Clean Fuels Grant Program, Augmented With Discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Program Funds, 60172-60177 [2012-24178]

Download as PDF wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 60172 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Notices service type (fixed route bus, light or rapid rail, commuter rail, and demand responsive); and (3) vehicle condition (new, used, or remanufactured). In table and narrative format, the section explains that all new fixed route buses and all new light, rapid, and commuter rail cars must be accessible; that is, they must meet all the applicable specifications in Part 38. Certain exceptions to acquiring an accessible vehicle apply to used and remanufactured buses and rail cars, as well as to new buses and vans operating in a general public demand responsive system. These exceptions are likewise outlined in the section. Section 3 is titled ‘‘The Main Elements of Accessible Vehicles’’ and summarizes the required design specifications in Part 38 by vehicle type. The section begins by emphasizing that an accessible bus or rail car involves much more than features for boarding and alighting individuals who use wheelchairs, which is how accessibility is commonly envisioned. Handrails, slip-resistant flooring, public address systems, and sufficient lighting, for example, are all part of an accessible vehicle, in addition to lifts, ramps, and securement systems. The section does not attempt to restate all of the Part 38 specifications but rather highlights the main points by vehicle type with accompanying photographs and diagrams, and refers the reader to the appropriate part of the regulations for more detail. For rail cars, the section highlights four areas that have been of particular interest to transit systems and members of the public: The platform gap, mobility aid accessibility, priority seating, and between-car barriers. Section 4, ‘‘Ensuring that Vehicles Are Compliant,’’ addresses ways a transportation provider can ensure that the vehicles it plans to acquire are accessible under Part 38 and useable to individuals with disabilities. Strategies presented include ensuring that bid packages spell out specific accessibility requirements in detail, seeking public input to ensure that the solicited vehicles can be used by as many persons with disabilities as possible, and inspecting the vehicles at the appropriate time in the procurement cycle. Complementing Section 4 is an attachment titled ‘‘Sample Bus and Van Specification Checklist’’ that lists the design elements in Part 38 applicable to non-rail vehicles. It is a document FTA uses in its compliance reviews when assessing whether a transportation provider’s buses comply with Part 38. The checklist is provided here as an example of a tool a transportation VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:04 Oct 01, 2012 Jkt 229001 provider could replicate to use in its factory inspections to ensure the vehicles it plans to acquire are compliant long before delivery. A grantee may decide to develop similar checklists to inspect rail cars. The chapter ends with a list of definitions taken from the DOT ADA regulations, a list of statutory and regulatory authorities, and a reference list. III. Publication Approach The Vehicle Acquisition chapter is the first in approximately 12 chapters that will compose FTA’s ADA circular. Because of the breadth of the ADA, FTA is developing this circular in segments. The next chapter currently under development is ‘‘Equivalent Facilitation,’’ which will outline how a grantee can depart from the regulations by demonstrating to FTA that an alternative design or technology provides individuals with disabilities equivalent or greater access to a vehicle or facility. FTA anticipates that the topics of subsequent chapters will largely mirror the major provisions in the DOT ADA regulations, for example: General nondiscrimination requirements, facility construction and alteration, fixed route bus and rail service, ADA complementary paratransit (eligibility and service delivery), general public demand responsive service, and ferries and other modes. When issued in its final form, the circular is intended to provide guidance specifically for recipients of FTA financial assistance that provide public transit. As such, requirements found in the DOT ADA regulations, for example, related to intercity rail (i.e., Amtrak), private motor coach service (e.g., Greyhound), taxi service, and airport transportation will not be covered in the circular. Going forward, it is anticipated that the chapters will be issued in groups. All chapters will be announced in the Federal Register for public notice and comment. IV. Conclusion FTA seeks comments on the scope and content of the first chapter of the circular, ‘‘Vehicle Acquisition,’’ specifically as to whether there are areas that need more clarification or explanation or topics that were overlooked. The chapter includes a section on practices a transit provider can use to help ensure the vehicles it acquires are compliant and useable. FTA seeks comment on whether there are other practices that have proven PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 effective that would be worth describing in the circular. FTA also seeks suggestions on specific issues to cover in future chapters and which topics should be a priority to cover early on in the process of developing the ADA circular. For example, FTA seeks comments on which issues within the broad topic areas mentioned above (e.g., general nondiscrimination, facility construction and alterations, fixed route services, and ADA complementary paratransit) are most challenging to address by the industry. Further, FTA is interested in knowing in what areas guidance would be the most valuable to transportation providers. Issued in Washington, DC, this 25th day of September 2012. Peter Rogoff, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–24185 Filed 10–1–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Clean Fuels Grant Program, Augmented With Discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Program Funds Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Clean Fuels Grant Program: Announcement of Project Selections. