Federal Transit Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 701 - 750 of 1,301
Limitation on Claims Against Proposed Public Transportation Projects
This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for projects in the following locations: San Francisco, CA; Rochester, NY; Michigan City, IN; Chicago, IL; and Minneapolis, MN. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject projects and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.
Notice of Proposed Buy America Waiver for a Video Ready Access Device Cabinet
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) requested a waiver of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Buy America rules for a Video Ready Access Device (VRAD) cabinet. The VRAD cabinet is needed for an AT&T utility relocation associated with the LYNX Blue Line Extension project. This notice is to inform the public of the waiver request, and to seek public comment to inform FTA's decision whether to grant the request.
Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review
The Federal Transit Administration invites public comment about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval to renew the following information collection:
Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review
The Federal Transit Administration invites public comment about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval to renew the following information collection: Transit Investments in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program. The information collected is necessary to ensure that recipients of TIGGER funds are meeting program objectives and are complying with FTA Circular 5010.1D, ``Grant Management Requirements'' and other federal requirements. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments was published on May 17, 2013.
Urbanized Area Formula Grants; Passenger Ferry Grant Program
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Grant program funds in support of the Discretionary Passenger Ferry Grant program. This grant opportunity will be funded using $29.9 million in FY 2013 Urbanized Area Formula Grants program funds authorized by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112- 141, July 6, 2012. The Passenger Ferry Grant program (Ferry program), as authorized, is available to urbanized areas for the same general authority provided under 49 U.S.C. 5307 (Section 5307). However, within the authority provided to the Secretary of Transportation to develop a competitive process, FTA is limiting this discretionary opportunity to capital projects. These funds constitute a core investment in the enhancement and revitalization of public ferry systems in the Nation's urbanized areas. This notice solicits proposals to compete for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 funding under the Ferry program and may include additional funds made available under future appropriations. This notice also includes priorities established by FTA for these discretionary funds, criteria FTA will use to identify meritorious projects for funding, and the process to apply for funding. This announcement is available on the FTA Web site at: http// www.fta.dot.gov. FTA may announce final selections on the Web site and in the Federal Register. Additionally, a synopsis of this funding opportunity will be posted in the FIND module of the government-wide electronic grants (GRANTS.GOV) Web site at https://www.grants.gov.
Notice of Availability of New Starts and Small Starts Policy Guidance
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is issuing final policy guidance to sponsors of New Starts and Small Starts projects. This guidance is available both on the docket and the agency's public Web site. This final guidance includes changes made in response to comments received on the guidance proposed in January 2013, and accompanies the final rule for Major Capital Investment Projects promulgated in January 2013. The rule sets the framework for the New Starts and Small Starts evaluation and rating process; the policy guidance complements the rule by providing technical details about the methods for calculating the project justification and local financial commitment criteria used to evaluate and rate New Starts and Small Starts projects.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study, Virginia
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) are planning to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study (VBTES). The VBTES will examine extending transit service from the eastern terminus of Norfolk's existing Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, ``The Tide,'' at Newtown Road to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront either along the former Norfolk Southern Railroad right-of-way (NSRR ROW) that runs from Newtown Road to Birdneck Road or along the NSRR ROW to Laskin Road then onto Birdneck Road. From Birdneck Road, both alignments would extend onto 19th Street terminating at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. In 2000, FTA and HRT prepared the Norfolk-Virginia Beach East/West Light Rail Transit System Final EIS. This document looked at an 18-mile transit system connecting downtown Norfolk to the Pavilion area of Virginia Beach. In 2009, FTA and HRT began a Supplemental EIS for the VBTES that intended to evaluate changes in the project corridor since the 2000 EIS. As the Supplemental EIS progressed, FTA and HRT began studying an additional alternative alignment along Laskin Road. This alternative alignment and the additional amount of time that elapsed since work began on the Supplemental EIS led FTA to determine that a Supplemental EIS was no longer appropriate for the VBTES and instead a new EIS should be prepared. Pursuant to 23 CFR 771.123(a), FTA and HRT now issue this Notice of Intent (NOI) for an EIS for the VBTES. Although the VBTES has been under consideration in some form since the 1980's, and was included in the 2000 Final EIS, this EIS will specifically rely on relevant information that has been developed over the last several years since the 2009 Supplemental EIS was proposed. The EIS for the VBTES will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This NOI initiates formal scoping for the EIS, invites interested parties to participate in the process, provides information about the purpose and need for the study, includes the alternatives being considered for evaluation in the EIS, and identifies potential environmental effects to be considered. HRT began its VBTES public involvement process in 2009. It held frequent public meetings in 2010, 2012, and 2013, and continues to receive public comments on the study today. HRT plans additional public meetings for September 2013 and November 2013. These continued opportunities for public involvement in the VBTES means no formal public scoping meetings are planned to be held for this EIS. In 2009 and 2013, HRT, in coordination with FTA, contacted interested party agencies for the VBTES. As such, agencies that have previously responded to invitations to engage in the VBTES process will remain as interested parties on the study and are not required to formally respond to this notice.
