Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21); Implementation of the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-98-4370]

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21);

Implementation of the Transportation and Community and System

Preservation Pilot Program

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice; request for applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2001

Transportation and Community and System Preservation grants; request

for FY 2001 TCSP research proposals; request for comments on program

implementation and research needs.

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SUMMARY: This document provides guidance on section 1221 of the

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which

established the Transportation and Community and System Preservation

Pilot (TCSP) Program. The TCSP provides funding for grants and research

to investigate and address the relationship between transportation and

community and system preservation. The States, local governments,

metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), tribal governments, and

other local and regional public agencies are eligible for discretionary

grants to plan and implement transportation strategies which improve

the efficiency of the transportation system, reduce environmental

impacts of transportation, reduce the need for costly future public

infrastructure investments, ensure efficient access to jobs, services

and centers of trade, and examine development patterns and identify

strategies to encourage private sector development patterns which

achieve these goals. FY 2001 is the third year of the TCSP program.

The FHWA seeks requests for FY 2001 TCSP grants, recommendations

for FY 2001 TCSP research, and public comments from all interested

parties regarding implementation of the TCSP program and research

related to the program in FY 2001 and beyond.

DATES: Applications for FY 2001 grants should be received in the

appropriate FHWA Division Office by January 31, 2000. Recommendations

for FY 2001 TCSP research activities also should be received in the

FHWA's Office of Planning and Environment by January 31, 2000. Comments

on program implementation, research needs, and priorities should be

received by the DOT Docket Clerk on or before January 31, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Grant requests should be submitted to the FHWA's Division

Office in the State of the applicant. Division addresses and telephone

numbers are provided in an attachment to this notice. Research

recommendations should be submitted to the Office of Human Environment,

Planning and Environment, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh

Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.

Your signed, written comments on program implementation should

refer to the docket number appearing at the top of this notice and you

should submit the comments to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room

PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. All

comments received will be available for examination at the above

address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of comments

should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Susan B. Petty, Office of Human

Environment, Planning and Environment, (HEPH), (202) 366-0106; or Mr.

S. Reid Alsop, Office of the Chief Counsel, (HCC-31), (202) 366-1371,

Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington D.C.

20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., e.t., Monday

through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

All comments received by the U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, are

available through the Docket Management System internet web site at:

http://dms.dot.gov.

An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem

and suitable communications software from the Government Printing

Office's Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202) 512-1661. Internet

users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's home page at:

http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government Printing Office's

database at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara. Information is also

available on the FHWA Web page at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

programs.html or the TCSP web site at: http://tcsp-fhwa.volpe.dot.gov/.

Background

Section 1221 of the TEA-21 (Public Law 105-178, 112 Stat. 107

(1998)) established the TCSP. The Department of Transportation's

Strategic Plan (1997-2003) includes a series of goals related to

safety, mobility and access, economic growth and trade, enhancement of

communities and the natural environment, and national security. The

TCSP pilot program furthers each of these goals and provides funding

for grants and research to investigate and address the relationship

between transportation and community and system preservation. By

funding innovative activities at the neighborhood, local, metropolitan,

regional, and State levels, the program is intended to increase the

knowledge of the costs and benefits of different approaches to

integrating transportation investments, community preservation, land

development patterns, and environmental protection. It will enable

communities to investigate and address important relationships among

these many factors.

The TCSP program offers the States, local governments, MPOs, tribal

governments, and other public agencies the opportunity to develop,

implement and evaluate current preservation practices and activities

that support these practices, as well as to develop new and innovative

approaches to meet the purposes of the TCSP grant program (see Section

II). Funding for the TCSP was authorized at $25 million per year for

FY's 2000 through 2003 by TEA-21. The Administration's FY 2000 budget

proposed increased funding for TCSP to $50 million as part of the

President's Livability Initiative. Under the Department of

Transportation and Related Appropriations Act, FY 2000, (Public Law

106-69, 113 Stat. 986 (1999)), the Congress authorized $25 million for

39 special projects and provided an additional $10 million to the TCSP

to fund FY 2000 applications. The FHWA received 292 grant proposals for

FY 2000 which are being reviewed. FY 2000 awards are planned to be made

in December 1999.

This notice includes three sections: Section I--TCSP Program

Information;

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Section II--Requests for FY 2001 TCSP Grants; and Section III--

Recommendations for FY 2001 TCSP Research.

Section I: TCSP Program Information

Introduction

The TCSP provides funding for grants and research to investigate

and address the relationship between transportation and community and

system preservation. States, local governments, tribal governments, and

MPOs are eligible for discretionary grants to plan and implement

strategies which improve the efficiency of the transportation system,

reduce environmental impacts of transportation, reduce the need for

costly future public infrastructure investments, ensure efficient

access to jobs, services and centers of trade, and examine development

patterns and identify strategies to encourage private sector

development patterns which achieve these goals. Through the TCSP,

States, local governments, and MPOs implement and evaluate current

preservation practices and activities that support these practices, as

well as develop new and innovative approaches. FY 2001 is the third

year of the TCSP program.