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the selection of projects for the Clean Fuels Grant program enhanced with Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilities program funds. On February 7, 2012, FTA published a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for its Clean Fuels Grant program (77 FR 6178). The NOFA explained the requirements and procedures for eligible applicants to apply for the funds made available by the Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011. In sum, the FY 2012 Clean Fuels Grant Program made available approximately $51.5 million in unallocated Section 5308 Clean Fuels Grant Program funds. As outlined in the NOFA, the Section 5308 funds would be awarded to fund projects in non-attainment and maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide and supports emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses and markets for those technologies. Projects in attainment areas were also eligible to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Notices wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES apply and if funding was available, would be funded with Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilities funds. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Successful applicants should contact the appropriate FTA Regional office for specific information regarding applying for the funds. A list of Regional offices can be found at www.fta.dot.gov. Unsuccessful applicants may contact Vanessa Williams, Office of Program Management at (202) 366–4818, email: vanessa.williams@dot.gov to arrange a proposal debriefing within 30 days of this announcement. For general program information on the Clean Fuels Grant Program, contact Vanessa Williams, a TDD is available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/FIRS). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to the NOFA, FTA received 146 eligible proposals requesting $516 million in federal funds, indicating significant demand for funds. Of the proposals submitted, 46 were from attainment areas requesting $124 million and were only considered for Bus and Bus Facilities program funds. Project proposals were evaluated based on the criteria detailed in the February 7, 2012 NOFA. FTA is funding 21 projects in non-attainment and maintenance areas as shown in Table 1 VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:04 Oct 01, 2012 Jkt 229001 for a total of $51.5 million, and 6 projects in attainment areas as shown in Table 2 for a total of $7.8 million with prior year Section 5309 funds. Grantees selected for competitive discretionary funding should work with their FTA regional office to finalize the grant application in FTA’s Transportation Electronic Award Management system (TEAM) so that funds can be obligated expeditiously. Grant applications must only include eligible activities applied for in the original project application. Funds must be used consistent with the competitive proposal and for the eligible purposes defined under 49 U.S.C. 5308(a)(2) and 5309. In cases where the allocation amount is less than the proposer’s requested amount, grantees should work with the regional office to reduce scope or scale the project such that a complete phase or project is accomplished. Grantees are reminded that the 90% provision for biodiesel buses is not available this year, as the language permitting this higher federal share was not included in the 2012 appropriations bill. This change was highlighted in FTA’s January 2012 Apportionment Notice, Section III (C). Biodiesel buses remain eligible for an 83% Federal share. A discretionary project identification number has been assigned PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 60173 to each project for tracking purposes and must be used in the TEAM application. Selected projects have preaward authority no earlier than September 14, 2012. Pre-award authority is also contingent upon other requirements, such as planning and environmental, having been met. For more about FTA’s policy on pre-award authority, please see the FTA Fiscal Year 2012 Apportionments, Allocations, and Program notice found in 77 FR 1785 (January 11, 2012). Post-award reporting requirements include submission of the Federal Financial Report and Milestone reports in TEAM as appropriate (see FTA.C.5010.1D). The grantee must comply with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, FTA circulars, and other Federal administrative requirements in carrying out the project supported by the FTA grant. FTA emphasizes that grantees must follow all third-party procurement guidance, as described in FTA.C.4220.1F. Funds allocated in this announcement must be obligated in a grant by September 30, 2014. Issued in Washington, DC, this 26th day of September, 2012. Peter Rogoff, Administrator . BILLING CODE P E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 VerDate Mar<15>2010 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Notices 15:04 Oct 01, 2012 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 