Notice of Proposed Buy America Waiver
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) received a request for a waiver to permit the purchase of minivans that are non-compliant with FTA Buy America requirements using FTA funding. The request is from the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO). NFRMPO is in the process of procuring vehicles for its vanpool program, ``VanGo.'' In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 5323(j)(3)(A), FTA is providing notice of the waiver request and seeks public comment before deciding whether to grant the request. If granted, the waiver would be for the Buy America final assembly requirement only and would apply only to the FTA-funded procurement by NFRMPO.
Limitation on Claims against Proposed Public Transportation Projects
This notice announces a final environmental action taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for a project in New York, NY. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decision by FTA on the subject project and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge this final environmental action.
Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest Light Rail Transit Extension Project (Formerly Referred to as the Southwest Transitway)
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal lead agency, and the Metropolitan Council (Council), the local lead agency, intend to publish a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the Southwest Light Rail Transit Extension (SWLRT) Project (formerly referred to as the Southwest Transitway Project), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), its implementing regulations, provisions of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), and the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The original Notice of Intent to prepare a DEIS for the Project was issued on September 23, 2008. The Project's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was published on October 12, 2012, with a public comment period concluding on December 31, 2012. The Project is a new 15.8-mile light rail alignment with 17 new light rail stations, several new park-and-ride lots, and one new light rail operations and maintenance facility (OMF). The project requires modification to existing freight rail alignments within the project vicinity. The SDEIS will evaluate environmental impacts associated with proposed adjustments to the Locally Preferred Alternative, freight rail alignments, and location of the OMF. The SDEIS will also incorporate pertinent issues raised during the DEIS comment period. For commenting purposes under NEPA, written comments on the scope of the SDEIS should be directed to Ms. Nani Jacobson, Project Manager, Southwest Light Rail Transit Project Office, 6465 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 500, St. Louis Park, MN 55426, Telephone: 612-373-3808; Email: nani.jacobson@metrotransit.org. Comments on the scope may be submitted within 20 days of publication of the preparation notice in the state publication, the EQB Monitor. Notice in the EQB Monitor is anticipated to be published on July 22, 2013, with the 20 day period for submitting written comments ending on August 12, 2013. In accordance with MEPA, comments received within this period, and responses to the comments, will be included in the SDEIS.
Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals With Disabilities: Proposed Circular
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has placed in the docket and on its Web site, proposed guidance in the form of a circular to assist grantees in implementing the Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141) blended the New Freedom Program (49 U.S.C. 5317) and the Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Program (49 U.S.C. 5310) into a new Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, authorized at 49 U.S.C. 5310. FTA is updating the circular due to these changes in the law. By this notice, FTA invites public comment on the proposed circular for this program.
Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Increased Transit Service to King of Prussia, PA
The FTA and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) are planning to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Section 4(f) Evaluation for increased transit service to King of Prussia, PA. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as FTA's regulations and guidance for implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1501.2 through 8 and 23 CFR 771.111). FTA is issuing this notice to solicit public and agency input regarding the scope of the EIS and to advise the public and agencies that outreach activities conducted by SEPTA and its representatives will be considered in the preparation of the EIS. SEPTA is undertaking this Draft EIS under current FTA regulations and guidance. SEPTA has indicated that it intends to seek FTA New Starts funding.
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing
This final rule is issued to revise sections of the Alcohol and Controlled Substances (D&A) Testing regulation to reflect recent amendments to the law. The final rule also includes technical corrections to the D&A testing regulation to more clearly explain existing compliance requirements, update regulatory terms, and remove repealed statutory provisions. Because this rule merely implements a statutory provision without agency interpretation FTA finds that public comment is unnecessary under the circumstances.