The TCSP supports the Administration's high priority goals to

encourage the development of livable communities. Within the context of

livable communities, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the

transportation sector is one focus for the TCSP.

Purposes

Section 1221 of TEA-21 identifies five purposes for TCSP projects.

The purposes are broad and include transportation efficiency,

environment, access to jobs, services, and centers of trade, efficient

use of existing infrastructure, and land development patterns. A key

element of TCSP is exploring the link between transportation and land

development patterns. The FHWA is looking for innovative approaches to

test and evaluate the effectiveness of integrating land use planning

and transportation planning to meet the purposes of TCSP.

Innovation

The TCSP is a small pilot program developing and testing new

strategies for use by State and local agencies nationwide in their

ongoing transportation programs. Funding in TCSP is not intended to

implement community preservation practices nationwide, but to plan,

implement, and test new approaches meeting the TCSP program goals. As a

pilot program, the TCSP provides the opportunity for agencies to

support and encourage non-traditional approaches, and for communities

to exchange experiences on new transportation and community

preservation strategies.

Evaluation and Results

Evaluation, a key component of the TCSP, requires projects to

identify the expected results of the project activities, and apply

objective measures to and measure their outcomes and results. This is

critical to the success of the pilot program. Only through evaluation,

with descriptions of expectations and documentation of results, will

other communities be able to learn from the projects and apply the

lessons learned. Clearly, stating the project's objectives and

activities and anticipated results are important for successful

proposals, as are demonstration of how results will be measured, and

how evaluation information will be made available to a national

audience (e.g., through reports, web-sites, new models, etc.). In

addition, successful proposals should include a schedule of the

project's major milestones for undertaking completing the project, and

conducting project evaluation.

Partnerships

The TCSP encourages public and private participation in proposed

projects. In addition, TCSP encourages including non-traditional

partners on the project team. The type and scope of the project will

determine the best mix of partners and whether these should include

members of the general public, as well as environmental, community,

business, and other groups. The roles and functions of the partners

should also be explained.

FY 2000 TCSP Program

In response to the May 10, 1999, Federal Register notice (64 FR

25098-25114) requesting applications for TCSP funding, the FHWA

received 292 applications from 48 States and the District of Columbia

for $151 million. A complete list of the applicants is available on the

TSCP web site: http://tcsp-fhwa.volpe.dot.gov/. Under the FY 2000 DOT

Appropriations Act, Congress authorized $25 million for 39 special

projects and provided an additional $10 million to the TCSP. The FHWA

received 292 grant proposals for FY 2000. These proposals are being

reviewed and awards are planned to be made in December 1999.

TCSP Resource Working Group

The DOT established the TCSP in cooperation with other Federal

agencies, State, regional, and local governments. The FHWA is

administering the program and established a working group to assist

with program direction. Representatives from the Federal Transit

Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the

Research and Special Programs Administration/Volpe Center (RSPA), the

Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) are essential partners in this effort.

Summary of Comments to the Docket

The May 10, 1999, Federal Register notice requested comments on the

TCSP program implementation in FY 2000 and beyond. The complete docket

may be viewed at the locations provided under the captions ADDRESSES

and Electronic Access in the preamble. The following organizations

submitted comments to the docket (FHWA-98-4370): a combined letter on

behalf of the Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming State

Transportation Departments and a letter from the State of California

Department of Transportation. The most significant comments are

summarized below.

1. Define the role of State and local agencies in the application

process.

Comment: Several States recommend that regional and local

government applicants pass applications through the appropriate State

DOT or MPO for endorsement and approval to ensure that the proposals

meet the needs identified in existing plans and to reduce the

possibility of duplication.

Response: The FHWA continues to emphasize the importance of project

applicants coordinating with the appropriate State DOT or MPO. Such

coordination is indicative of well planned project proposals and

project partnerships. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate and form

partnerships with their State DOT and MPO. Applications to date have

shown such coordination.

2. The TCSP program and funding applicants should be consistent

with and respect the State and MPO planning processes rather than

attempting to redesign the existing processes.

Comment: The TCSP proposals should be consistent with and supported

by statewide and metropolitan planning processes. The commenters

expressed concern that the TCSP pilot could circumvent the

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existing planning processes and proposed that the FHWA should require

all applicants to include written confirmation or endorsement from the

applicable State or MPO.

Response: The FHWA's commitment to the transportation planning

process is established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation

Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) (Public Law 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914

(1991)) and the TEA-21. As elaborated under Section II below, the TCSP

is committed to enhancing the existing planning processes--not to

weakening them.

Section II: Request for FY 2001 TCSP Grants

Introduction

The grants funded under the TCSP program will develop, implement,

and evaluate transportation strategies supporting transportation and

community and system preservation practices which incorporate

beneficial short-and long-term environmental, economic, and social

equity effects to help build livable communities.

