Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program, 23841-23843 [2010-10320]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
23841
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 4, 2010 / Notices
respondent is not required to respond
to, a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520.
Issued in Washington, DC on April 28,
2010.
Kimberly Coronel,
Director, Office of Financial Management,
Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010–10446 Filed 5–3–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of Intent To Rule on Request To
Release Airport Property at the
Reading Regional Airport, Reading, PA
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) DOT.
ACTION: Notice of request to release
airport property.
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to rule and
invite public comment on the release of
land at the Reading Regional Airport,
Reading, Pennsylvania under the
provisions of Section 47125(a) of Title
49 United States Code (U.S.C.).
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before June 3, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Comments on this
application may be mailed or delivered
to the following address:
Terry P. Sroka, Manager, Reading
Regional Airport Authority, 2501
Bernville Road, Reading, PA 19605,
and at the FAA Harrisburg Airports
District Office:
Lori K. Pagnanelli, Manager, Harrisburg
Airports District Office, 3905
Hartzdale Dr., Suite 508, Camp Hill,
PA 17011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick
Harner, Program Manager Harrisburg
Airports District Office location listed
above. The request to release property
may be reviewed in person at this same
location.
The FAA
invites public comment on the request
to release property at the Reading
Regional Airport under the provisions of
Section 47125(a) of Title 49 U.S.C. On
March 30, 2010, the FAA determined
that the request to release property at
the Reading Regional Airport submitted
by the Reading Regional Airport
Authority (Authority) met the
procedural requirements.
The following is a brief overview of
the request:
The Reading Regional Airport
Authority requests the release of real
property totaling 154.93 acres (Lot #1),
excluding 2.54 acres (Lot #5 Reading
Regional Airport Waste Water
Treatment Plant), of non-aeronautical
airport property to Berks County
Industrial Development Authority. The
property was transferred to the City of
Reading through the Surplus Property
Act of 1944 via the Quit Claim Deed. A
portion of the property is currently
leased to a private company, which will
be transferred to the buyer. The property
is located on the east side of the airport
and is bordered by Aviation Road
running east and turning north. The
purpose of this release is to allow the
Reading Regional Airport Authority to
sell the subject land that does not serve
any aeronautical purpose at the airport.
There are no impacts to the Airport and
the land is not needed for airport
development as shown on the Airport
Layout Plan. Any proceeds from the sale
of property are to be used for the capital
and operating costs of the airport.
Any person may inspect the request
by appointment at the FAA office
address listed above. Interested persons
are invited to comment on the proposed
release from obligations. All comments
will be considered by the FAA to the
extent practicable.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Phone
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES
Glenn Rizner ...............................
Michael McElligott .......................
Laura Montgomery .....................
Background
One of the main purposes of the
Commercial Space Transportation Grant
Program is to ensure the resiliency of
the space transportation infrastructure
in the United States. To help further the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:58 May 03, 2010
Jkt 220001
[FR Doc. 2010–10319 Filed 5–3–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Commercial Space Transportation
Grant Program
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of request for grant
proposals for the Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Program.
SUMMARY: The FAA’s Office of
Commercial Space Transportation (AST)
requests grant proposals pursuant to its
newly funded Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Program. This
program has an initial appropriation of
$500,000 to be used for space
transportation infrastructure projects.
The FAA desires to award the
appropriated funds before the end of
fiscal year 2010. The FAA will review
and evaluate all applications for a grant
under 49 U.S.C. chapter 703 (Chapter
703). The FAA may make one or more
grant awards based upon its evaluations
of the grant proposals. All grants
awarded under this program are
discretionary awards.
DATES: Commercial Space
Transportation Grant applications are
due on or before July 6, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You can get more
information about the Commercial
Space Transportation Grant Program by:
1. Accessing the Office of Commercial
Space Transportation Web site at
https://www.faa.gov/go/ast; and
2. Contacting Glenn Rizner or Michael
McElligott, AST–100, or, for legal
questions, Laura Montgomery, AGC–
200, 800 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591;
Email
202–267–3194
202–267–7859
202–267–3150
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Issued in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, April
26, 2010.
