ICF Webinar: Transportation Performance Management – Addressing Energy & Environmental Goals (2/29)
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Category: Federal Policy
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US DOT Releases TIGER Grant Program Notice of Funding Availability
By Lauren Michele, January 31, 2012
This morning the Department of Transportation will announce the availability of funds for the next round of the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant program.
The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) can be found here: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-01-31/pdf/2012-1996.pdf.
As you will note, the Fiscal Year 2012 TIGER grant program will make $500 million available for projects having a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area or region. In addition, as in prior rounds of funding, this year’s TIGER grants are for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and are to be awarded on a competitive basis. Projects will be evaluated on primary criteria that include safety, economic competitiveness, livability, environmental sustainability, state of repair and short-term job creation.
Please be aware of the following KEY DATES:
- Deadline for Pre-Applications— February 20th, 2012
- Deadline for Final Applications— March 19th, 2012
The DOT pre-application system will open on or before February 13th. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit pre-applications and applications in advance of the application deadlines.
If you have any questions regarding the TIGER 2012 NOFA, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Aaron Rosenthal
Associate Director | Governmental Affairs
Office of the Secretary | U.S. Department of Transportation
202-493-2234 office | 202-400-1098 cell
State of Nevada Certifies Policy in Motion as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise! Small Business Re-Certification with City of Sacramento; UDBE in California
By Lauren Michele, December 6, 2011
The National Association of Profession Women is the most rapidly growing and recognized association for professional women in the United States. Lauren Michele was nominated and selected to join this organization in September 2010.
Policy in Motion is certified with the City of Sacramento as an Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE). The firm’s Small Business Certification is linked here and can be found on the Vendor Database – City Certification Number 32334. The City of Sacramento states that the “small business certification provides bid preference and other incentives.”
Policy in Motion is certified as an Underutilized Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in the States of California and Nevada. The firm’s California UDBE Certification is linked here– and can be found in the DBE Database under Firm Identification Number 39354. The firm’s Nevada DBE Certification can be found in the Vendors List under Vendor Number NV01335UCPN.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s DBE program provides a vehicle for increasing the participation by minority business enterprises in state and local procurement. Federal DBE regulations require state and local transportation agencies that receive DOT financial assistance, to establish goals for the participation of DBEs. Each DOT-assisted State and local transportation agency is required to establish annual DBE goals, and review the scopes of anticipated large prime contracts throughout the year and establish contract-specific DBE subcontracting goals. A percentage goal for DBE participation may be required on specific contracts, which is clearly stipulated at the time a contract is publicly advertised.
Please contact Lauren Michele if you are interested in contracting with Policy in Motion as an ESBE or UDBE
Dec 8th Webinar: 2012 Federal Sustainability Policy and Funding Outlook
By Lauren Michele, November 30, 2011
Applied Solutions Webinar: 2012 Federal Sustainability Policy and Funding Outlook
Date: December 8, 2011
Time: 9am Pacific/Noon Eastern
In 2011, local governments have seen concerted efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to slash and cut important federal sustainability programs that benefit cities and counties. In efforts toward deficit reduction, Congress has sought to eliminate funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean vehicles, smart growth, green infrastructure and more. This federal investment is critical to local efforts to reduce energy use, curb greenhouse gas emissions, improve air and water quality and decrease vehicle miles traveled. As communities have demonstrated, federal sustainability funding enables cities and counties to leverage additional public and private dollars, and helps to create new jobs and economic growth.
As local governments prepare for 2012, several key questions should be asked:
- What types of federal sustainability funding will be available, and how can localities prepare to be competitive?
- What types of technical assistance will be available from EPA, DOE, DOT and other federal agencies?
- What federal sustainability policies are likely to be debated in Congress, and how will they impact cities and counties?
This webinar will last approximately one hour, and there is no cost to participate.
Speakers include:
Supervisor Valerie Brown, Sonoma County, California
Supervisor Brown will discuss the value of a local government voice at the federal level.