Application Process

Applicants are to submit a 15-page application using the format

identified under Attachment I to this notice. The FHWA and a multi-

agency technical review panel will review the applications before

making recommendations to the Federal Highway Administrator and the

USDOT Secretary for final approval.

Funds Availability

Applicants should recognize that the TCSP has limited funding with

a high application volume and should develop their budgets accordingly.

In FY 1999, several applicants received less funding than requested

which caused them to reevaluate and redefine their project's scope. The

FHWA sees this as a reality based on the program applicants' funding

requests as related to the funds available.

It is appropriate for applicants to request TCSP support for a

smaller innovative portion of a larger project which can be funded

under other transportation funding. This may also help increase the

local matching share committed to the project, a factor in project

selection. In addition, leveraging other Federal funds (e.g., EPA, HUD,

or other highway and transit funding) as part of a larger project will

also demonstrate local commitment to the project.

Grants may be spent over a period of up to two years, but no

commitment can be made for subsequent years of grant awards. Thus,

phased projects should stand alone and be capable of being implemented

and producing results in each phase.

Eligible Recipients

State agencies, MPOs, tribal governments, and units of local

governments recognized by a State are eligible recipients of TCSP grant

funds. This includes towns, cities, public transit agencies, air

resources boards, school boards, and park districts, but not

neighborhood groups or developers. While non-governmental organizations

are not eligible to receive TCSP funds under section 1221 of TEA-21,

these organizations are encouraged to form partnerships with an

eligible recipient as the project sponsor.

States or MPOs may be both a project sponsor and endorse other

activities proposed and submitted by a local government within its

boundary. A State or MPO may consider packaging related activities for

submittal as one larger grant request in coordination with the

respective project applicants.

Grant Program Purposes

Activities funded under TCSP should address and integrate each of

the purposes of the program listed below. Priority will be given to

those proposals which most clearly and comprehensively meet and

integrate the purposes and are most likely to produce successful

results. How well proposed projects achieve each of these purposes will

be a principal criterion in selecting proposals for funding. Applicants

should develop proposals that specifically address these purposes.

Grant proposals should address how proposed activities will meet and

integrate all of the following:

1. Improve the Efficiency of the Transportation System

Proposals for TCSP activities should identify, develop, and

evaluate new strategies and measures of transportation efficiency that

are based on maximizing the use of existing community infrastructure,

such as, highways, railroads, transit systems and the built

environment. Proposals should address the transportation system as a

whole rather than focusing on one mode of transportation. This may

include for example, improving the integration of various modes of

travel, such as, highway, transit, pedestrian, bicycling, and rail or

improving the efficiency of port, rail and highway connections for

freight and jobs. Performance measures should include a focus on

movement of people and goods and access rather than movement of

automobiles, and on services provided rather than vehicle miles

traveled.

2. Reduce the Impacts of Transportation on the Environment

Proposals for TCSP activities should explore the long-term direct

and indirect social, economic, and environmental impacts of

transportation investments on the natural and built environment.

Consideration of environmental factors should not be limited to air

quality but should also address, if appropriate, ecosystems, habitat

fragmentation, water quality, as well as community and cultural issues

such as disadvantaged populations and environmental justice.

Performance measures should relate the results of TCSP activities to

the larger community, regional environment, and the transportation

system.

3. Reduce the Need for Costly Future Public Infrastructure

Proposals for TCSP activities should describe how they will reduce

the need for costly future public infrastructure investment or create

tools and techniques to measure these savings over the life cycle of

the activities. Performance measures should include projected life

cycle savings obtained through avoiding future investments or

maintenance.

4. Ensure Efficient Access to Jobs, Services and Centers of Trade

Proposals for TCSP activities should clearly demonstrate how they

improve efficient, affordable access to jobs, services, and centers of

trade and address benefits for disadvantaged populations. This could

also include the use of new technologies that increase access for

people and businesses while reducing the need to travel. Performance

measures should include improved access to jobs and services, and

improved freight movements.

5. Encourage Private Sector Development Patterns

Proposals for TCSP activities should identify and test effective

strategies to encourage private sector investments that result in land

development patterns that help meet the goals of this pilot program.

Effectively linking land use and transportation is a key feature of

TCSP. Performance measures should demonstrate and permit monitoring of

changes in development patterns and private sector investment trends or

opportunities resulting from TCSP-related activities.

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Grant Priorities

In addition to meeting the purposes of the TCSP as discussed above,

grant applications are evaluated on the following factors:

1. A Demonstrated Commitment of Non-Federal Resources

Although matching funds are not required, priority will be given to

projects which leverage non-Federal funds and take advantage of in-kind

contributions, such as, maintenance agreements, land donations, and

volunteer time. The contribution of local funds and resources for a

project demonstrates local commitment to a project and indicates the

likelihood that it will be fully implemented. In addition to non-

Federal funds, applicants are encouraged to pursue other Federal

resources to support Livability Initiatives such as Transportation

Enhancement, Congestion Management and Air Quality funds, as well as

HUD, EPA, DOI, and other programs. A description of the President's

Livability Initiative can be found on the White House Web site:

http://www.livablecommunities.gov/.