Lori K. Pagnanelli,
Manager, Harrisburg Airports District Office.
Glenn.H.Rizner@faa.gov ................................................................
Michael.McElligott@faa.gov ...........................................................
Laura.Montgomery@faa.gov ..........................................................
United States’ goals, Congress
established a Space Transportation
Infrastructure Grant program under 49
U.S.C. Subtitle IX—Commercial Space
Transportation—Chapter 703—Space
Transportation Infrastructure Matching
Grants, Section 70305, Authorization of
PO 00000
FAX
Frm 00178
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
202–267–5463
202–267–5463
202–267–7971
appropriations. Public Law (Pub. L.)
103–272, Sec. 1(e), 108 Stat. 1345 (July
5, 1994). This legislation authorizes the
use of Federal monies in conjunction
with matching state, local government,
and private funds.
Although the Congressional
authorization has been in effect for some
E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
04MYN1
23842
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 4, 2010 / Notices
time, FY 2010 is the first year Federal
funds have been appropriated. The
Consolidated Appropriations Act for
2010 (Pub. L. 111–117) appropriated
$500,000.00 for the FAA’s Commercial
Space Transportation Grant program.
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space
Transportation is responsible for
overseeing the program. Although the
FAA will be developing more detailed
guidance to administer this program, the
FAA intends to disburse these funds on
or before August 31, 2010. Accordingly,
applicants must submit their grant
proposals by July 6, 2010, which will
fall before more detailed guidance
becomes available.
The Commercial Space Transportation
Grant Program
The Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Program is
intended to ‘‘ensure the resiliency of the
space transportation infrastructure of
the United States * * * ’’ 49 U.S.C.
70302. Development projects eligible for
funding include technical and
environmental studies; construction,
improvement, and design and
engineering of space transportation
infrastructure, including facilities and
associated equipment; and real property
to meet the needs of the United States
commercial space transportation
industry.
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES
Who May Apply for a Commercial
Space Transportation Grant
The FAA may make project grants to
sponsors. 49 U.S.C. 70303(a). Chapter
703 defines a sponsor as a public agency
that submits an application for a project
grant. 49 U.S.C. 70301(6). A public
agency is a State or an agency of a State,
a political subdivision of a State, or a
tax-supported organization. 49 U.S.C.
70301(5).
How To Apply for a Commercial Space
Transportation Grant
Applicants for grants under the
Commercial Space Transportation Grant
Program must submit grant proposals to
the FAA AST. A complete SF–424,
Application for Federal Assistance
(OMB Number 4040–0004) is a
component of all grant proposals.
SF–424 forms are available on the
Grants.gov Web site: https://
www.grants.gov/agencies/
aforms_repository_ information.jsp. In
addition, a grant applicant should use
SF–424A for non-construction proposals
or SF–424C for construction proposals.
These forms request specific applicant
information, proposed project
information, and an estimate of project
funding and duration. The grant
proposal should detail how the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:58 May 03, 2010
Jkt 220001
proposed project meets the
requirements of Chapter 703. In
addition, the forms request detailed and
thorough project budget information.
The Commercial Space Transportation
Grant Program will not fund more than
50% of the total project cost, and project
financing must include a private
component of at least 10% of the total
project cost. 49 U.S.C. 70302.
Given that the FAA may award
multiple grants, the grant proposals may
include multiple or alternative funding
proposals for financing the proposed
project. Applicants may submit multiple
grant proposals.
The grant proposal should also
indicate how applicable environmental
requirements were or will be satisfied.
See Guidelines for Compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act and
Related Environmental Review Statutes
for the Licensing of Commercial
Launches and Launch Sites; https://
www.faa.gov/about/office_org/
headquarters_offices/ast/
environmental/review.
Applicants must submit an original
plus three copies of the completed grant
proposal to: Federal Aviation
Administration, Office of Commercial
Space Transportation, Space Systems
Development Division (AST–100), 800
Independence Avenue, SW., Suite 331,
Washington, DC 20591.