Request for Transit Rail Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) Nominations
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Transit Rail Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS). The Advisory Committee meets at least twice a year to advise FTA on transit safety issues. The recommendations of the TRACS will help FTA develop policies, practices, and regulations for enhancing safety across all modes of public transportation as FTA implements new statutory authority for public transportation safety oversight.
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Federal Way Transit Extension, King County, Washington
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) are planning to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Sound Transit's proposed Federal Way Transit Extension (FWTE) project. The FWTE project would allow Sound Transit to improve public transit service between the cities of SeaTac and Federal Way in King County, Washington. The FWTE project would also respond to a growing number of transportation and community needs identified in the agency's regional transit system plan, Sound Transit 2 (ST2). The EIS will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Washington's State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). This Notice of Intent initiates formal scoping for the EIS, invites interested parties to participate in the EIS process, provides information about the purpose and need for the proposed transit project, includes the general set of alternatives being considered for evaluation in the EIS, and identifies potential environmental effects to be considered. This notice invites public comments on the scope of the EIS and announces the public scoping meetings to receive comments. Alternatives being considered for evaluation include a No-Build alternative and various build alternatives to develop light rail in the FWTE corridor. The light rail alternatives were developed through an early scoping process, and an alternatives analysis study. Early scoping notification for the alternatives analysis phase was announced in the Federal Register on October 16, 2012. Results of the early scoping process, the alternatives analysis findings, and other background technical reports are available on the project Web site.
Limitation on Claims Against Proposed Public Transportation Projects
This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for projects in the following locations: Cleveland, OH and San Francisco, CA. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject projects and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.
Notice of Request for Revisions of an Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the following currently approved information collection: 49 U.S.C. 5330Rail Fixed Guideway Systems, State Safety Oversight.
Second Allocation of Public Transportation Emergency Relief Funds in Response to Hurricane Sandy: Response, Recovery & Resiliency; Correction
On May 29, 2013, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the allocation of $3.7 billion under the Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program to the four FTA recipients most severely affected by Hurricane Sandy. This amount was in addition to the initial $2 billion allocation announced in the March 29, 2013 Federal Register notice. This notice corrects the May 29 notice.
Second Allocation of Public Transportation Emergency Relief Funds in Response to Hurricane Sandy: Response, Recovery & Resiliency
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the allocation of $3.7 billion under the Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program (Emergency Relief Program, Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance 20.527) to the four FTA recipients most severely affected by Hurricane Sandy: the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New Jersey Transit Corporation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York City Department of Transportation. This amount is in addition to the initial $2 billion allocation announced in the March 29, 2013 Federal Register notice, bringing the total amount of Hurricane Sandy Emergency Relief funds allocated to-date to $5.7 billion. Within the $3.7 billion announced in this notice, FTA is allocating $2.4 billion for additional recovery and rebuilding projects and $1.3 billion for project elements or freestanding projects that increase the resiliency of the affected transit systems to future disasters. Such resiliency investments shall be subject to specific conditions cited in this notice. FTA is allocating funds consistent with the requirements of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (Pub. L. 113-2), Interim Final Rule for the Emergency Relief Program, 49 CFR part 602, published in the Federal Register on March 29, 2013, the Notice of Availability of Emergency Relief Funds published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2013, and additional requirements and program guidance included in the March 29, 2013 Federal Register notice. FTA anticipates allocating additional funding for recovery and rebuilding and announcing the availability of competitive funding for eligible resiliency projects in areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy in a subsequent notice. Prior to submitting grant applications to FTA for the funds allocated in this notice, recipients should develop a list of potentially eligible projects, consistent with the Emergency Relief Program rule, at 49 CFR 602.17, and submit and review the list of projects with the applicable FTA Regional Office. Affected recipients are granted pre-award authority as of the publication date of this notice for recovery and rebuilding projects; pre-award authority for the $1.3 billion allocated for resiliency projects may be contingent upon FTA's prior approval as described later in this notice. Prior to exercising pre-award authority, recipients should work with the appropriate Regional Office to ensure that the applicable Federal requirements are followed. All funds allocated in this notice must comply with FTA and other Federal requirements as described in the Interim Final Rule. Recipients may request waivers of FTA administrative requirements by submitting a request to www.regulations.gov, FTA docket number FTA-2013-0001, as described in the Emergency Relief Program rule at 49 CFR Sec. 602.15, however, recipients should not proceed with a project under the expectation that waivers will be provided. Additional program requirements, considerations and grant application procedures specific to these funds are included in this notice.
