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Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

Summary Document

Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions

Municipality of Anchorage, Community Development Department, Transportation Planning Section

4700 Elmore Road, Anchorage, AK 99507

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Introduction

This summary documents the Transportation Alternatives Program process used by the Anchorage MPO, AMATS, to establish a TAP methodology, identify candidate projects, solicit stakeholder feedback, and determine project funding recommendations.

1. TAP Overview Process This document provides the overview for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) process including the schedule of activities.

2. TAP Instruction This document provides the background on the TAP including eligible/ineligible projects and activities, eligible sponsors, selection criteria, selection process, process timeline, submission instruction, and public involvement.

3. TAP Submittal Form This is the form for project sponsors to submit the TAP projects.

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1. TAP Overview Process

Call for projects February 11, 2016

Project submittal due March 14, 2016

MPO staff conducts the analysis and scoring March 2016

Public can view the process and proposed projects on the website at http://www.muni.org/transplan and send comments to amatsinfo@muni.org.

February 11, 2016 – March 11, 2016

TAC & PC final project approvals April 2016

Submit projects to ADOT&PF April 2016

Funding agreement between ADOT&PF and Municipality of Anchorage (MOA)

May 2016

MOA reviews, signs, and sends back funding agreement to ADOT&PF

June 2016

Fully executed agreement between ADOT&PF and the MOA June 2016

Implementation of Projects July 2016

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2. Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Instruction

i. Introduction Map-21 created the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to replace former funding programs such as Safe Routes to School, Recreational Trails Program and Transportation Enhancements. MAP-21 apportioned funding distributions to MPOs with greater than 200,000 urbanized area populations to direct to MPO area projects. The Anchorage urban area MPO, AMATS’ allocations were estimated at $869,595 in 2013, $887,062 in 2014 and $590,565 in 2015. A local match of 20% is required for all TAP projects.

ii. Available Funding MAP-21 requires MPOs to use a competitive project selection process for TAP funds. FHWA is responsible for reviewing MPO processes and ensuring they comply with MAP-21. FHWA also requires the MPO use a public review process prior to finalizing its TAP projects selection methodology. Submittal of individual project phases is encouraged, however this requires a commitment by the local jurisdiction to carrying the project forward to completion using local funds if necessary (future phases would also be able to compete for additional federal funding awards). As part of the TAP application, project sponsors will be required to submit written confirmation of who will assume ownership of proposed project facilities and who will be responsible for maintaining those facilities if their project is selected. Jurisdictions can submit requests for partial funding for existing projects or project phases if needed, where TAP funding is needed to complete project funding.

iii. Eligible Projects Eligible projects are: Construction, planning and design of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, traffic calming techniques, lighting and other safety related infrastructure, and transportation projects to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Also eligible are construction, planning, and design of infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to access daily needs. For more information on eligible projects, visit the following link: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/qandas/qatap.cfm#eligibility

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iv. Eligible Project Sponsors Eligible project sponsors include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource or public land agencies, school districts, local education agencies and schools, tribal governments, any local or regional governmental entity with responsibility for oversight of transportation or recreational trails (other than a metropolitan planning organization or a State agency). Under TAP, nonprofits are not eligible as direct grant recipients of the funds. Nonprofits are eligible to partner with any eligible entity on an eligible TAP project.

v. Selection Criteria Projects will be selected based on the criteria below. Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS) staff will check projects for eligibility, then score and rank the projects based on the criteria below. The Criteria will have six (6) categories: 1. Implementing Active Transportation or Mobility Plan (up to 12 points)

Does the project improve the ability or future ability to use walking and bicycling facilities for everyday activities including travel to work, school and shopping? (6 points)

Does the project help implement the goals of the AMATS Anchorage Bike Plan, Anchorage Pedestrian Plan and Anchorage Trails Plan? (6 points)

2. Land Use Connectivity (up to 14 points) Project provides a connection or proposed future connection to/from a

neighborhood (5 points) Project provides a connection or proposed future connection to/from

employment/retail center (3 points) Project provides a connection or proposed future connection to/from a

school (3 points) Project provides a connection or proposed future connection to/from a park

or recreation center (3 points)