Grant proposals are due on or before
July 6, 2010. Given the time constraints
on the FAA to award its grants, there
will be no allowance for extensions of
time.
Grant Application Review
The FAA will review grant proposals
using the criteria of Chapter 703 and
will consider the following factors in its
evaluation:
1. The contribution of the project to
industry capabilities that serve the
United States Government’s space
transportation needs;
2. The extent of industry’s financial
contribution to the project;
3. The extent of industry’s
participation in the project;
4. The positive impact of the project
on the international competitiveness of
the United States space transportation
industry;
5. The extent of State contributions to
the project; and
6. The impact of the project on launch
operations and other activities at
Government launch ranges.
49 U.S.C. 70303(b). All grant awards
made under this program are
discretionary. The FAA may approve an
application only if satisfied that—
1. The project will contribute to
ensuring the resiliency of the space
PO 00000
Frm 00179
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
transportation infrastructure of the
United States;
2. The project is reasonably consistent
with plans of public agencies that are
authorized by the State in which the
project is located and responsible for
development of the surrounding area;
3. The consent of the head of the
appropriate agency for the use of any
government property has been obtained;
4. The project will be completed
without unreasonable delay;
5. The sponsor has the legal authority
to engage in the project.
49 U.S.C. 70303(c). Additionally, the
FAA may make a project grant only if
at least 10 percent of the total cost of the
project will be paid by the private sector
and the grant will not be for more than
50 percent of the total cost of the
project. 49 U.S.C. 70302(b). Applicants
should submit the information
necessary for the FAA to make these
determinations as part of their
applications.
Environmental Requirements
Approval of grant funding is a federal
action subject to review under the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., as
implemented by the regulations of the
Council on Environmental Quality at 40
CFR part 1500 and FAA Order 1050.1E,
and other Federal environmental laws.
Because of this, the FAA anticipates that
it may be most cost-effective for
applicants who have already undergone
a NEPA review to apply for a grant this
fiscal year. For example, a launch site
that has already received a license to
operate will have conducted a NEPA
review. The launch site operator could
seek a grant for projects that the FAA
approved as part of that license.
Under 49 U.S.C. 70304, infrastructure
development projects selected for a
Commercial Space Transportation Grant
must meet three additional
environmental requirements. First, such
projects must provide for the protection
and enhancement of the natural
resources and the quality of the
environment of the United States.
Specifically, if a project will have a
significant adverse environmental
impact, the FAA shall approve the grant
application only after finding that no
feasible and prudent alternative to the
project exists and that all reasonable
steps have been taken to minimize the
adverse effect. Second, the project
sponsor must certify that an opportunity
for a public hearing has been provided
to consider potential environmental
impacts of the project and its
consistency with the goals of any
planning carried out by the community.
Third, the Governor of the State in
E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
04MYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 4, 2010 / Notices
which the project is located, or his or
her designee, must certify that there is
reasonable assurance the project will be
located, designed, constructed, and
operated to comply with applicable air
and water quality standards.
Planning projects such as technical
and environmental studies normally
qualify for categorical exclusion under
NEPA and would not trigger the
requirements under 49 U.S.C. 70304 and
as set forth above. If, absent
consideration of section 70304, the
project normally qualifies for a
categorical exclusion from
environmental review, the grant
proposal should reference the relevant
paragraph in FAA Order 1050.1E,
Policies and Procedures for Considering
Environmental Impacts, and address
whether extraordinary circumstances
exist that warrant preparation of an
environmental assessment.
For more details about the
environmental review for commercial
space transportation activities see
Guidelines for Compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act and
Related Environmental Review Statutes
for the Licensing of Commercial
Launches and Launch Sites. https://
www.faa.gov/about/office_org/
headquarters_offices/ast/
environmental/review.
Grant Award
The FAA Office of Commercial Space
Transportation intends to award
Commercial Space Transportation
Grants on or before August 31, 2010. An
FAA grant offer letter may contain
requirements for assurances to ensure
the grants are consistent with Chapter
703. These grant assurances are
currently in development and not
finalized at the date of this publication.