2. An Evaluation Component

The plan to evaluate the project's objectives and outcomes is a key

element of the grant proposal. The evaluation plan should include

goals, expected outcomes, measures, evaluation methodologies, major

evaluation milestones and deliverables for the project. See the

discussion on Evaluation in this section.

3. An Equitable Distribution of Grants With Respect to a Diversity of

Populations

The FHWA will ensure the equitable geographic and demographic

distribution of funds. Applicants should identify and describe who will

be served by the project.

4. Demonstrated Commitment to Public and Private Involvement Including

the Participation of Non-Traditional Partners in the Project Team

Such partners might include public utility operators, social

services agencies, community groups, environmental organizations, non-

profit organizations, public health agencies, private land development

organizations, and real estate investors. The TCSP also envisions non-

traditional partners as active players on the project team who help

develop the project's assumptions and scenarios. In the proposal,

applicants should describe the roles and commitments of all their

partners.

Applicant Category

The TCSP was intended to support localities which have already

begun preservation practices and to encourage those areas just starting

these practices. The legislation referred to the types of grants being

requested as implementation grants and planning grants respectively. To

clarify these terms, the following definitions will be used: (a) those

just beginning to start community preservation practices--initial

stage, or (b) those who have already initiated transportation related

community preservation programs and policies--advanced stage. The

latter category includes those who have coordinated with State and

locally adopted preservation and development plans; integrated

transportation and community and system preservation practices;

promoted investments in transportation infrastructure and

transportation activities that minimize adverse environmental impacts

and lower total life cycle costs; or encouraged private sector

investments and innovative strategies that address the purposes of the

TCSP program.

Eligible Activities

Activities eligible for TCSP funding include activities eligible

for Federal highway and transit funding (title 23, U.S.C., or chapter

53 of title 49, U.S.C.) or other activities determined by the Secretary

to be appropriate. This allows a broad range of transportation

activities to be funded. Grants will be awarded for new and innovative

transportation activities meeting the purposes of the TCSP program, but

remain unfunded under the current Federal-aid program.

Strategic Priorities

Grants will be awarded for activities which meet the purposes of

the program described above and are innovative and can be replicated by

others. The goal of the TCSP is to develop a broad range of strategies

for urban, suburban, and rural communities which help promote liveable

communities through transportation investments and operations. The

legislative language that created TCSP is general and provides States,

MPOs, tribal governments, and local agencies flexibility to create

innovative approaches to address the goals. As the program evolves, the

FHWA will use individual project evaluations conducted by grantees, the

results of research, and overall program evaluation to determine the

strategic priorities for TCSP. Therefore, rather than setting specific

strategic priorities, the FHWA is providing information about

previously funded projects with suggestions to prospective applicants

of FHWA's interest areas. The FHWA continues to seek additional

strategies that are innovative and can be replicated by others.

Applicants should highlight innovative and unique aspects of their

proposals, and how the results of their proposal will further the

purposes of the TCSP. Applicants also should not seek to duplicate

previously funded activities unless there is a significant change in

the scope, application, or results of the strategy.

The FHWA is also interested in proposals which measure the results

and broad impacts on communities of current preservation practices

including urban growth boundaries, infill development, and land use

changes. Other areas that may be considered include integrating

community health and safety goals with transportation to promote

livable communities; planning or implementing regional and local

strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; using technology and

communications that provide people and businesses with improved access

to goods and services to promote livable communities; and enhancing

intermodal and freight access to promote economic growth and access to

jobs in communities.

The FHWA is particularly interested in supporting projects that are

ready to begin and have plans to collect and document results that can

be shared with others quickly and successfully. The proposal should

highlight when the proposal would be initiated and when results are

expected.

Evaluation

Every proposal funded under the grant program should include a

description of the applicant's plans for monitoring, evaluating, and

analyzing the project and provide the results of the analysis to the

FHWA. This information is necessary to provide an opportunity for the

DOT, States, MPOs, and local governments to learn more about the

practical implications of integrating land development, transportation,

and environmental decisionmaking--what works and what doesn't and why

for each project. The grant request may include funding for travel for

one representative to attend two national workshops to present the

plans, status, and results of the project.

The measures used to evaluate project results should be based on

the goals and objectives of the project. In addition to individual

project evaluations, an overall program evaluation will be conducted by

the FHWA under the

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research component of the program described in Section III of this

notice.

Developing measures to determine the results of the projects is

difficult and there is no general consensus on operative measures. A

resource guide on program evaluation for TCSP projects and other

related information, including references and case studies, are

available on the FHWA Web page (http://tcsp-fhwa.volpe.dot.gov).