3. Transportation System Connectivity (up to 14 points) Does the project improve a connection or propose an improved future

connection to transit service? (4 points) Does the project connect or propose an improved future connection to other

transportation modes and/or transportation facilities? (4 points) Does the project connect or propose an improved future connection to an

existing facility of the same mode or fill a gap? (3 points) Does the project extend key parts or plan to extend key parts of the

Anchorage trail system? (3 points)

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4. Incorporates Pedestrian and Bicycle Design Enhancements and Promotes Active Living (up to 10 points)

Does the project provide recommendations or plan to provide pedestrian and bicycle areas with landscaping, sidewalk design or crossing treatments? (5 points)

Does the project provide or plan to provide bike racks and lighting which encourage pedestrians and cyclists to utilize infrastructure which provides health and environmental benefits. (5 points)

5. Safety & Mobility (up to 14 points)

If applicable, does the project address or identify an existing safety problem? (5 points)

Does the project address or identify a barrier to mobility? (4 points) Does the project improve or plan to improve mobility for disadvantaged

populations, such as elderly, disabled, minority, and low income populations? (5 points)

6. Project readiness and viability (up to 14 points)

Is the project or project phase very likely to meet fund obligation requirements in the funding availability timeframe? (2 points)

Is the project/program part of an adopted plan? (2 points) Does the project have demonstrated local government support? (2 points) Does the project have demonstrated community/public support? (2 points) Does the project have documented source for the 20% match and any other

necessary and additional local expenditures? (yes = 2 points, maybe = 0pts, no = -2pts)

Is right of way in hand or is acquisition in process using local funds? (yes =4 points, maybe = 0pts, no = -4pts)

Total Possible Points: 78

vi. Selection Process Eligible sponsors submit projects to AMATS (due on March 14, 2016) AMATS staff scores projects based on evaluation criteria AMATS releases the scores to the applicants AMATS TAC approves the project list Projects are submitted to ADOT&PF AMATS amends the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to include the

selected projects ADOT&PF amends the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to

include the projects

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Project sponsor follows all ADOT&PF requirements for consultant selection, right-of-way acquisition, environmental clearance, and project letting.

vii. TAP Process Timeline Call for Projects February 11, 2016 Project Submittal Due March 14, 2016 AMATS Staff Conduct Analysis & Scoring March, 2016 AMATS TAC/PC Approves Final Projects April, 2016 Submit Projects to ADOT&PF April, 2016

viii. Submission Instruction

Submit the submittal form and all attachments to Craig Lyon by Monday, March 14, 2016 electronically at lyonch@muni.org or by mail to: Attn: TAP Process Municipality of Anchorage Community Development Department Transportation Planning Section 4700 Elmore Road Anchorage, Alaska 99507

ix. Public Involvement AMATS will host the public meeting for public review and comment on proposed projects in March 2016. The exact date, location and time is to be determined. These meeting details will be posted on the AMATS website when the call for TAP nominations is released, February 11, 2016.

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Appendix Examples of Transportation Alternatives Eligible Projects

Activity Eligible Not Eligible Activity #1:

Construction, planning, and design of on-road and off- road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, traffic calming techniques, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure, and transportation projects to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

Planning for pedestrian and bicycle activities

Trails on and off road New Sidewalks Rehabilitating existing

sidewalks to comply with ADA standards and to improve pedestrian access

Other ADA pedestrian improvements including curb ramps and truncated domes

Bicycle lanes Bicycle parking and

bus racks Bicycle and pedestrian

bridges and underpasses

Rails-with-Trails Equestrian trails when

built along with a shared use path

Sidewalk repair, drainage improvements or other maintenance activities

Circular trails/sidewalks

Facilities located wholly on one site or property that do not provide a connection to existing trails or sidewalks outside the site or property

Trails for equestrian use only

Recreational facilities Any non-ADA

compliant trail/sidewalk facility

Way-finding signage/program as a stand along project

Activity #2: Construction, planning and design of infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers including children, older adults and individuals with disabilities to access daily needs.

Planning for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure-related projects and systems

Pedestrian and bicycle signals and crosswalks

Pedestrian lighting and other safety-related infrastructure

Safe connections to public transportation

Bicycle and pedestrian safety/educational programs (see SRTS eligibilities for K-8)

Lighting fixtures intended for aesthetic purposes only (instances where adequate lighting already exists)

Roadway lighting

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Activity Eligible Not Eligible Activity #3 Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists or other non-motorized transportation users

Rails-to-Trails Facilities Projects solely to preserve abandoned railroad right of way

Trail facilities for motorized vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, etc.)