The FAA anticipates that the
Commercial Space Transportation Grant
Assurances will be similar in nature and
purpose to those required under the
Airport Improvement Program.
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 28,
2010.
George C. Nield,
Associate Administrator for Commercial
Space Transportation.
[FR Doc. 2010–10320 Filed 5–3–10; 8:45 am]
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities
Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), DOT.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:58 May 03, 2010
Jkt 220001
ACTION: Notice of Availability of FTA
State of Good Repair Bus and Bus
Facilities Initiative Funds: Solicitation
of Project Proposals.
SUMMARY: The Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) announces the
availability of discretionary Section
5309 Bus and Bus Facilities grant funds
in support of its ‘‘State of Good Repair’’
initiative. The State of Good Repair
(SGR) Bus initiative will be funded with
up to $775 million in unallocated Fiscal
Year (FY) 2010 discretionary Bus and
Bus Facilities Program funds,
authorized by 49 USC 5309(b) of the
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient,
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For
Users (SAFETEA–LU), Public Law 109–
59, August 10, 2005. FTA may use
additional Bus and Bus Facilities
program funding that becomes available
in the future to further support this
initiative.
The SGR Bus initiative will make
funds available to public transit
providers to finance capital projects to
replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses
and related equipment and to construct/
rehabilitate bus-related facilities,
including programs of bus and busrelated projects which may include
assistance to subrecipients that are
public agencies, private companies
engaged in public transportation, or
private non-profit organizations. This
Notice includes priorities established by
FTA for these discretionary funds, the
criteria FTA will use to identify
meritorious projects for funding, and
describes how to apply.
This announcement is available 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.
DATES: Complete proposals for the SGR
Bus initiative must be submitted by June
18, 2010. All proposals must be
submitted electronically through the
GRANTS.GOV APPLY function. In
order to apply through GRANTS.GOV,
proposers should initiate the process of
registering on the GRANTS.GOV site
immediately to ensure completion of
registration before the deadline for
submission. Proposers will receive two
confirmation e-mails. The first email
will confirm that the application was
received and a subsequent e-mail will
be sent indicating whether the
application was validated or rejected by
the system.
PO 00000
Frm 00180
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
23843
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Contact the appropriate FTA Regional
Administrator (see Appendix) for
proposal-specific information and
issues. For information on the SGR Bus
initiative, contact Darren Jaffe, Office of
Program Management, (202) 366–4008,
e-mail: darren.jaffe@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. Proposal Submission Information
V. Proposal Review, Selection, and
Notification
VI. Award Administration
VII. Agency Contacts
Appendix FTA Regional Offices
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Authority
The bus and bus facilities program is
authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5309(b), as
amended by section 3011 of SAFETEA–
LU:
‘‘The Secretary may make grants under this
section to assist State and local governmental
authorities in financing capital projects
* * * to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase
buses and related equipment and to construct
bus-related facilities, including programs of
bus and bus-related projects for assistance to
subrecipients that are public agencies,
private companies engaged in public
transportation, or private non-profit
organizations.’’
B. Background
Maintaining the nation’s public
transportation fleet, infrastructure, and
equipment in a state of good repair is
essential to providing reliable, highquality, and safe transit services to the
tens of millions of Americans who
depend on it daily. Transit not only
provides mobility options for the
American public, but contributes to the
livability of our nation’s communities
and to environmental and energy
sustainability. However, given recent
limitations in State and local resources
and the need to meet projected growth
in demand for transit service, many
local transit agencies are finding it
difficult to meet their basic reinvestment needs. FTA’s April 2009
Rail Modernization Study estimated a
combined $50 billion repair and
replacement backlog in the bus and rail
systems of the seven oldest and largest
U.S. transit agencies.
The state of repair of transit
infrastructure is an important issue for
both large and small systems across the
country. According to the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s 2008
E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
04MYN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23841-23843]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-10320]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of request for grant proposals for the Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Program.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST)
requests grant proposals pursuant to its newly funded Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Program. This program has an initial appropriation
of $500,000 to be used for space transportation infrastructure
projects. The FAA desires to award the appropriated funds before the
end of fiscal year 2010. The FAA will review and evaluate all
applications for a grant under 49 U.S.C. chapter 703 (Chapter 703). The
FAA may make one or more grant awards based upon its evaluations of the
grant proposals. All grants awarded under this program are
discretionary awards.