Methods to measure and evaluate current and future performance may

include, for example:

1. Quantitative assessments, such as, measurement of changes in

traffic flow and mode choice (e.g., increased pedestrian and bicycle

traffic), environmental impacts and reduced number of trips;

2. Analytic procedures which forecast the current and future

impacts of projects, such as, travel demand, land development, or

economic forecasting; or

3. Qualitative assessment, such as, interviews, surveys, changes in

local ordinances, or other anecdotal evidence.

Relationship of the TCSP to the Transportation Planning Process

The TCSP will complement, strengthen, and enhance the Statewide and

MPO planning process created by the ISTEA, and refined by the TEA-21.

This process promotes the ongoing, cooperative, and active involvement

of the public, transportation providers, public interest groups, and

State, metropolitan, and local government agencies in the development

of statewide and metropolitan transportation plans and improvement

programs (23 CFR part 450).

Applicants should clearly demonstrate their coordination with State

and local planning agencies and the project's consistency with

appropriate statewide and metropolitan transportation planning

processes. To accomplish this, TCSP applicants should coordinate with

the appropriate State DOT or MPO to ensure their project is consistent

with and doesn't circumvent the planning processes. In addition, the

FHWA will post the list of FY 2001 applicants and project proposals on

its Web site as soon the information can be compiled.

The DOT fully supports this planning process, which has brought

diverse constituencies and government agencies together, and views the

TCSP activities as a logical step in the continuing improvement of

transportation planning at the State and regional level. The TCSP can

help broaden the scope and impact of the planning process to better

integrate land development planning, environmental goals and

objectives, economic development, social equity considerations, and

other private sector activities. The integration of interest groups,

investors, and developers through partnering with government applicants

is a goal of the program. The TCSP activities also consider

incorporation of much longer planning horizons and consider the impacts

on future generations.

Activities funded by this program may be used to test or implement

new, innovative planning methods and programs that significantly

enhance the existing statewide and MPO transportation planning

processes. The TCSP funds are intended to leverage new transportation

and community preservation initiatives rather than to fund the ongoing

planning activities of States and MPOs. In addition, activities should

encourage and improve public involvement in the overall planning

process, as well as in the individual project.

Construction projects funded by the TCSP will ultimately be

included in an approved State or MPO Transportation Improvement Program

(TIP). The TCSP funds should not be requested for projects that have

already been scheduled for funding and are in the current State or MPO

TIP. Highway and transit projects which either use Federal funds or

require Federal approvals and are in air quality non-attainment or

maintenance areas should be included in an air quality conformity

analysis required as part of the transportation planning process.

Because TCSP projects may target improved air quality as part of their

broader goals, documentation of the beneficial air quality impacts of

the project is important.

Non-construction activities funded by the TCSP, such as the

development of regional plans and policies, project evaluations, and

land development code changes, may not need to appear in a statewide or

MPO TIP, but should still have the support or endorsement of the State

or MPO. Planning activities funded by TCSP should be reflected in the

metropolitan area's Unified Planning Work Program. Non-construction

activities may result in changes to existing State and MPO plans and,

therefore, need coordination with other jurisdictions within a

metropolitan region or State.

Schedule and Administrative Processes

There are several options for the administration of grants under

TCSP. The FHWA has a financial management system with the State

Departments of Transportation and anticipates that most TCSP grants

will be channeled through this established process. However, if another

process such as a cooperative agreement or grant through another

eligible agency (e.g., a public transit agency) is preferred, the

applicant can work with the appropriate FHWA Division Office to develop

a different funding mechanism.

Applicants must submit four (4) printed copies of their application

and a diskette with the application file to the appropriate FHWA

Division office by January 31, 2000. Questions about the grant program

should be directed to the FHWA's Division Office in the State in which

the applicant is located (Attachment II). The time line for FY 2001

TCSP activities follows:

TCSP FY 2001 Time Line

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

TCSP milestones FY 2001

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

Grant applications due to FHWA January 31, 2000.

Division Offices.

Research project recommendations due January 31, 2000.

to FHWA.

Research projects identified........ March 2000.

Grant projects awarded.............. October 2000.

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

Section III: Recommendations for FY 2001 TCSP Research

Introduction

The TCSP includes a comprehensive research program to investigate

the relationships between transportation, community preservation, and

the environment, and to investigate the role of the private sector in

shaping such relationships. The research program also includes

monitoring, evaluation, and analysis of projects carried out under the

grant program.

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Program Evaluation and Outreach

Program and project evaluation is an important part of the TCSP. To

meet the purposes of the pilot program and develop strategies and

methodologies for use by localities, measurable results and a means to

disseminate this information are needed. In addition to the evaluation

of each project conducted by the grantee, the FHWA will conduct an

overall program evaluation combining the results of the grants and the

research program to help set the strategic direction and future

priorities for the TCSP. An important measure for the success of TCSP

is the extent to which the results and best practices from the pilot

program are used effectively by government agencies, the private

sector, and others.

