7B Motion to Direct Staff to Apply for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Transportation Enhancements Funding

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Applying for Transportation Enhancements (TE) Funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) There is approximately $7.5 million available to the seven-county region for Transportation Enhancements projects from the ARRA. This is a solicitation for project applications for the use of these funds. Eligible Applicants State agencies, cities and counties in the seven-county metropolitan area, regional park agencies, or non- profit organizations with an application that is sponsored by a public agency are eligible for Transportation Enhancements funding. All applicants are limited to only one proposal to be considered for funding. Directions for Submittal of Applications Applications must be received by the Metropolitan Council by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3. Applicants may submit their application via email to or by mail at 390 Robert Street james.andrew@metc.state.mn.us North, St Paul, MN 55101. Applications received later than this time will not be accepted. Policies for ARRA Transportation Enhancements Funding The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) will not award more than $1,300,000 in Transportation Enhancements funds for a specific project. An applicant may request funding for a project that has a cost higher than this amount but must identify what funds it will use to fund the remainder of the project. All cost increases must be paid for with local funds. An applicant’s financial participation that reduces the amount of ARRA funding being requested is encouraged, and such participation will be considered in project evaluation. TAB reserves the right to partially fund any project. The TAB will not award a grant of less than $125,000 in Transportation Enhancements funds. Project applicants can “bundle” projects together to meet this minimum. (Example: Bundled projects could consist of signing and lighting a number of bike trails in several cities.) Communities may want to consider using joint powers agreements for implementing bundled projects. Applications may be for projects which are not in the 2009-2012 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) or for projects in the 2009-2012 TIP currently programmed for 2010 and later. Projects currently programmed for 2009 are not eligible for ARRA Transportation Enhancements funding. The following items must be approved by State Aid in order for the project to be authorized: Environmental Documentation Right-of-Way Certificate Plans Specifications Estimates Failure to have any of these items approved by November 13, 2009 will result in a loss of funds to the project. The following types of projects are eligible for receiving Transportation Enhancements funds: 1.Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles. 2.Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists. 3.Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites including historic battlefields. 03/19/2009