DATES: Commercial Space Transportation Grant applications are due on or
before July 6, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You can get more information about the Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Program by:
1. Accessing the Office of Commercial Space Transportation Web site
at https://www.faa.gov/go/ast; and
2. Contacting Glenn Rizner or Michael McElligott, AST-100, or, for
legal questions, Laura Montgomery, AGC-200, 800 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20591;
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phone Email FAX
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glenn Rizner........................... 202-267-3194 Glenn.H.Rizner@faa.gov......... 202-267-5463
Michael McElligott..................... 202-267-7859 Michael.McElligott@faa.gov..... 202-267-5463
Laura Montgomery....................... 202-267-3150 Laura.Montgomery@faa.gov....... 202-267-7971
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
One of the main purposes of the Commercial Space Transportation
Grant Program is to ensure the resiliency of the space transportation
infrastructure in the United States. To help further the United States'
goals, Congress established a Space Transportation Infrastructure Grant
program under 49 U.S.C. Subtitle IX--Commercial Space Transportation--
Chapter 703--Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants,
Section 70305, Authorization of appropriations. Public Law (Pub. L.)
103-272, Sec. 1(e), 108 Stat. 1345 (July 5, 1994). This legislation
authorizes the use of Federal monies in conjunction with matching
state, local government, and private funds.
Although the Congressional authorization has been in effect for
some
[[Page 23842]]
time, FY 2010 is the first year Federal funds have been appropriated.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117)
appropriated $500,000.00 for the FAA's Commercial Space Transportation
Grant program. The FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation is
responsible for overseeing the program. Although the FAA will be
developing more detailed guidance to administer this program, the FAA
intends to disburse these funds on or before August 31, 2010.
Accordingly, applicants must submit their grant proposals by July 6,
2010, which will fall before more detailed guidance becomes available.
The Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program
The Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program is intended to
``ensure the resiliency of the space transportation infrastructure of
the United States * * * '' 49 U.S.C. 70302. Development projects
eligible for funding include technical and environmental studies;
construction, improvement, and design and engineering of space
transportation infrastructure, including facilities and associated
equipment; and real property to meet the needs of the United States
commercial space transportation industry.
Who May Apply for a Commercial Space Transportation Grant
The FAA may make project grants to sponsors. 49 U.S.C. 70303(a).
Chapter 703 defines a sponsor as a public agency that submits an
application for a project grant. 49 U.S.C. 70301(6). A public agency is
a State or an agency of a State, a political subdivision of a State, or
a tax-supported organization. 49 U.S.C. 70301(5).
How To Apply for a Commercial Space Transportation Grant
Applicants for grants under the Commercial Space Transportation
Grant Program must submit grant proposals to the FAA AST. A complete
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (OMB Number 4040-0004) is a
component of all grant proposals. SF-424 forms are available on the
Grants.gov Web site: https://www.grants.gov/agencies/aforms_repository_ information.jsp. In addition, a grant applicant should use
SF-424A for non-construction proposals or SF-424C for construction
proposals. These forms request specific applicant information, proposed
project information, and an estimate of project funding and duration.
The grant proposal should detail how the proposed project meets the
requirements of Chapter 703. In addition, the forms request detailed
and thorough project budget information. The Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Program will not fund more than 50% of the total
project cost, and project financing must include a private component of
at least 10% of the total project cost. 49 U.S.C. 70302.
Given that the FAA may award multiple grants, the grant proposals
may include multiple or alternative funding proposals for financing the
proposed project. Applicants may submit multiple grant proposals.
The grant proposal should also indicate how applicable
environmental requirements were or will be satisfied. See Guidelines
for Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Related
Environmental Review Statutes for the Licensing of Commercial Launches
and Launch Sites; https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/review.