Under the research component of TCSP, the FHWA will establish

outreach, technical assistance, and other means to share and implement

the results elsewhere. Current outreach plans include Federal Register

notices, grant workshops, the FHWA web site information, and

participation in other conferences and meetings.

Research Program

The goal of the research program is to build a knowledge base of

work in this field to enable State, regional and local government

agencies, the private sector, and neighborhood groups, through

transportation activities, to shape livable communities which meet

current and long-term environmental, social equity, and economic goals.

With coordination and input from its partners and stakeholders, the

FHWA will identify and initiate needed research to support the purposes

of the TCSP. The research program is integral to the TCSP and will

support and complement the activities conducted through planning and

implementation grants. Likewise, applied research activities that may

be a part of a grant activity could benefit the research program.

The FHWA anticipates that most of the TCSP funds will be allocated

for grants and that limited funding will be available for the FHWA to

undertake research. In addition to FHWA conducted research under the

TCSP, the FHWA is soliciting research recommendations for FY 2001 which

may be conducted through cooperative agreements with organizations,

contract support, or through State, local, and MPO grants. The FHWA is

soliciting comments on the research needs to support the TCSP and will

initiate research to meet the identified needs.

The FHWA requests research recommendations addressing the following

areas:

1. Evaluate Results of Current Community Preservation Practices

Information is needed on the specific outcomes of current

statewide, regional, and local community preservation practices, such

as, green corridors, smart growth, urban growth boundaries, higher

density development, and land use controls to improve transportation

efficiency. Research should include both costs and benefits of these

initiatives and performance measures.

2. Develop Needed Tools and Methodologies to Support Decision Makers

Transportation-related tools and analytical techniques will be

enhanced to help support the State and local decision makers in taking

a longer term view and balancing economic, social equity, and

environmental goals.

The following information must be included in each abstract for

research recommendations or statements of need. The recommendations for

initial consideration should be brief, no more than two pages. Follow

the outline below and use 12 point type.

1. Title

2. Agency/ or Organization

Key Contacts

Address

Phone/Fax/E-mail

3. Abstract: This should be a brief paragraph describing the research

needed, the expected results, and include justification of need and

purpose.

4. Methodologies to be used

5. Estimated Costs

6. Potential Resources (expertise and financial)

Selected activities will be requested to develop more detailed

proposals explanations.

Attachment I--FY 2001 TCSP Grant Application Format

Project Submission

Four (4) printed copies of the application and a diskette with the

application file are due into the FHWA Division office in the

applicant's State by COB Monday, January 31, 2000.

The application should be no more than 15 pages in length following

the format below. Each application must stand on its own. Do not submit

letters of support or additional supporting materials--except maps.

Cover Sheet with Abstract (1 page)

I. Project Information

Project Title And Location:

Agency:

Key Contact:

Address:

Phone/Fax/E-mail:

Amount Requested: $__________ Matching Funds/Services value:

$__________.

Abstract

This should be a very brief paragraph describing the project and

the expected results. Describe the scale of activity such as rural,

urban, statewide, etc. and provide information on the types of

populations affected by the project (i.e., size of population,

commuter, disadvantaged, minority, etc.).

Sample Abstract

Evaluate the existing buildings, transportation infrastructure, and

utilities and the development of a schematic campus master plan with

capital costs, an implementation schedule, and funding strategies. Tool

Town will make more efficient use of existing transportation network

and other infrastructure and reuse land and the built environment, both

of which will curb additional regional sprawl. The effort will also

create jobs that can be filled by Dayton residents; support the long-

term viability of tooling and machining in our region; help tooling and

machining industry compete globally; and retain these secure, high-

paying jobs in the United States.

II. Project Description

Narrative: Briefly describe the project, the geographic scale of

the proposed activity (system, region, corridor, etc.), its expected

results in the short- and longer-term (20-40 years), and the

applicant's expectations or vision for the ultimate impact of the

activity.

III. Purpose and Criteria

Objectives: Further describe the project and its objectives. Relate

how it furthers and integrates each of the following purposes of the

TCSP program:

1. Improve the efficiency of the transportation system;

2. Reduce the impacts of transportation on the environment;

3. Reduce the need for costly future investments in public

infrastructure;

4. Ensure efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade;

and

5. Examine development patterns and identify strategies to

encourage private sector development patterns which achieve the goals

of the TCSP.

IV. Applicant Category

Applicants should identify if their agency: (a) Is just beginning

community

[[Page 63370]]

preservation practices--initial stage, or (b) has implemented community

preservation practices--advanced stage. Applicants in the later

category should provide brief information on established community

preservation practices within their community or jurisdiction.

V. Coordination

Indicate how the appropriate MPO or State Department of

Transportation coordination has been undertaken. Identify how the

project activities are consistent with the State or MPO planning

processes.

