant application
processes.) Visit www.grants.gov. Information on the grant, application
process, and additional contact information is available at that Web
site. General information about the FMCSA grant programs is available
in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) which can be found
on the Internet at https://www.cfda.gov. To apply for funding,
applicants must register with grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/
applicants/get-registered.jsp and submit an application in accordance
with instructions provided.
Evaluation Factors: The following evaluation factors will be used
in reviewing the applications for all FMCSA discretionary grants.
(1) Prior performance--Completion of identified programs and goals
per the project plan.
(2) Effective Use of Prior Grants--Demonstrated timely use of
available funds.
(3) Cost Effectiveness--Applications will be evaluated and
prioritized on the expected impact on safety relative to the investment
of grant funds. Where appropriate, costs per unit will be calculated
and compared with national averages to determine effectiveness. In
other areas, proposed costs will be compared with historical
information to confirm reasonableness.
(4) Applicability to announced priorities--If national priorities
are included in the grants.gov notice, those grants that specifically
address these issues will be given priority consideration.
(5) Ability of the applicant to support the strategies and
activities in the proposal for the entire project period of
performance.
(6) Use of innovative approaches in executing a project plan to
address identified safety issues.
(7) Feasibility of overall program coordination and implementation
based upon the project plan.
(8) Grant specific evaluation factors as described in the
grants.gov application information. The FMCSA provides information on
its Web site outlining past fiscal year (FY) MCSAP Basic, Incentive,
and discretionary grants funding by State (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
safety-security/safety-initiatives/mcsap/funding.htm).
DATES: For the following discretionary grant programs, FMCSA will
consider funding completed applications between the following dates:
New Entrant Safety Audits Grants--October 1, 2008-December 1, 2008
Border Enforcement Grants--October 1, 2008-November 15, 2008
MCSAP High Priority Grants--October 1, 2008
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants--October 1, 2008-December 1, 2008
CDLPI Grants--November 1, 2008-January 30, 2009
CDLIS Modernization Grants--November 15, 2008-February 15, 2009
SaDIP Grants--November 1, 2008-February 1, 2009
PRISM Grants--January 1, 2009-March 1, 2009
CVISN Grants--January 1, 2009-July 15, 2009
When each of those applications has been reviewed, and funding has
been awarded as appropriate, applications submitted after these due
dates may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact the following FMCSA
staff with questions or needed information on the Agency's grant
programs:
New Entrant Safety Audits Grants--Arthur Williams,
arthur.williams@dot.gov, 202-366-3695
Border Enforcement Grants--Carla Vagnini, carla.vagnini@dot.gov, 202-
366-3771
MCSAP High Priority Grants--Cim Weiss, cim.weiss@dot.gov, 202-366-0275
CMV Operator Safety Training Grants--Julie Otto, julie.otto@dot.gov,
202-366-0710
CDLPI Grants--Brandon Poarch, brandon.poarch@dot.gov, 202-366-3030
CDLIS Modernization Grants--Brandon Poarch, brandon.poarch@dot.gov,
202-366-3030
SaDIP Grants--Suzanne Cotty, suzanne.cotty@dot.gov, 202-493-0304
PRISM Grants--Tom Lawler, tom.lawler@dot.gov, 202-366-3866
CVISN Grants--Jeff Secrist, jeff.secrist@dot.gov, 202-385-2367
All staff may be reached at FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Issued on: October 7, 2008.
William A. Quade,
Associate Administrator for Enforcement and Program Delivery.
Terry Shelton,
Associate Administrator for Research and Information Technology.
[FR Doc. E8-24697 Filed 10-16-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