Michelle Wyman, Executive Director of Applied Solutions
Ms. Wyman will give an introduction to the Applied Solutions Webinar Series.
Andrew Seth and Matt Ward, Climate Communities
Mr. Seth and Mr. Ward will identify opportunities for cities and counties to support local priorities with federal sustainability funding next year, and provide an overview of the federal sustainability policy landscape in 2012.
Click here for more information and to sign up for the webinar.
| About the Learning Network
The Sustainable Communities Learning Network is a service for local officials offered by the Institute for Local Government in partnership with the Information Center for the Environment at the University of California, Davis, with support from the Strategic Growth Council and The California Endowment. |
Senate EPW Committee approves MAP-21 Transportation Reauthorization Bill by 18-0 vote
By Lauren Michele, November 10, 2011
The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) yesterday reported out S.1813 “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century” (MAP-21), a bill to reauthorize the nation’s transportation programs for two years at current funding levels. According to the committee, its unanimous approval (18-0) of the bill “illustrates broad bipartisan support for passage by the full Senate.” The committee Friday released the 600 pages of draft text of the $109 billion bill, which includes an additional $12 billion over the current amount to account for inflation. The Senate Finance Committee, which is in charge of finding the additional $12 billion, has not yet announced where funding will come from.
Watch Senator Boxer (D-CA) at EPW Hearing on MAP-21
The bill would consolidate the number of federal transportation programs from 90 to 30. The bill also sets out a new path for project delivery that would allow agencies to better coordinate and would eliminate the lengthy National Environmental Policy Act review process for certain projects that will not have an environmental impact.
MAP-21 would not make significant changes to the existing program but does contain language that would speed project delivery and eliminate earmarks. The bill also contains a $1 billion annual expansion of the popular Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program (TIFIA) loans.
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, which provides funding for state projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, would see some changes. The bill would add particulate matter as one of the pollutants addressed by the program, as well as require performance plans in large metropolitan areas to ensure the funds are being spent properly.
The bill would reform the controversial Transportation Enhancements program, which requires states to spend some money on non-highway projects including bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Under MAP-21, the TE funding would be moved under the existing CMAQ program, although it still would draw dedicated funds. States would also be eligible to apply for additional TE money under the surface transportation mobility program.
After the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee moved their draft transportation bill (MAP-21) out of committee with a successful bipartisan vote, Transportation for America Director James Corless offered this statement:
“The bipartisan passage of the MAP-21 bill in the Senate EPW Committee this morning provides a significant opportunity to move forward on a long overdue authorization of federal transportation policy with full funding to ensure we invest in America’s infrastructure. Key reforms in the bill would place a stronger emphasis on repairing and rebuilding our roads and bridges, while instituting performance measures that will help hold agencies accountable for the maintenance and operations of our transportation network.
“We will work with Chairman Boxer and Ranking Member Inhofe and the rest of the Committee to ensure that there is dedicated funding that prioritizes bicycle and pedestrian projects, strong workforce development provisions and smart transportation planning reforms. We are eager to address these issues so we can put the full strength and weight of our coalition behind the bill as it moves forward in order to make the most of our federal transportation dollars, put people back to work and deliver the transportation system that Americans need.”
S. 1813 is now headed to the full Senate for consideration, where it will be combined with measures from the Senate Committee on Finance, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.
On the House side, the highway reauthorization proposal is currently in the hands of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The current surface transportation bill expires on March 31.
Sources: E&E; T4A; EPW; FleetOwner
California Interregional Blueprint Stakeholder Workshops Nov 4 (Sacramento) / Nov 8 (LA) – Register Now!
By Lauren Michele, October 28, 2011
Join us for upcoming workshops in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and on the Web to help shape California’s future transportation system!
Caltrans is sponsoring workshops to gather early input from state, regional, and local agency staff and interest groups on the development of the California Interregional Blueprint. The California Interregional Blueprint will measure the effectiveness of the State’s and our regional partners’ plans to increase mobility, lower greenhouse gases, and create more sustainable communities.
