Federal Funding for Active Transportation and Recreation-Wesley Blount

September 11, 2014 1

Understanding the role of livability and Funding Mechanism.

Understanding Byways eligibility under TAP.

SRTS (Safe Routes to School) and Funding Opportunities.

Resources/Contacts.

2

The Role of Livability

3

Livability is about tying the quality and location of transportation facilities to broader opportunities such as access to good jobs, affordable housing,

quality schools, and safe streets.

Livable communities improve the quality of life in

urban, suburban, and rural communities by promoting principles and projects that integrate

land use, transportation, housing, and conservation of open green space and natural

resources.

“Livability” is dependent upon the

vision articulated by the residents and

other stakeholders of a community.

One Size Does Not Fit All!

The U. S. Department of Transportation has made livable communities a high

priority.

Getting from point “A” to point “B.”

Connectivity

Safety

A network that benefits everyone

6

A strong collaboration among a broad range of participants.

Enhancement of user mobility through the creation of more convenient transportation options for travelers.

Improvement of accessibility and transport services for economically disadvantaged populations.

7

Placefit Community Characteristics Database

FHWA Livable Communities Discussion Board

Sustainable Highways Tool (INVEST)

Partnership for Sustainable Communities

8

TAP (Transportation Alternative Program).

CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program).

STP (Surface Transportation Program).

HSIP (Highway Safety Improvement Programs).

9

10

Byways Eligibility Under TAP

National Scenic Byways program remains in law.

Grant element was not funded by MAP-21.

Restoration of Scenic Byway funding.

11

Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities related to a byway.

Bicycle and pedestrian along a byway.

Landscaping and scenic features maybe eligible as part of the construction any Federal-aid highway project under 23 U.S.C 319, including TAP funded projects.

12

Creation of a visitor Center

Construction of a museum

Marketing/Advertising, etc.

13

Improvement to existing transportation choices along the byway by enhancing connections between automobile, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian options for byway travelers or by reducing congestion on existing byway facilities.

Enhancement of the unique characteristics of all communities by investing in healthy, safe and walkable neighborhoods – rural, urban or suburban.

14

Outcomes:

Pedestrian bulb-outs

Wider-than-standard sidewalks

Utilities placed underground through the town’s core area

16

To enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school.

To make bicycling and walking safer and more appealing transportation alternative.

To facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will approve safety

17

Under MAP-21 SRTS is no longer a stand alone program.

All SRTS and eligibilities are folded under TAP.

Must meet the 80/20 match or subject to a sliding scale rate.

Funds can be used for non-infrastructure and infrastructure projects.

Other Eligible funds include STP and HSIP Funds.

18

o At least 10%, but not more than 30% of funding is required for non-infrastructure projects.

Sessions Bicycle and pedestrian safety and health

Bicycle and pedestrian materials and trainers

Awareness campaign in Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

o At least 70%, but not more than 90% of funding is required for infrastructure projects.

Bicycle facilities

Sidewalk improvements

Bicycle and pedestrian crossing improvements

**This requirement does not apply to MAP-21/TAP funds.

19

Before After

20

Before After

21

Before After

22

Resources

23

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/safe_routes_to_school/guidance/

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/

◦ Grant Info

◦ Logo Requests

◦ Contacts, etc.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways

◦ Include the National Scenic byways and All American Roads

◦ Offer maps, photos, visitor information, etc.

24

Livability

Shana Baker

(202) 366-4649

Shana.Baker@dot.gov

Byways & SRTS

Wesley Blount

(202) 366-0799

Wesley.Blount@dot.gov

25