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Home My WebLink AboutSUPPTL INFO - CMAQ Funds COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS DATE: May 17, 2007 TO: CVAG Member Jurisdictions Interested Public Agencies FROM: John Wohlmuth, Executive Director SUBJECT: CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS APPLICATION PACKAGE The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) announces a Call for Projects to program Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds provided through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). An estimated $5 million is available for programming in the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB1. The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is reviewing available programming balances that may increase the amount available for this Call for Projects. RCTC will review and provide CMAQ balance information prior to CVAG's adoption of the CMAQ Program. Funding is available for programming in fiscal years 2007/08 through 2012/13. It should be noted that the amounts available are estimates provided by Caltrans through RCTC and can be adjusted by Obligational Authority levels set by Congress, air basin reclassifications within the State, or other unforeseen reasons. INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND The CMAQ Program was created under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 , continued under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 S` Century (TEA-21 ), and reauthorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU►. The purpose of the CMAQ Program is to fund transportation projects or programs that will contribute to attainment or maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. The CMAQ Program supports two important goals, improving air quality and relieving congestion. By choosing to fund a CMAQ Project, a State or local government can improve air quality and make progress towards achieving attainment status and ensuring compliance with the transportation conformity provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA). NAG ■ 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200 ■ Palm Desert, CA 92260-2516 ■ Phone(760) 346-1127 ■ Fax (760) 340-5949 ELIGIBLE PROJECTS / PROGRAMS The primary purpose of the CMAQ Program is to fund improvement projects and programs that will assist non-attainment and maintenance areas to reduce transportation related emissions. Projects are required to cost a minimum of 5200,000 or more to be considered eligible for this application. The type of activities eligible for CMAQ funds include: ■ Transportation activities in an approved State Implementation Plan (SIP) or Maintenance Plan. CVAG is expecting notification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sometime in May that the Coachella Valley is in compliance with the national PM 10 standard. In order to maintain compliance, the Coachella Valley must continue the PM10 control measures identified within the Coachella Valley SIP. To this end, CVAG has set aside 52,000,000 of the available CMAQ funding to encourage the Iocal municipal jurisdictions to continue the following SIP identified activities: o Clean Streets Management o PM 10 Paving Improvements o Windbreaks/Wind Fence Improvements o Soil Stabilization Improvements In addition, the Regional PM 10 Street Sweeping Program has proven to be a systematic approach in reducing entrained road dust emissions using a fleet of alternative fuel sweepers. This program must also be retained in order to remain in compliance with the national PM10 standard. CVAG has set aside 52,000,000 of the available CMAQ funding to replace the existing fleet of sweepers. ■ Transportation Control Measures - bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs and updating the 2001 Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. ■ Traffic Flow Improvement Programs to develop and establish management systems for traffic congestion reduction, signal synchronization, intersection improvements, and grade separation improvements spanning railroad tracks. ■ Transit Improvements - public transportation facilities and equipment, and intermodal transportation facilities and systems used to increase and enhance transit ridership. CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS-APPL/CATION PACKAGE-PAGE 2 OF 17 This listing of eligible projects is not all encompassing. Please review the Federal CMAQ Program Guidance (Attachment A) for specific information on program eligibility and requirements. CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS-APPLICAT/ON PACKAGE-PAGE 3 OF 17 All projects funded with CMAQ funds must be included in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). CMAQ funded projects/programs are subject to all Title 23 United States Code requirements, the Uniform Relocation Act, all federal, state and local environmental laws, and Caltrans administrative guidelines. The proposed projects/programs must demonstrate that: 1 .) They will address ozone, carbon monoxide, and PM10 conditions in non- attainment or maintenance designated areas; 2,) The federal funds requested will not replace other state and local funding available for these same purposes but will augment existing programs/projects or fund new efforts; and 3.) State and/or local funds are available to meet the required match of 1 1 .47%. PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA Proposals for CMAQ funding should include a precise description of the project, providing information on its size, scope, location, and schedule. In the schedule include time for Caltrans and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approvals. An assessment of the project's expected emission reduction benefits will be obtained by CVAG prior to project selection. ■ Air Qualitv: Projects that will result in improved air quality. ■ Congestion Mitigation: Projects resulting in improved traffic flow and subsequent reduction in transportation-related emissions. ■ Safetv: Project which will result in improved safety. ■ Project Readiness: Projects ready and as close to construction as possible (i.e. completing engineering and design, environmental and right of way clearance) and leveraging other funds to support the project. ■ Cost Effectiveness: Projects will be evaluated on specific factors that affect emission reductions and costs. No priority order or weight is placed on the selection criteria. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS All agencies wishing to apply for CMAQ funds in the Salton Sea Air Basin must submit one (1) original application and five (5) copies (total of six) signed by an individual authorized to act on behalf of the entity submitting the application. The original application should be submitted unbound on white, 8 %2" x 11 " paper. CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPL/CAT/ON PACKAGE—PAGE 4 OF 17 When possible, any charts, illustrations, pictures, etc. should be affixed to standard size paper for easy reproduction. The enclosed application format must be used for all submittals. Additional pages may be added if more space is required. If you would like a copy of the application form e-mailed to you, please call Valarie Franklin at (760) 346-1127. If your agency is submitting multiple project applications, please provide a project priority list. All applications must be received by CVAG at its office located at 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 200, Palm Desert, CA 92260-2516 by 4:00 p.m., Mondav, Julv 2, 2007. Postmarks, facsimile or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. PROGRAMMING PROCESS In order for an eligible project/program to be approved and receive funding, it must go through the following process: 1 .) Applications are submitted by eligible entities by 4:00 p.m. on July 2, 2007. 2.) Applications are reviewed and rated based upon established selection criteria. 3.1 Applications approved for funding by CVAG are submitted to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for approval. 4.) Upon approval by RCTC, projects will be submitted to the Southern Cafifornia Association of Governments (SCAG) for approval and inclusion in the next update to the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP). 5.) SCAG RTIP - approved projects are forwarded to Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for review, approval and inclusion in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). Projects which can be administratively amended (exempt from conformity analysis) may be approved in the RTIP on a faster timeframe than those that require transportation modeling. 6.) Local agencies will be notified upon federal approval to proceed with implementation by processing required documents through Caltrans District 8 Local Assistance Office or the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) if project is transit related. Entities may not incur chargeable project work until receipt of final federal approval (Obligation Authority) through the Caltrans Local Assistance Office. Should you have any questions regarding this CMAQ Call for Projects please call Aurora Kerr, Director Community Resources Department, at (760) 346-1 127. Attachments:Federa/ CMAQ Program Guidance CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS-APPLICATION PACKAGE-PAGE 5 OF 97 APPLICATION FORMAT I. APPLICANT INFORMATION Lead Agency: Address: Contact Person: Title: Telephone#: Fax #: E-mail Address: If Joint Project, include partner agency name, contact person, and phone number: Project Name: Project Description: Project Limits: Amount CMAQ Requested: $ Source(s) of Match: Amount of Match: $ Total Project Cost: $ II. SCHEDULE AND BUDGET NOTE: CMAQ Funds will be made available as soon us the project is included in the FTIP. Non-capacity enhancing projects or projects that do not reguire modeling can be included as an Administrative Amendment to the FTIP und wil! take approximately 4-6 months to process after CVAG's actoption of the program. Capacity Enhuncing and/or projects that require trunsportation modeling would be included in the 2008 FTIP, which woulcl be processecl und federully approved in October 2008. Amount (In 000's) Projected Projected Start Date End Date Mo/Yr o/Yr Com onents CMAQ $ Other $ Other$ Environmental Desi & En ineerin ROW/Site Ac uisition Construction Equipment to be urchased Pro'ect Com letion TOTAL CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPL/CAT/ON PACKAGE—PAGE 6 OF 17 III. SCOPE OF WORK A. Fully describe the proposed project. Include details on the tasks involved with project design, development and implementation. B. Describe in detail who will manage the project and how the work will be carried out (in- house or contract labor). Discuss the procedure for purchase of any equipment required. C. Indicate the Environmental Document type for the project (Neg. Declaration, CE, EIR, etc.) and the estimated approval date: CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS-APPLICATION PACKAGE-PAGE 7 OF 17 IV. STATEMENT OF BENEFIT Specifically address the project benefits according to the following Project Selection Criteria. (Remarks in parentheses request specific additional information or provide clarification to criteria). A. Air Quality Projects that will result in improved air quality. (Discuss and document how the project will contribute to attainment of the NAAQS and/or demonstrate consistency with the California Clean Air Act or 2003 Air Qualiry Management Plan.) Please complete the appropriate Air Quality Assessmei:t Input Data Sheet ai:d attach it to your project application. B. Congestion Miti. a� tion Discuss and document how the project/program will result in congestion reduction. Complete both 1 and 2. 