Workshops will be hosted in Sacramento and Los Angeles, and feature informational presentations, large group discussions and interactive, real-time, electronic polling (allowing instant feedback). Workshops will also be simulcast on the Internet, allowing both in-person and webcast participants to participate in interactive polling exercises. (Please note: If you intend to participate via webcast, you will need a computer with a high-speed Internet connection and speakers.)
Register for the workshops by clicking on the button below:
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with directions to the workshop. If you have questions, please contact Caroline Leary, Cambridge Systematics, at Cleary@camsys.com or via phone at (510) 879-4350 or 711 (TTY). For physical accommodations or other assistance, please contact Caroline as soon as possible but no later than two working days prior to the workshop you plan to attend.
SACRAMENTO
Friday, November 4, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Sacramento Convention Center, Room 202
1400 J Street
Sacramento, California 95814
LOS ANGELES
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Caltrans District 7 Office, Room 01.040 A, B, C
100 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
CALCOG News: California Interregional Blueprint Workshops; CEQA Bills; Policy in Motion Highlighted
By Lauren Michele, September 26, 2011
Federal NewsSenate Committee Adopts “Clean” Reauthorization. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a four month “clean” extension of the surface transportation reauthorization last week. Full Senate will consider next. The House of Representatives has yet to pass a “clean” authorization extension, but signals are that the four month extension should not run into too much trouble. House Marks Up Transporation-HUD Bill. The House Transportation-HUD Appropriations Bill (summary table) is consistent with the Ryan budget and funds Highway Trust Fund programs at “sustainable” levels as estimated by the CBO, meaning that federal-aid highways is set at $27.0 billion, a reduction of $14.1 billion (or 34%). The bill cuts Amtrak subsidies from $563 to $227 million; eliminates funding for high speed, TIGER grant programs, and intercity passenger rail capital grants. It funds mass transit new/small starts at $1.554 billion. Fun Federal Fact: Beginning in 1955 with Eisenhower, every administration but one has transmitted a Highway/Transportation bill to Congress. The exception? The Obama administration. While signaling strong support for infrastructure and transportation investments, the Obama administration stands out as the only one not to have transmitted a proposal to Congress (source Transportation Weekly). NADO Federal Legislative Report Materials. A well done report with graphs, charts, and just enough words. It covers the latest news from Capitol Hill and the federal agencies. There is an overview of the policy and budget outlook for the remainder of this year, including an update on the Debt Deal, the Congressional Super Committee, the FY2012 appropriations process, and a transportation update. |
CEQA Bills
| There were a lot of rumors of potential back room CEQA reform deals this year. Many ideas finally found the light of day in the form of late-session amendments. Three made it to the governor’s desk, one will have to wait for next year. Making the cut are SB 292 (Padilla) (the LA stadium bill), AB 900 (Buchanon) (giving governor discretion to grant streamlining for “environmental leadership development projects”); and SB 226 (Simitian) (solar projects, but also allowing new streamlining for projects that meet performance standards developed by OPR in a number of areas, including greenhouse gases and public health). The odd bill out was SB 931 (Dickinson) that would have allowed streamlining for employment centers and transit proximity projects. But that is why they have two year bills. |
California Interregional Blueprint November Workshops
| Save the Date! CalTrans will hold two California Intraregional Blueprint (CIB) workshops in November. The CIB provides a baseline for the California Transportation Plan and helps meet the requirements of SB 391 (requiring a state long range transportation plan to meet climate change goals). The CIB also complements RTPs. One session will seek input on the methodology that will be used to estimate GhGs for the 2015 California Transportation Plan.