Notice of Request for Revisions of an Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the revisions of the following information collection: Transit Investments in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program.
Notice of Request for Revisions of an Information Collection
The Federal Transit Administration invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) to approve the revisions of the following information collection: 49 U.S.C. 5317, New Freedom Program. The information to be collected will be used to accumulate mass transportation financial and operating information using a uniform system of accounts and records. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments was published on March 6, 2013.
Notice of Meeting of the Transit Rail Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS)
This notice announces a public meeting of the Transit Rail Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS). TRACS is a Federal Advisory Committee established by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide information, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary and the Federal Transit Administrator on matters relating to the safety of public transportation systems.
FTA Supplemental Fiscal Year 2013 Apportionments, Allocations, and Program Information
On October 16, 2012 the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published in the Federal Register a Notice of FTA Transit Program Changes, Authorized Funding Levels, Implementation of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Apportionments, Allocations and Interim Guidance. The initial Notice apportioned and allocated funding pursuant to the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013 (CR) that provided funds through March 27, 2013. This subsequent FY 2013 Apportionment Notice apportions the full FY 2013 funding available pursuant to the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (FY 2013 Appropriations) and sequestration of funds triggered by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 2011. This notice also provides and seeks comment on an illustrative apportionment for the State Safety Oversight (SSO) grant program and provides information on FTA's discretionary programs and forthcoming program guidance.
Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program
This Notice accomplishes several purposes. First, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) summarizes and responds to written comments FTA received in response to a November 9, 2012, Federal Register Notice regarding proposed grant program provisions for this modified program. Second, this Notice establishes the framework for the Tribal Transit Program, including the terms and conditions and local match requirements. Finally, this Notice announces the availability of funds and a national solicitation for proposals from grantees for projects selected on a competitive basis; the grant terms and conditions that will apply to the discretionary program; and grant application procedures and selection criteria for FY 2013 projects.
Limitation on Claims Against Proposed Public Transportation Projects; Correction
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published a notice in the Federal Register on April 22, 2013, concerning a limitation on claims for certain specified public transportation projects. The notice contained an incorrect description of one project.
Limitation on Claims Against Proposed Public Transportation Projects
This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for projects in the following locations: Village of Thomaston, Nassau County, NY; Detroit, MI; and Los Angeles, CA. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject projects and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.
Urbanized Area Formula Program: Proposed Circular
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has placed in the docket and on its Web site, proposed guidance, in the form of a circular, to assist recipients in their implementation of the section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program. The purpose of this proposed circular is to provide recipients of FTA financial assistance with instructions and guidance on program administration and the grant application process. The proposed revisions to the existing circular are a result of changes made to the Urbanized Area Formula Program by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. By this notice, FTA invites public comment on the proposed circular.
Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review
The Federal Transit Administration invites public comment about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of the following new information collections: 49 U.S.C. Section 5307Capital Assistance Program and Section 5309Urbanized Area Formula Program; 49 U.S.C. Section 5310Capital Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities and Section 5311Nonurbanized Area Formula. The information collected is necessary to determine eligibility of applicants and ensure the proper and timely expenditure of federal funds within the scope of each program. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments was published on February 6, 2013 (Citation 78 FR 8690). No comments were received from that notice.
Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the selection of projects for the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, as authorized by Section 3021 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity ActA Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFETEA-LU) and codified in 49 U.S.C. 5320. Projects were selected from proposals submitted in response to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2012. These projects are funded with Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 appropriations and previously unallocated prior year funds. The Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program provides funds for capital and planning expenses for alternative transportation systems in national parks and other federal recreation lands. Federal land management agencies and State, tribal and local governments acting with the consent of a federal land management agency are eligible recipients. This program was not re-authorized for FY 2013 under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), and FTA does not anticipate publishing future NOFAs for this program. If additional funds become available during FY 2013 from previous project awards, FTA may allocate these funds to project proposals previously submitted.