VI. Partners

List, and briefly describe if necessary, the agencies,

organizations, and companies participating in the activities or on the

project team. Describe the role and functions of the non-traditional

partners participating on the project team. Describe plans for

involvement or education of the private and public sector.

VII. Schedule

Provide a schedule to complete the major steps or milestones in the

project. Include dates of major milestones for project activities, the

evaluation, and when written reports of the project activities will be

submitted.

VIII. Budget and Resources

Include a list all funding, both Federal and non-Federal, and in-

kind resources for the project. Priority is given to proposals that

demonstrate a commitment of non-Federal resources. Proposals should

clearly describe use of in-kind and direct funding contributions and

distinguish contributions that are made directly for the proposed

projects from those made for other related activities.

The budget should include a list of the major costs by category for

the project. This could include, for example, personnel costs, travel,

services, project evaluation including any contract services, etc. The

budget should also show how the TCSP funds and other matching funds are

used for these activities. The budget may include the costs for travel

for one representative of the project team to participate and present

the status and results of the project at two national conferences.

IX. Project Evaluation Plan

The FHWA has developed guidance on preparing evaluation plans for

TCSP. This will assist applicants prepare and summarize their

preliminary plans to evaluate the activity, including goals and

objectives and evaluation methodologies, including means of monitoring,

indicators and measures of performance, and plans for reporting

results. Within the limits of space allowed for the proposal,

applicants should provide initial ideas on evaluation approaches, which

can be expanded and formalized in more complete evaluation plans after

awards are made. Copies of this guidance and other related materials on

evaluation can be found on the FHWA TCSP website (http://

www.fhwa.dot.gov/program.html) or from the FHWA's Division office in

the applicant's State (see Attachment II):

Submission Format

Because the FHWA will make copies of the grant proposals for the

review process, all requests should be in a similar format:

General Information:

Page Size: 8\1/2\'' x 11'' (including maps).

12 point font, single sided.

Clip the top left corner--no binding or staples.

Maps should be reproducible in black and white.

Include on each page of your submission the project title and page

number.

File format for additional electronic submission:

Electronic Format: WordPerfect version 6/7/8 or Word version 97 or

earlier on a 3\1/2\ inch floppy disk labeled with the project title and

name.

No watermarks, embedded text, or graphics.

Attachment II.--FHWA Division Offices

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

State FHWA address, phone number

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

Alabama..................... 500 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 200,

Montgomery, AL 36117-2018, 334-223-7370.

Alaska...................... P.O. Box 21648, Juneau, AK 99802-1648, 907-

586-7180.

Arizona..................... 234 N. Central Avenue, Suite 330, Phoenix,

AZ 85004, 602-379-3916.

Arkansas.................... Federal Office Building, 700 West Capitol

Avenue, Room 3130, Little Rock, AR 72201-

3298, 501-324-5625.

California.................. 980 9th Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA

95814-2724, 916-498-5015.

Colorado.................... 555 Zang Street, Room 250, Lakewood, CO

80228-1097, 303-969-6730, Ext. 371.

Connecticut................. 628-2 Hebron Avenue, Suite 303,

Glastonbury, CT 06033-5007, 860-659-6703,

Ext. 3008.

Delaware.................... 300 South New Street, Room 2101, Dover, DE

19904-6726, 302-734-3819.

DC.......................... 555 Union Center Plaza, 820 First Street,

N.E., Suite 750, Washington, DC 20002,

202-523-0163.

Florida..................... 227 North Bronough Street, Room 2015,

Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850-942-9586.

Georgia..................... 61 Forsyth St., SW, 17th Floor, Suite

17T100, Atlanta, GA 30303-3104, 404-562-

3630.

Hawaii...................... 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 3202, Box

50206, Honolulu, HI 96850, 808-541-2531.

Idaho....................... 3050 Lakeharbor Lane, Suite 126, Boise

83703, 208-334-9180, Ext. 119.

Illinois.................... 3250 Executive Park Drive, Springfield, IL

62703-4514, 217-492-4641.

Indiana..................... Federal Office Building, Room 254, 575

North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis,

IN 46204-1576, 317-226-7475.

Iowa........................ 105 6th Street, P.O. Box 627, Ames, IA

50010-6337, 515-233-7302.

Kansas...................... 3300 South Topeka Blvd., Suite 1, Topeka,

KS 66611-2237, 785-267-7281.

Kentucky.................... John C. Watts Federal Building and U.S.

Courthouse, 330 West Broadway Street,

P.O. Box 536, Frankfort, KY 40602, 502-

223-6723.

Louisiana................... Federal Building, Room 255, 750 Florida

St., Room 255, P.O. Box 3929, Baton

Rouge, LA 70801, 225-389-0245.

Maine....................... Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building, 40

Western Avenue, Room 614, Augusta, ME

04330, 207-622-8487, Ext. 20.