Dates & Places: November 4 (9:00 to 11:30 am) at the Sacramento Convention Center; November 8 at the CalTrans District 7 Headquarters (100 Main Street) in Los Angeles (9:30 am to Noon). Both workshops will be webcast. |
Quick Hits
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CALCOG News: California State Budget and Federal Reauthorization Impacts on Transportation
By Lauren Michele, July 11, 2011
Click here to join the California Association of Councils of Government
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Policy in Motion’s Initial Thoughts on House Transportation Reauthorization Proposal
By Lauren Michele, July 8, 2011
On September 30, 2009 I was teaching a class of undergraduate civil engineering and transportation planning students at UC Davis about the evolution of the federal transportation reauthorization — particularly timely as on the day the current SAFETEA-LU bill expired. A few months prior on my first day interning as a transportation policy analyst in Washington D.C., then Chairman Oberstar of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), proposed language for the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 – a 700+ page document stating that it would “transform federal surface transportation to a performance-based framework to reduce fatalities and injuries on our Nation’s highways, address the mobility and access needs of people and goods, improve the condition, performance, and connectivity of the United States intermodal surface transportation system, provide transportation choices for commuters and travelers, promote environmental sustainability, public health, and the livability of communities, support robust investment in surface transportation, and for other purposes.”
So here we are today – 646 days later — with another House T&I transportation reauthorization proposal described as a “multi-modal initiative” under Chairman Mica which “streamlines and reforms federal programs, expedites the project approval process, maximizes leveraging of limited resources, provides flexibility for states, and ensures long-term funding stability for job-creating transportation programs.”
However, if you ask anyone else paying attention what the proposal will likely achieve you will probably get a different answer.
The $230 billion proposal represents a 19.5% cut from the $286 billion from SAFETEA-LU (not accounting for the impact of inflation), with the “multi-modal initiative” in this proposal including:
- Vague performance measurements for highways, transit, and maintenance/state of good repair
- Major cuts to bicycle, pedestrian, transportation enhancements, and operational Amtrak funds
- Continues split of 20% for transit and 80% for highways
- No longer requires states to spend highway funding on non-highway activities
- No leadership for a federal infrastructure bank
James Corless, director of Transportation for America, responded to the Chairman’s proposal on state flexibility, transit funding and streamlining project delivery outlining that a bill this small would need to be constrained to three key goals:
- Maintaining our national highway and bridge system, which is quickly approaching its mid-life crisis;
- Providing more options such as public transportation, vanpools and safer streets for bicyclists and pedestrians;
- Promoting accountability through meaningful performance measures and a more strategic approach to transportation planning.
My overall take is that the proposal outline carries a mood of “making the most out of our scarce resources” — rather than providing for innovation and leadership. I mean, really, nearly two years later and this is the best we can come up with guys?
US DOT: Secretary LaHood Announces $527 Million in Funding for New Round of TIGER Grants
By Lauren Michele, July 6, 2011
DOT 76-11
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Secretary LaHood Announces $527 Million in Funding for New Round of Popular TIGER Grant Program
Competitively Chosen Projects Will Create Jobs, Lay Foundation for Growth
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that $527 million will be available for a third round of the highly successful TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) competitive grant program, which funds innovative transportation projects that will create jobs and have a significant impact on the nation, a region or a metropolitan area.
“Through the TIGER program, we can build transportation projects that are critical to America’s economic success and help complete those that might not move forward without this infusion of funding,” said Secretary LaHood. “This competition empowers local communities to create jobs and build the transportation networks they need in order to win the future.”
In the FY11 budget President Obama signed in April, $527 million was directed to the Department of Transportation for critical investments in the nation’s transportation infrastructure. States, cities, local governments, and other partnerships and groups will have until this fall to prepare their applications for the popular TIGER program, which has funded high-impact projects including roads, bridges, freight rail, transit buses and streetcars, ports, and bicycle and pedestrian paths.
The previous two rounds of the TIGER grant program provided $2.1 billion to 126 transportation projects in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Demand for the program has been overwhelming, and during the previous two rounds, the Department of Transportation received more than 2,500 applications requesting more than $79 billion for transportation projects across the country.
Projects will be selected based on their ability to contribute to the long-term economic competitiveness of the nation, improve the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, improve energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve the safety of U.S. transportation facilities and improve the quality of living and working environments of communities through increased transportation choices and connections. The Department will also focus on projects that are expected to quickly create and preserve jobs and spur rapid increases in economic activity.
For more information, please visit http://www.dot.gov/tiger/.
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