1.What are eligible construction activities for the TE program?
All projects must be surface transportation related.
Proposed projects must qualify on one of the 12 Activities of Enhancement Projects to be eligible for federal funding. (Please
Note: For the Round 16 year, Activity 3 projects
will not be eligible in Arizona for funding.)
2. Who can apply?
Anyone can apply. However, interested applicants must be sponsored by a federal, state, tribal or local government.
3. How do I apply for a project?
The first step is to contact your local Metropolitan Planning Organization or Council of Government (MPO/COG) to discuss your project. The next step is to work with one MPO/COG in filling out the Project Application.
4. When are the due dates?
Each MPO/COG has their own due dates for applications, which are usually in the summer months. ADOT requires all applications to be submitted by the MPO/COGs in early September.
5. Is there a maximum project dollar amount? A minimum?
For projects that take place on the National
Highway System or within ADOT right of way (also
called state projects), the federal funding
cap is $1.0 million per project. For projects not
on the National Highway System or within ADOT right of way
(called local projects), the federal aid
cap is $500,000 per project.
To get an idea of funding amounts for previous TE projects,
please visit Feature Projects,
which contain lists of funding amounts for awarded
TE projects for previous years.
6. How often can I apply?
You can apply as often as you want. However, you
need to check with the MPO/COGs regarding their
application procedures.
7. Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, all applications must be prepared through the
local MPO/COG.
8. Do I get the money up front?
No. The TE program is a reimbursement program. Project
sponsors must pay all costs and then request reimbursement
expenditures as specified in the Joint
Project Agreement between ADOT and the funded
sponsor.
9. Is there a cash match? What other out
of pocket money?
All local projects require a minimum of 5.7% hard
cash match. The sponsor must pay for
their own environmental and project assessment work,
which is not reimbursable. Also, if a part of the
scope of work does not meet the criteria for TE
projects, it is not reimbursable.
10. What is the difference between a state
and a local project?
At least 75% of state projects occurs on the National
Highway System or within ADOT right of way. A local
project does not occur on the National Highway System
or within ADOT right of way, but rather on local
city, county, and tribal land.
11. Do I have to own the land the project is on?
No. A TE project can occur on private or government
land. The sponsor will be responsible for the Right of Way
Clearance process prior to bid advertisements.
12. Does the TE program pay for artwork, signage, lighting, parking, restrooms, utility undergrounding?
The TE program pays for artwork, lighting, parking, and utility undergrounding with the following conditions:
1) Artwork must be an integral part of the project. Stand alone public art for it’s own sake is not permitted.
2) Stand-alone parking lots are not fundable. Parking areas are fundable if they are essential to the transportation facility, such as scenic overlook.
3) Placing utilities underground is fundable only if it is ancillary to the project. The cost of utility work shall not exceed 25% of the federal share of the project.
4) Rest rooms are not fundable except in welcome centers. |
13. Can I use TE money for maintenance of the project
after it is completed?
No. The sponsor is responsible for maintenance
of the project area as it was designed.
14. Is there a timeline for project development?
Yes. The Project
Timeline includes, among others, scoping, environmental
clearance, final design, right of way and utility
clearance. The process normally takes 36 months
from the date of the TE annual workshop to bid-ready.
15. Can local government entities bid and
administer their projects?
Yes, provided the entity has Certification
Acceptance by ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA). As of December 2007, there are 6 jurisdictions
in Arizona that have certification: City of Phoenix,
City of Tucson, Maricopa County, Pima County, City
of Tempe, and City of Mesa. Other entities may request
to self-bid and administer their projects by submitting
a written request to the TE Section Manager. Requests
will be judged on a case by case basis.
16. How do you deal with cost overruns?
The agency sponsoring the project is responsible
for cost overruns.
17. If a project is cancelled for unforeseen reasons can I reapply later?
Yes. Funds from cancelled projects will be placed into the state or local funding category for future awards.
18. In our pathway project, can we use enhancement funds to construct a rest area with a playground, drinking fountain, picnic tables, and restrooms?
No. Such a facility would be a park for recreational use and not transportation related. However, the installation of drinking fountains, benches or decorative seat walls, landscaping, and gateway markers that enhance the aesthetic resources of the corridor would be eligible for funding provided your pathway project is eligible for TE funds. Then these facilities are eligible for funding as a subcomponent of your larger pathway project.
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