Applicants must submit an original plus three copies of the
completed grant proposal to: Federal Aviation Administration, Office of
Commercial Space Transportation, Space Systems Development Division
(AST-100), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Suite 331, Washington, DC
20591.
Grant proposals are due on or before July 6, 2010. Given the time
constraints on the FAA to award its grants, there will be no allowance
for extensions of time.
Grant Application Review
The FAA will review grant proposals using the criteria of Chapter
703 and will consider the following factors in its evaluation:
1. The contribution of the project to industry capabilities that
serve the United States Government's space transportation needs;
2. The extent of industry's financial contribution to the project;
3. The extent of industry's participation in the project;
4. The positive impact of the project on the international
competitiveness of the United States space transportation industry;
5. The extent of State contributions to the project; and
6. The impact of the project on launch operations and other
activities at Government launch ranges.
49 U.S.C. 70303(b). All grant awards made under this program are
discretionary. The FAA may approve an application only if satisfied
that--
1. The project will contribute to ensuring the resiliency of the
space transportation infrastructure of the United States;
2. The project is reasonably consistent with plans of public
agencies that are authorized by the State in which the project is
located and responsible for development of the surrounding area;
3. The consent of the head of the appropriate agency for the use of
any government property has been obtained;
4. The project will be completed without unreasonable delay;
5. The sponsor has the legal authority to engage in the project.
49 U.S.C. 70303(c). Additionally, the FAA may make a project grant only
if at least 10 percent of the total cost of the project will be paid by
the private sector and the grant will not be for more than 50 percent
of the total cost of the project. 49 U.S.C. 70302(b). Applicants should
submit the information necessary for the FAA to make these
determinations as part of their applications.
Environmental Requirements
Approval of grant funding is a federal action subject to review
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq., as implemented by the regulations of the Council on Environmental
Quality at 40 CFR part 1500 and FAA Order 1050.1E, and other Federal
environmental laws. Because of this, the FAA anticipates that it may be
most cost-effective for applicants who have already undergone a NEPA
review to apply for a grant this fiscal year. For example, a launch
site that has already received a license to operate will have conducted
a NEPA review. The launch site operator could seek a grant for projects
that the FAA approved as part of that license.
Under 49 U.S.C. 70304, infrastructure development projects selected
for a Commercial Space Transportation Grant must meet three additional
environmental requirements. First, such projects must provide for the
protection and enhancement of the natural resources and the quality of
the environment of the United States. Specifically, if a project will
have a significant adverse environmental impact, the FAA shall approve
the grant application only after finding that no feasible and prudent
alternative to the project exists and that all reasonable steps have
been taken to minimize the adverse effect. Second, the project sponsor
must certify that an opportunity for a public hearing has been provided
to consider potential environmental impacts of the project and its
consistency with the goals of any planning carried out by the
community. Third, the Governor of the State in
[[Page 23843]]
which the project is located, or his or her designee, must certify that
there is reasonable assurance the project will be located, designed,
constructed, and operated to comply with applicable air and water
quality standards.
Planning projects such as technical and environmental studies
normally qualify for categorical exclusion under NEPA and would not
trigger the requirements under 49 U.S.C. 70304 and as set forth above.
If, absent consideration of section 70304, the project normally
qualifies for a categorical exclusion from environmental review, the
grant proposal should reference the relevant paragraph in FAA Order
1050.1E, Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,
and address whether extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant
preparation of an environmental assessment.
For more details about the environmental review for commercial
space transportation activities see Guidelines for Compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act and Related Environmental Review
Statutes for the Licensing of Commercial Launches and Launch Sites.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/review.
Grant Award
The FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation intends to award
Commercial Space Transportation Grants on or before August 31, 2010. An
FAA grant offer letter may contain requirements for assurances to
ensure the grants are consistent with Chapter 703. These grant
assurances are currently in development and not finalized at the date
of this publication. The FAA anticipates that the Commercial Space
Transportation Grant Assurances will be similar in nature and purpose
to those required under the Airport Improvement Program.
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 28, 2010.
George C. Nield,
Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.
[FR Doc. 2010-10320 Filed 5-3-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