Maryland.................... The Rotunda, Suite 220, 711 West 40th

Street, Baltimore 21211-2187, 410-962-

4342, Ext. 124.

Massachusetts............... Transportation Systems Center, 55

Broadway, 10th Floor, Cambridge 02142,

617-494-3657.

Michigan.................... Federal Building, Room 207, 315 West

Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933, 517-

377-1844.

Minnesota................... Galtier Plaza, Box 75, 175 East Fifth

Street, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101-

2904, 651-291-6105.

Mississippi................. 666 North Street, Suite 105, Jackson 39202-

3199, 601-965-4223.

Missouri.................... 209 Adams Street, Jefferson City 65101,

573-636-7104.

Montana..................... 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59602, 406-

449-5303, Ext. 236.

Nebraska.................... Federal Building, Room 220, 100 Centennial

Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508-3851, 402-

437-5521.

Nevada...................... 705 North Plaza Street, Suite 220, Carson

City, NV 89701-0602, 775-687-5321.

[[Page 63371]]

New Hampshire............... 279 Pleasant Street, Room 204, Concord, NH

03301-2509, 603-225-1606.

New Jersey.................. 840 Bear Tavern Road, Suite 310, West

Trenton, NJ 08628-1019, 609-637-4200.

New Mexico.................. 604 W. San Mateo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505,

505-820-2022.

New York.................... Leo W. O'Brien Federal Building, Clinton

Avenue & North Pearl Street, 9th Floor,

Albany, NY 12207, 518-431-4131.

North Carolina.............. 310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 410, Raleigh,

NC 27601, 919-856-4347.

North Dakota................ 1471 Interstate Loop, Bismark, ND 58501-

0567, 701-250-4347.

Ohio........................ 200 North High Street, Room 328, Columbus,

OH 43215, 614-280-6896.

Oklahoma.................... 300 N. Meridian, Suite 105 S, Oklahoma

City, OK 73107-6560. 405-605-6174.

Oregon...................... The Equitable Center, Suite 100, 530

Center St., N.E., Salem, OR 97301, 503-

399-5749.

Pennsylvania................ 228 Walnut Street, Room 558, Harrisburg

17101-1720, 717-221-4585.

Puerto Rico................. Federico Degetau Federal Building and U.S.

Courthouse, Carlos Chardon St., Rm 329,

San Juan, PR 00918-1755, 787-766-5600,

Ext. 230.

Rhode Island................ 380 Westminster Mall, Fifth Floor,

Providence, RI 02903, 401-528-4560.

South Carolina.............. Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835

Assembly Street, Suite 758, Columbia, SC

29201, 803-765-5282.

South Dakota................ The Sibley Building, 116 East Dakota

Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501-3110, 605-224-

7326, Ext. 3043.

Tennessee................... 249 Cumberland Bend Drive, Nashville, TN

37228, 615-736-5394.

Texas....................... Federal Office Building, Room 826, 300

East Eighth Street, Austin, TX 78701, 512-

916-5511.

Utah........................ 2520 W. 4700 South, Suite 9A, Salt Lake

City, UT 84118, 801-963-0182.

Vermont..................... Federal Building, 87 State St., P.O. Box

568, Montpelier 05601, 802-828-4433.

Virginia.................... The Dale Building, Suite 205, 1504 Santa

Rosa Road, Richmond 23229, 804-281-5103.

Washington.................. Suite 501, Evergreen Plaza, 711 South

Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98501, 360-753-

9554.

West Virginia............... Geary Plaza, Suite 200, 700 Washington

Street. E, Charleston, WV 25301-1604, 304-

347-5929.

Wisconsin................... Highpoint Office Park, 567 D'Onofrio

Drive, Madison, WI 53719-2814, 608-829-

7506.

Wyoming..................... 1916 Evans Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001-

3764, 307-772-2004, Ext. 41.

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

FHWA/FTA Metropolitan Offices

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

Office Address, facsimile number, phone number

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

New York.................... 6 World Trade Center, Room 320, New York,

NY 10048, FAX: 212-466-1939, 212-668-

2201.

26 Federal Plaza, Suite 2940, New York, NY

10278-0194, FAX 212-264-8973, 212-668-

2170.

Philadelphia................ 1760 Market St., Suite 510, Philadelphia,

Pa 19103, 215-656-7070, FAX: 215-656-

7260, 215-656-7111.

Chicago..................... 200 West Adams, Room 2410, Chicago, IL

60606, 312-886-1616, FAX 312-886-0351,

312-886-1604.

Los Angeles................. 201 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 1460, Los

Angeles, CA 90012; 213-202-3950; FAX: 213-

202-3961.

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

Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; sec. 1221, Pub. L. 105-178, 112 Stat.

107, 221 (1998); 49 CFR 1.48.

Issued on: November 10, 1999.

Kenneth R. Wykle,

Federal Highway Administrator.

[FR Doc. 99-30211 Filed 11-18-99; 8:45 am]

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