New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 18 - TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS
Chapter 31 - CLASSIFICATION AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HIGHWAYS
Part 2 - NEW MEXICO SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAYS PROGRAM
Section 18.31.2.10 - SHOULD YOU SPONSOR AN ISTEA SCENIC BYWAY GRANT?
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A sponsor should evaluate its ability to implement a project prior to making a grant application. It is recommended that the sponsor be a governmental body. Private non-profit and civic organizations are encouraged to work with governmental agencies to develop project applications. A sponsor should consider the following questions before applying for a grant:
A. Does the RPO or MPO concur with the project proposal? A key concept of ISTEA is statewide planning for transportation improvements. The RPO or MPO must concur with the project and include it in the Transportation Plan.
B. Do you have the time, staff and skills needed to administer the project contract? This can involve planning, environmental analysis, survey and design, etc. The project sponsor will act as lead agency for project development and implementation, including NEPA compliance, survey and design, contract award and administration.
C. Are you aware that ISTEA grant funds are a reimbursement for actual costs incurred? Invoices submitted by the sponsor will be reimbursed at 80% of the total invoice amount, the 20% match is the sponsors responsibility.
D. Do you have a dependable source of partnership funds? Projects cannot be substituted if a selected grant falls through; the state and non-selected projects would lose the opportunity for that year. Therefore, the sponsor must identify the source of matching funds in the grant application and will be required to certify that matching funds are available prior to award of the grant.
E. How good is your cost estimate? It is the sponsor's responsibility to cover cost overruns.
F. Can you complete NEPA and survey and design within a year of grant award? Can you complete construction within two years? New Mexico's competitive status depends on demonstrated success on grants awarded.
G. Who will be responsible for operation and maintenance costs? The application must identify who will be responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance of the project. If the responsible party is other than the sponsor, they must agree in writing, or co-sponsor the project.
H. Is the project located on public land or public right-of-way? The public must have legal access to the project.