Maintenance and/or upkeep of trails (including the purchase of equipment)

Activity #4 Construction of turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas

Turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas that interpret a scenic or historic site

Interpretation and other amenities installed without construction of a turnout, overlook or viewing area

Safety rest areas Visitor/welcome

centers Farmers markets,

entertainment pavilions, etc.

Staffing, operating or maintenance costs of the pull off

Marketing and promotional activities

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Activity Eligible Not Eligible Activity #5 Inventory, control or removal of outdoor advertising

Billboard inventories including those done with GIS/GPS

Removal of illegal and non-conforming billboards (non-conforming signs are those lawfully erected but that no longer comply with the Highway Beautification Act of 1965)

Administration or operating expenses involved in State outdoor advertising program activities

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Activity Eligible Not Eligible Activity #6 Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities

Rehabilitation and/or restoration of historic transportation facilities including: train depots, rail trestles, bridges, lighthouses, bus terminals, tunnels, canals, locks and tow paths

Properties previously owned and operated by the railroad (example railway offices and station master’s house)

Historic toll facilities

Historic buildings that are not part of the historic transportation infrastructure (for example: inns and taverns, gas stations and carriage houses)

Projects that do not intend to comply with Secretary of the Interior Standards for Restoration and Rehabilitation

Improvements that will not maintain the historic integrity of the structure

Operation of historic transportation facilities

Spaces not open/accessible to the public

Spaces used in for-profit enterprises

Constructing a replica of a historic transportation facility

Construction of new rail/passenger stations

Transportation infrastructure not related to surface transportation (i.e. air and space travel)

Activity #7: Vegetation management practices in transportation rights of way

Vegetation to improve transportation safety (could include removal of vegetation to

Landscaping as scenic beautification/stand-alone landscaping project

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Activity Eligible Not Eligible improve sight

distance) Removal/management

of invasive species Planting of grasses or

wildflowers to manage/prevent erosion along transportation corridors

Landscaping off transportation rights of way

Gateway signage

Activity #8: Archaeological activities relating to impacts from implementation of a transportation project

Archeological excavations and surveys related to a transportation project

Archeological activities required as part of MAP-21 eligible project

Interpretation and display of artifacts discovered as part of a transportation project

Archeological activities not related to a transportation project eligible under federal Title 23

Activity #9: Environmental mitigation activities to decrease the negative impacts of roads on the natural environment

Stormwater management activities related to highway run-off that address water pollution and improve the ecological balance of local streams and rivers

Detention and sediment basins

Stream channel stabilization

Storm drain stenciling and river/stream clean-ups

Drainage improvements related to poor maintenance

Stormwater management activities not related to highway run-off and water pollution

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Activity Eligible Not Eligible Activity #10: Wildlife mortality mitigation activities to decrease the negative impacts of roads on the natural environment

Wetlands acquisition and restoration

Wildlife underpasses and overpasses to improve wildlife passage and habitat connectivity

Improvements to decrease vehicle-caused wildlife mortality

Projects not related to the negative impacts of highway construction

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Project Eligibility Information from FHWA

See TAP Eligible Projects Legislation for the text from 23 U.S.C. 213(b) and 101(a)(29). Eligible TAP projects must be sponsored by an eligible entity and selected through the competitive process.

1. Is planning eligible as an independent TAP project?

Yes. Planning for pedestrian and bicycle activities is eligible as an independent TAP project. Section 101(a)(29) does not specify if "construction, planning, and design" limits planning to a component of a TAP project, or whether planning may be an independent project related to projects eligible under TAP. Title 23 has sections that use "and" to describe both related and unrelated types of activities, therefore FHWA believes that section 101(a)(29) can support both planning components and independent planning projects.

2. Is landscaping and scenic enhancement eligible as an independent project?

Under the "community improvement activities" category, projects such as streetscaping and corridor landscaping may be eligible under TAP if sponsored by an eligible entity and selected through the required competitive process. States may use TAP funds to meet junkyard screening and removal requirements under 23 U.S.C. 136 if sponsored by an eligible entity and selected through the competitive process. Landscaping and scenic enhancement features, including junkyard removal and screening, may be eligible as part of the construction of any Federal-aid highway project, including any TAP-funded projects.15

3. Is lighting eligible using TAP funds?

Yes. Lighting is eligible for bicycle and pedestrian facilities16 and may be appropriate as part of other eligible TAP categories. Project sponsors should consider energy-efficient methods and options that reduce light pollution.

