NIRPC TAP & STP-1 Applications Forms – DUE MAY 17th!

NirpcGBLogocopyALL Applications are due to NIRPC by 4pm on May 17th.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) & Surface Transportation Program (STP) Group I Joint Solicitation for Projects April-May 2013

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE FILLING OUT APPLICATION(S)!

NIRPC is undertaking a joint solicitation for new projects under the TAP & STP Group I federal funding for 2013. In 2012 President Obama signed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) law which significantly changed the former Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding program. Most notably is the elimination of the stand-alone Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, which has now been combined with former TE-eligible projects into the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). NIRPC’s Ped, Pedal and Paddle Committee (3PC) will review and rank projects related to bicycle and pedestrian transportation and SRTS.

Under TAP, NIRPC’s Environmental Management Policy Committee (EMPC) will directly review and rank eligible water management and wildlife safety and habitat projects.

In addition, NIRPC’s Surface Transportation Program Subcommittee allocated $800,000 for the next two fiscal years for bicycle and pedestrian projects only. This dedicated STP Group I funding will be reviewed and ranked by the 3PC.

All units of government in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties are eligible for TAP funding. ONLY Lake & Porter County governmental units are eligible for STP-1 funding.

Applications for BOTH TAP and STP-1 are due to NIRPC on or prior to Friday, May 17, 2013. Late applications will be discarded and not considered for funding.

Total TAP funding available for this application cycle is $981,101. ALL project phases are eligible. The target breakdown per funding category is as follows:

a. Bicycle & Pedestrian: $784,881 (80% of total). MAX request: $261,627 (1/3 of 80%)

b. Environment & Historic: $98,110 (10% of total). MAX request: $49,055 (1/2 of 10%)

c. Safe Routes to School: $98,110 (10% of total)

MAX request Infrastructure Projects: $68,677 (70% of 10%)

MAX request Non-Infrastructure Projects: $29,433 (30% of 10%)

For STP Group I funding, only construction and limited right-of-way is eligible. MAX request is $800,000 which represents the full allotment.

Application Prep Tips:

1) There are two types of GENERAL application forms to fill out:

a. TAP & STP-1: Bicycle & Pedestrian, Environmental & Historic Projects

b. Safe Routes to School: Infrastructure & Non-Infrastructure (different forms for each)

2) In addition to the application form, you will need to fill out a SCORING SHEET for the following project categories:

a. TAP: Bicycle & Pedestrian, Environmental and Historic

b. STP Group I: Use the TAP Bicycle & Pedestrian Scoring Sheet for ALL projects

3) Safe Routes to School has two applications forms for either infrastructure or non-infrastructurebased projects. BOTH applications require student tally and parent surveys. These are time-consuming and must be planned several weeks in advance of the application deadline. Provided with the applications is detailed information on correctly filling out either application.

4) INDOT provides an excellent Safe Routes to School information clearinghouse page which can be accessed here: http://www.in.gov/indot/2355.htm

5) NIRPC requires ONE hard copy and ONE electronic copy of each application. PDF format is preferred.

6) The person submitting the application MUST be either the LPA’s Employee in Responsible Charge (ERC) or the Chief Elected Officer (CEO). A transmittal letter should be prepared – it may be transmitted with the application(s) (as part of a PDF file) or submitted separately. We do not need the original letter.

7) Please forward applications to Mitch Barloga at mbarloga@nirpc.org. Same if responding by US Mail. If you have any questions, please contact Mitch at (219) 763-6060 or mbarloga@nirpc.org.

8) Please refer to the schedule within for important dates of review and approval meetings.

2013 TAP Environmental and Wildlife Vegetation Criteria

2013 TAP SRTS Non-Infrastructure

2013 NIRPC TAP Info and Guidance

2013 Historic Criteria

2013 TAP Pedestrian and Bicycle Project

2013 TAPS SRTS Infrastructure