Emergency Relief Program
This action establishes procedures governing the implementation of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program under 49 U.S.C. 5324, as authorized by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. FTA is issuing this interim final rule in order to comply with the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013. FTA will accept comments on the interim final rule and will publish a final rule after the comment period closes.
Allocation of Public Transportation Emergency Relief Funds in Response to Hurricane Sandy
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the allocation of $2,000,000,000 under the Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program (Emergency Relief Program, Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance 20.527) for FTA recipients affected by Hurricane Sandy, which impacted the northeastern seaboard in October 2012 and had a particularly devastating impact on transit systems in New York and New Jersey. FTA is allocating funds as outlined in a Notice of Availability of Emergency Relief Funds published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2013 (78 FR 8691), and consistent with the requirements of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (Appropriations Act, Pub. L. 113-2). Concurrently with this notice of allocations, FTA is publishing in today's Federal Register an interim final rule (IFR) for the Emergency Relief Program (49 CFR Part 602). This rule outlines general program requirements that will apply to all funds allocated in this notice and to subsequent grant awards under this program. The rule takes effect immediately. FTA's Emergency Relief Program was authorized by Congress in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21, Pub. L. 112- 141) and provides FTA with primary responsibility for reimbursing emergency response and recovery costs after an emergency or major disaster that affects public transportation systems. The Appropriations Act provides $10.9 billion for FTA's Emergency Relief Program for recovery, relief and resiliency efforts for public transportation in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. As a result of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. 112-25), five percent of the $10.9 billion made available under the Appropriations Act ($545,000,000) is subject to the significant spending cuts known as sequestration and is unavailable for Hurricane Sandy disaster relief. The Appropriations Act requires that not more than $2 billion shall be made available no later than March 30, 2013. With this notice, FTA is allocating the initial $2 billion, excluding funds to be used for program implementation and oversight, to recipients affected by Hurricane Sandy (affected recipients) for eligible emergency response and recovery costs. In the February 6, 2013, Federal Register notice, FTA instructed affected recipients to submit requests for reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred in advance of January 29, 2013, and for the costs of contract work advertised and force account work budgeted prior to January 29, 2013. FTA announced individual allocations on a rolling basis beginning March 6, 2013. Table 1 shows a summary of the allocations made in this notice. Table 2 shows the allocation for each affected recipient. In addition to funds allocated for the reimbursement of costs meeting the above criteria, FTA is allocating the remainder of the initial $2 billion, based on the anticipated cost of recovery for each affected recipient. These funds are available for eligible emergency operations, emergency protective measures, and emergency and permanent repairs to and replacement of assets that suffered serious damage as a result of the storm. Recipients should develop a list of eligible projects, consistent with the Emergency Relief Program rule, at 49 CFR Sec. 602.17, and review the list of projects with the applicable FTA Regional Office prior to submitting a grant application in FTA's Transportation Electronic Award Management (TEAM) system. FTA granted affected recipients pre-award authority for projects eligible for the initial $2 billion allocation in the February 6, 2013 Federal Register notice. Prior to exercising pre-award authority, recipients are encouraged to work with the appropriate Regional Office to ensure that the applicable Federal requirements are followed. All allocations, including these pro-rated allocations, are included in Table 2. Guidance regarding project eligibility and determinations regarding applicability of certain FTA requirements issued in the February 6, 2013 notice will only apply to costs incurred prior to January 29, 2013, and to other expenses that meet the requirements specified in that notice for inclusion under Category One, Two or Three. Recipients may request waivers of FTA administrative requirements by submitting a request to FTA docket number FTA-2013-0001, as described in the February 6, 2013 Federal Register notice, and in the Emergency Relief Program rule at 49 CFR Sec. 602.15, however, recipients should not proceed with a project under the expectation that waivers will be provided. Additional program requirements, considerations and grant application procedures specific to these funds are included in this notice.
Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review
The Federal Transit Administration invites public comment about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of the following new information collections:
Limitation on Claims Against Proposed Public Transportation Projects
This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the Baltimore Red Line Project, Baltimore County and City, MD. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject project and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.