4. Is utility relocation eligible using TAP funds?

Utility relocation that is necessary to accommodate a TAP-eligible project may be eligible for Federal reimbursement only if permitted under State law or policy. Federal law and regulation (23 U.S.C. 123, Relocation of utility facilities, and 23 CFR 645,Utilities) recognize that some States, by State law or policy, prohibit using public funds to relocate utilities; in these States, it isillegal to use TAP funds to relocate utilities.17

5. Are road diets eligible using TAP funds?

Road Diets are among FHWA's Proven Safety Countermeasures. If work to benefit eligible TAP activities would cause impacts to a highway, requiring reconstruction resulting in a road diet, then TAP funds may cover most costs of a road diet.

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6. Are bike sharing systems eligible for TAP funds?

Yes. Bike sharing systems are eligible for Federal-aid highway program funds, including TAP funds. See Frequently asked Questions and Answers concerning Bike Sharing. In addition to bike sharing docks, equipment, and other capital costs, FHWA funds from several sources, including TAP, may be used to purchase bicycles that are integral to a bike sharing system. Federal-aid highway program funds cannot be used for operational costs.

7. What is eligible under "construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas"?

The activity "construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas" may use the criteria for "scenic overlooks" described in 23 CFR 752.6: "Scenic overlooks may provide facilities equivalent to those provided in safety rest area[s]" described in 23 CFR 752.5.18

8. Does the transportation purpose requirement in 23 U.S.C. 217(i) apply to trail projects funded under TAP or STP?

No. MAP-21 revised 23 U.S.C. 133(b) (STP) and added transportation alternatives and recreational trail projects as eligible STP projects and enacted §213(b) (TAP) to allow eligibility for recreational trails projects eligible under the RTP. This conflicts with 23 U.S.C. 217(i), which requires that bicycle facilities "be principally for transportation, rather than recreation, purposes". Effective under MAP-21, the requirement in 23 U.S.C. 217(i) does not apply to bicycle facilities using STP or TAP funds. However, Section 217(i) continues to apply to bicycle facilities using other Federal-aid highway program funds (NHPP, HSIP, CMAQ, etc.). Note that Section 217(i) makes the transportation requirement applicable only to bicycle projects; it does not apply to any other trail use or transportation mode.

9. Are resilience improvements eligible for TAP funds?

Making transportation systems more resilient to changing environmental conditions is an important aspect of maintaining a state of good repair. Federal-aid highway planning and projects, including activities funded via TAP, may include climate and extreme weather resiliency elements to make transportation systems more reliable. For further information, please see FHWA guidanceon funding climate adaptation.

Note: For §101(a)(29)(E), FHWA defines "including" as "which include, but not limited to".

1 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(3) 2 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(4)(A) 3 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(4)(A) 4 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(4)(A) 5 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(4)(A) 6 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(3) 7 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(3)(B) 8 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(4) 9 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(4) 10 2 CFR 200.306(b)(5) 11 42 U.S.C. 5305

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12 23 U.S.C. 126 and 133(b)(11) 13 23 U.S.C. 126(b)(2) 14 23 U.S.C. 134(j)(3) [TIP] and 23 U.S.C. 135(g)(5)(C) [STIP] 15 23 U.S.C. 319 16 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(29)(A) 1723 U.S.C. 123, Relocation of utility facilities, and 23 CFR 645, Utilities 18 23 CFR 752.5 and 23 CFR 752.6 19 23 U.S.C. 213(f) and (g) 20 23 U.S.C. 213(f)(2) 21 23 U.S.C. 213(f)(3) 22 23 U.S.C. 213(g) 23 23 U.S.C. 206(c) 24 23 U.S.C. 213(f)(3) 25 23 U.S.C. 206(c)(2) and 23 U.S.C. 213(f) 26 23 U.S.C. 213(g) 27 23 U.S.C. 213(c)(4)(b) 28 23 U.S.C. 213(e) 29 23 U.S.C. 206(d)(2)(H) 30 23 U.S.C. 213(b)(2), 23 U.S.C. 133(b)(20) 31 23 U.S.C. 126