EN02OC12.007</GPH> wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 60174 VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:04 Oct 01, 2012 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 60175 EN02OC12.008</GPH> wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Notices VerDate Mar<15>2010 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Notices 15:26 Oct 01, 2012 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1 EN02OC12.009</GPH> wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 60176 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 2, 2012 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY [FR Doc. 2012–24178 Filed 10–1–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE C Office of Foreign Assets Control Unblocking of Two Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Pursuant to Executive Order DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Senior Executive Service; Financial Management Service Performance Review Board (PRB) Financial Management Service, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces the appointment of members to the Financial Management Service (FMS) Performance Review Board (PRB). DATES: This notice is effective on October 2, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wanda J. Rogers, Deputy Commissioner, Financial Management Service, 401 14th Street SW., Washington, DC; (202) 874–7000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 4314(c) (4), this notice is given of the appointment of individuals to serve as members of the FMS PRB. This Board reviews the performance appraisals of career senior executives below the Assistant Commissioner level and makes recommendations regarding ratings, bonuses, and other personnel actions. Four voting members constitute a quorum. The names and titles of the FMS PRB members are as follows: SUMMARY: Primary Members Wanda J. Rogers, Deputy Commissioner Kristine S. Conrath, Assistant Commissioner, Federal Finance Jeffrey Schramek, Assistant Commissioner, Debt Management Services Sheryl R. Morrow, Assistant Commissioner, Payment Management Patricia M. Greiner, Assistant Commissioner, Management/CFO Dated: September 24, 2012. Wanda J. Rogers, Deputy Commissioner. [FR Doc. 2012–24154 Filed 10–1–12; 8:45 am] wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 4810–35–M VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:26 Oct 01, 2012 Jkt 229001 Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘‘OFAC’’) is publishing the names of two individuals whose property and interests in property have been unblocked pursuant to Executive Order 13310 of July 28, 2003, ‘‘Blocking Property of the Government of Burma and Prohibiting Certain Transactions.’’ DATES: The unblocking and removal from the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (‘‘SDN List’’) of the individuals identified in this notice whose property and interests in property were blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13310 of July 28, 2003, is effective on September 19, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assistant Director, Sanctions Compliance and Evaluation, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20220, tel.: 202/622–2490. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Electronic and Facsimile Availability This document and additional information concerning OFAC are available from OFAC’s web site (www.treasury.gov/ofac) or via facsimile through a 24-hour fax-on demand service tel.: (202) 622–0077. Background On May 20, 1997, President Clinton issued Executive Order 13047, ‘‘Prohibiting New Investment in Burma,’’ and declared a national emergency to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the Government of PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 60177 Burma’s actions and policies. In order to take additional steps with respect to the Government of Burma’s continued repression of the democratic opposition in Burma, President Bush issued Executive Order 13310, ‘‘Blocking Property of the Government of Burma and Prohibiting Certain Transactions’’ (‘‘the Order’’ or ‘‘E.O. 13310’’). E.O. 13310 imposes economic sanctions on persons listed in the Annex to the Order. The Order also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to designate additional persons determined to meet the criteria set forth in E.O. 13310. On September 27, 2007, the Director of OFAC, in consultation with the Secretary of State, designated, pursuant to one or more of the criteria set forth in subparagraphs (b)(i) through (b)(ii) of Section 1 of the Order, the individuals listed below, whose property and interests in property were blocked pursuant to the Order. On September 19, 2012, the Director of OFAC removed and unblocked from the SDN List the two individuals listed below, whose property and interests in property were blocked pursuant to E.O. 13310. 1. SEIN, THEIN; DOB 20 Apr 1945; POB Pathein, Irrawaddy Division, nationality Burma; citizen Burma; Adjutant General; First Secretary, State Peace and Development Council (individual) [BURMA] 2. MANN, THURA SHWE (a.k.a. MANN, SHWE); DOB 11 Jul 1947; nationality Burma; citizen Burma; Joint Chief of Staff; Member, State Peace and Development Council (individual) [BURMA] Dated: September 24, 2012. Adam J. Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control. [FR Doc. 2012–24180 Filed 10–1–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P E:\FR\FM\02OCN1.SGM 02OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 2, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60172-60177]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24178]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration


Clean Fuels Grant Program, Augmented With Discretionary Bus and 
Bus Facilities Program Funds

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Clean Fuels Grant Program: Announcement of Project Selections.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit 
Administration (FTA) announces the selection of projects for the Clean 
Fuels Grant program enhanced with Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilities 
program funds. On February 7, 2012, FTA published a Notice of Funding 
Availability (NOFA) for its Clean Fuels Grant program (77 FR 6178). The 
NOFA explained the requirements and procedures for eligible applicants 
to apply for the funds made available by the Surface and Air 
Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011. In sum, the FY 2012 
Clean Fuels Grant Program made available approximately $51.5 million in 
unallocated Section 5308 Clean Fuels Grant Program funds. As outlined 
in the NOFA, the Section 5308 funds would be awarded to fund projects 
in non-attainment and maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide 
and supports emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies 
for transit buses and markets for those technologies. Projects in 
attainment areas were also eligible to

[[Page 60173]]

apply and if funding was available, would be funded with Section 5309 
Bus and Bus Facilities funds.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Successful applicants should contact 
the appropriate FTA Regional office for specific information regarding 
applying for the funds. A list of Regional offices can be found at 
www.fta.dot.gov. Unsuccessful applicants may contact Vanessa Williams, 
Office of Program Management at (202) 366-4818, email: 
vanessa.williams@dot.gov to arrange a proposal debriefing within 30 
days of this announcement. For general program information on the Clean 
Fuels Grant Program, contact Vanessa Williams, a TDD is available at 1-
800-877-8339 (TDD/FIRS).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to the NOFA, FTA received 146 
eligible proposals requesting $516 million in federal funds, indicating 
significant demand for funds. Of the proposals submitted, 46 were from 
attainment areas requesting $124 million and were only considered for 
Bus and Bus Facilities program funds. Project proposals were evaluated 
based on the criteria detailed in the February 7, 2012 NOFA. FTA is 
funding 21 projects in non-attainment and maintenance areas as shown in 
Table 1 for a total of $51.5 million, and 6 projects in attainment 
areas as shown in Table 2 for a total of $7.8 million with prior year 
Section 5309 funds.
    Grantees selected for competitive discretionary funding should work 
with their FTA regional office to finalize the grant application in 
FTA's Transportation Electronic Award Management system (TEAM) so that 
funds can be obligated expeditiously. Grant applications must only 
include eligible activities applied for in the original project 
application. Funds must be used consistent with the competitive 
proposal and for the eligible purposes defined under 49 U.S.C. 
5308(a)(2) and 5309. In cases where the allocation amount is less than 
the proposer's requested amount, grantees should work with the regional 
office to reduce scope or scale the project such that a complete phase 
or project is accomplished. Grantees are reminded that the 90% 
provision for biodiesel buses is not available this year, as the 
language permitting this higher federal share was not included in the 
2012 appropriations bill. This change was highlighted in FTA's January 
2012 Apportionment Notice, Section III (C). Biodiesel buses remain 
eligible for an 83% Federal share. A discretionary project 
identification number has been assigned to each project for tracking 
purposes and must be used in the TEAM application. Selected projects 
have pre-award authority no earlier than September 14, 2012. Pre-award 
authority is also contingent upon other requirements, such as planning 
and environmental, having been met. For more about FTA's policy on pre-
award authority, please see the FTA Fiscal Year 2012 Apportionments, 
Allocations, and Program notice found in 77 FR 1785 (January 11, 2012). 
Post-award reporting requirements include submission of the Federal 
Financial Report and Milestone reports in TEAM as appropriate (see 
FTA.C.5010.1D). The grantee must comply with all applicable Federal 
statutes, regulations, executive orders, FTA circulars, and other 
Federal administrative requirements in carrying out the project 
supported by the FTA grant. FTA emphasizes that grantees must follow 
all third-party procurement guidance, as described in FTA.C.4220.1F. 
Funds allocated in this announcement must be obligated in a grant by 
September 30, 2014.

    Issued in Washington, DC, this 26th day of September, 2012.
Peter Rogoff,
Administrator .
BILLING CODE P

[[Page 60174]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02OC12.007


[[Page 60175]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02OC12.008


[[Page 60176]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02OC12.009


[[Page 60177]]


[FR Doc. 2012-24178 Filed 10-1-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE C
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.