Capital Project Management
The Federal Transit Administration is withdrawing its September 13, 2011, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise the agency's project management oversight regulations, in light of the recent, fundamental changes to the statutes that authorize the discretionary and formula capital programs at 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. Given the repeal of the Fixed Guideway Modernization program, the creation of the Core Capacity Improvement and State of Good Repair programs, and the streamlining of the New Starts and Small Starts project development process, FTA must re-examine its proposed definition of major capital project and its policy and procedure for risk assessment. Also, the agency must develop policy and regulatory proposals for addressing several explicit directives in the new surface transportation authorization statute, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (``MAP-21''). FTA will reinitiate a rulemaking for project management oversight in the near future. Additionally, FTA may seek to set policy on major capital projects through public notice-and- comment, and provide technical assistance through guidance.
Joint Development: Proposed Circular
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has placed in the docket and on its web site proposed guidance, in the form of a circular, on joint development. This circular provides guidance to recipients of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) financial assistance on how to use FTA funds or FTA-funded real property for joint development. This circular: (1) Defines the term ``joint development''; (2) explains how to determine which joint development activities are eligible for FTA funding; (3) describes the legal requirements applicable to the acquisition, use, and disposition of FTA-funded real property; and (4) outlines the most common crosscutting requirements. This circular incorporates provisions of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112-141 (2012), advances the goals of 49 U.S.C. 5315 by informing FTA recipients of opportunities for private sector participation in public transportation projects, and includes the most current guidance for the federal public transportation program. By this notice, FTA invites public comment on this proposed circular.
Notice of Request for the Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the following currently approved information collection: 49 U.S.C. 5317New Freedom Program.
Environmental Impact Statement for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project, Los Angeles, California
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) are issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to advise other agencies and the public that they will jointly prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for proposed transit improvements in the East San Fernando Valley Transit Project Corridor in Los Angeles County, California. The proposed project would provide new transit service and related infrastructure in the eastern San Fernando Valley. The EIS will evaluate new light rail and bus rapid transit services alternatives, generally running north- south along portions of Van Nuys and Sepulveda Boulevards. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. The EIS process will evaluate alternatives recommended for further study as a result of the planning Alternatives Analysis approved by the LACMTA Board on January 24, 2013, and available on the LACMTA Web site (https://www.metro.net/east-sfv). Pursuant to 23 CFR 771.123(j), at the conclusion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) circulation period, LACMTA will prepare a report identifying the locally preferred alternative (LPA). Prior to commencement of a Final EIS, the LPA will be adopted by the LACMTA Board and included in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan identifying sufficient federal and other funding for the project, in order to be evaluated under the NEPA process. LACMTA will also use the EIS document to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The purpose of this notice is to alert interested parties regarding the intent to prepare the EIS, to provide information on the nature of the proposed project and possible alternatives, and to invite public participation in the EIS process, including providing comments on the scope of the DEIS, and to announce that public scoping meetings will be conducted.
Environmental Impact and Related Procedures
This NPRM provides interested parties with the opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) joint procedures that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The revisions are prompted by enactment of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This NPRM proposes to add new categorical exclusions for projects within an existing operational right-of-way and projects receiving limited Federal funding, as described in MAP-21. The Agencies seek comments on the proposals contained in this document.
Environmental Impact and Related Procedures
This final rule amends the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) joint procedures that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by enacting a new categorical exclusion (CE) for emergency actions as required by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The final rule modifies the existing lists of FHWA and FTA CEs and expands the existing CE for emergencies to include emergency actions as described in MAP-21 and pursuant to this rulemaking.
Notice of Establishment of Emergency Relief Docket for Calendar Year 2013
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is establishing an Emergency Relief Docket for calendar year 2013 so grantees and subgrantees affected by national or regional emergencies may request relief from FTA administrative and statutory requirements. By this notice, FTA is establishing an Emergency Relief Docket for calendar year 2013.
Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit Administration Grants and Cooperative Agreements
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is directed to publish annually a list of all certifications required under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. For Federal Fiscal Year 2013 (FY 2013), FTA consolidated and updated the various pre-award Certifications and Assurances required to be submitted by an Applicant seeking an award of Federal public transportation assistance (funding) during FY 2013. This notice announces the availability of the FY 2013 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit Administration Grants and Cooperative Agreements and the FTA Master Agreement, both of which are available at the FTA Web site, https://www.fta.dot.gov. This notice also highlights the changes made to FTA's Certifications and Assurances for FY 2013 that differ from previous provisions and also provides instructions on how and when to submit Certifications and Assurances for FY 2013.
Environmental Impact and Related Procedures
This final rule makes revisions to the joint Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The revisions are aimed at streamlining the FTA environmental process for transit projects, in response to the August 31, 2011, Presidential Memorandum titled ``Speeding Infrastructure Development through More Efficient and Effective Permitting and Environmental Review.'' The revisions also respond to Executive Order 13563's directive to periodically review existing regulations to determine if they can be made more effective and/or less burdensome. The new categorical exclusions (CEs) established by this rule, which affect actions by FTA and FTA grant applicants, are intended to improve the efficiency of the environmental review process by making available the least intensive form of review for those actions that typically do not have the potential for significant environmental effects, and, therefore, do not merit additional analysis and documentation associated with an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement.
Limitation on Claims Against Proposed Public Transportation Projects
This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for projects in the following locations: Eugene, OR and Galveston, TX. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject projects and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.
Major Capital Investment Projects
This final rule sets a new regulatory framework for FTA's evaluation and rating of major transit capital investments seeking funding under the discretionary ``New Starts'' and ``Small Starts'' programs. This final rule is being published concurrently with a Notice of Availability of revised proposed policy guidance that provides additional detail on the new measures and proposed methods for calculating the project justification and local financial commitment criteria specified in statute and this final rule. FTA seeks public comment on the revised proposed policy guidance referenced in the Notice of Availability published today. Because of the recent enactment of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), subsequent interim guidance and rulemaking will be forthcoming to address provisions not covered in this final rule.
Notice of Availability of Proposed New Starts and Small Starts Policy Guidance
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is announcing the availability of proposed policy guidance to sponsors of New Starts and Small Starts projects, and inviting comment on this proposed guidance, which has been placed both in the docket and on the agency's web site. This proposed policy guidance will accompany the final rule for Major Capital Investment Projects published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. Specifically, this proposed policy guidance describes the particular measures FTA intends to apply in evaluating projects seeking New Starts and Small Starts funding and the way these measures would be used in project ratings, if adopted. The final rule establishes the framework for the New Starts and Small Starts evaluation and rating process; this proposed policy guidance complements the final rule by providing a deeper level of detail about the methods for calculating the project justification and local financial commitment criteria required for New Starts and Small Starts projects.
Fiscal Year 2012 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program Project Selections
The US. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the selection of projects with Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 appropriations for the Tribal Transit Program. A March 9, 2012 Federal Register Notice (77 FR 14465) announced the availability of the funding for the program. The Surface and Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011 authorizes approximately $15 million for federally recognized Indian Tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the U.S. Department of the Interior for public transportation. An additional $500,000 is available from prior years, bringing the total available to just over $15.5 million. The Tribal Transit Program supports capital projects, operating costs and planning activities that are eligible under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program (Section 5311). This is the final discretionary allocation for the Tribal Transit Program, which was first authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The new authorizing legislation, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), was signed into law by President Obama on July 6, 2012, and became effective on October 1, 2012. MAP-21 continues the Tribal Transit Program and authorizes $25 million for a formula allocation and $5 million for a discretionary allocation in each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014. On November 9, 2012, FTA published a Federal Register Notice (77FR 67439) regarding the Fiscal Year 2013 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, which: (1) Introduces FTA's consultation process and schedule for implementing changes due to MAP-21; (2) describes and seeks comment on the methodology for the formula allocation and the assumptions made to determine who is eligible for the formula program; (3) seeks comment on the terms and conditions for the formula and discretionary components of the program; (4) seeks comment on how the discretionary program should be allocated; and (5) announces two public meetings sponsored by FTA to consult with tribal governments regarding the Tribal Transit Program.
Limitation on Claims against Proposed Public Transportation Projects
This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, Phase 2 Preliminary Engineering Design Refinements, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, VA. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject project and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions.
Bus Testing: Calculation of Average Passenger Weight and Test Vehicle Weight
This action withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have amended the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) bus testing regulation to increase the assumed average passenger weight value used for ballasting test buses from the current value of 150 pounds to a new value of 175 pounds. This increase was proposed to better reflect the actual weight of the average American adult and to provide accurate information to the transit agencies that purchase such vehicles. In light of recent legislation directing FTA to establish new pass/fail standards that require a more comprehensive review of its overall bus testing program, FTA is withdrawing the rulemaking.
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