1) Qualitative Analysis: 2) Quantitative Analysis: Recommended methodology-Highway Capacity Manual Indicators Existin After Improvement Average Daily Traffic Level of Service Vehicle Miles or Hours of Travel saved per year Hours of Delay saved per year CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS-APPLICAT/ON PACKAGE-PAGE 8 OF 97 C. Safetv Projects which will result in improved safety. (Discuss and document how the project will improve safety. Include data on the number of accidents and/or fatalities in the area over the last 3 years as wells as other factual information.) D. Project Readiness Projects ready and as close to constrzcction as possible and leveraging other funds to support the project. (Discuss timeframe for project implementation and any anticipated barriers in project completion. Address other funds used to match/support the project. If the project requires on-going funding, include discussion on what funding will be used for continuing operation.) E. Cost Effectiveness Projects which will result in cost effectiveness. (Discuss and document how the project will be cost effective in emission reductions.) CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPLICATION PACKAGE—PAGE 9 OF 17 V. Please attach an 8 '/2 x 11 Site Map/Plan VI. CERTIFICATION I certify that the information presented herein is complete and accurate and if this agency receives funding it will be used solely for the purposes stated in this application. Additionally, I certify that these funds will not supplant other federal, state or local funding available for the same purposes as the project/program. Signature Title Date CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPL/CAT/ON PACKAGE—PAGE 10 OF 17 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT INPUT DATA (Return applicable page(s) as part of your CMAQ application) A. PROJECT AIR QUALITY BENEFIT DESCRIPTION: In the space below, please provide a concise description of how the proposed CMAQ project will contribute to air quality improvement. A separate sheet can be attached if desired. Please labei the attached sheet "Air Quality Assessment Input Data". B. QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS: CVAG staff will calculate the emissions reductions attributable to each proposed CMAQ project. Proposers do not need to submit arithmetic calculations as part of their proposal. However, to assist CVAG and the Technical Advisory Committee members in accurately assessing the air quality benefits of your proposed project please provide all requested input data, as applicable to your project category. CVAG staff will analyze each proposed project using emission calculation methodologies recommended by Caltrans and the California Air Resources Board. Input Data templates are provided on the following pages for the eleven project categories: 1. State Highway/Local Roads—Capacity Increasing 2. State Highway/Local Roads—Traffic Congestion and Delay Reduction 3. State Highway/Local Roads—Traffic Signal Installation/interconnect 4. Public Transit— Purchase of Buses 5. Public Transit—Operation of New Transit Bus Service 6. Inter-city Rail Service 7. Bicycle Facilities 8. Pedestrian Facilities 9. Grade Separations 10. Transportation Demand Management 11. Intermodal Facilities CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPLICAT/ON PACKAGE—PAGE 11 OF 17 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT INPUT DATA— continued PLEASE RETURN THE APPL/CABLE EM/SS/ONS REDUCT/ON DATA /NPUT FORM(S) W/TH YOUR PROPOSAL. The eleven listed categories do not encompass all eligible CMAQ project categories. Should your project fall outside of the eleven listed categories, please provide the necessary air quality improvement input data as a separate attachment and label this attachment "Supplemental Air Quality Assessment Input Data". Please note that proposers are not precluded from submitting their own emissions reduction calculations. Any calculations submitted will, however, be reviewed by CVAG staff and are subject to revision to insure consistency in evaluation among all candidate projects. PROJECT CATEGORY 1: STATE HIGHWAY/LOCAL ROADS—CAPACITY INCREASING Category Definition: This category includes projects that increase the carrying capacity of a state or local roadway. This includes, but is not limited to, HOV lane construction, mixed-flow lane construction, roadway widening, etc. Please Provide the Following Input Data for the Road Segment Affected by the Proposed Capacity Enhancement Project: Length of Roadway Segment(miles) Traffic Volume — "Before ProjecP' Traffic Count Data OR Before Project Average Daily Traffic (ADT) _ _ __.. ___ _ - _..... _ ___ ..... __._.... __. Traffic Volume—"After ProjecY' Traffic Count Data OR After Project Average Daily Traffic (ADT) "Before ProjecY' Average Vehicle Speed (determined by "floater car"data or other measurement) -- __ _ _.�_ ._.._.... .._ _.__.__ . __..... "After ProjecY' Estimated Average Vehicle Speed (determined by transportation simulation, volume/capacity ratios, Level of Service (LOS)tables, or other methods) PROJECT CATEGORY 2: STATE HIGHWAY/LOCAL ROADS—TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND DELAY REDUCTION (NON-CAPACITY INCREASING) Category Definition: This category includes projects that improve traffic flow by reducing delays at intersections, on ramps, etc. This includes, but is not limited to: auxiliary lanes between adjacent intersections, intersection reconstruction, two-way left turn lanes, channelization, ramp reconstruction, roadway realignments, etc. CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPL/CATION PACKAGE—PAGE 12 OF 17 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT INPUT DATA— continued Please Provide the Following Input Data for the Road Segment and Congested Period (i.e., AM Peak Hours and PM Peak Hours) Affected by the Traffic Congestion/Delay Reduction Project: Traffic Volume — "Before ProjecY' Traffic Count Data OR Before Project Average Daily Traffic(ADT) Traffic Volume—"After ProjecY'Traffic Count Data OR After Project Average Daily Traffic(ADT) Duration of Congested AM Peak Period (number of a.m. hours that significant delay occurs) __.---- _ _ __ _.. _..._.. _.._ ___ .. Duration of Congested PM Peak Period (number of p.m. hours that significant delay occurs) "Before ProjecY' Average Vehicle Delay (average vehicle delay at intersection, turning lane queuing, onramp, etc.) "After ProjecY' Estimated Average Vehicle Delay (average vehicle delay at intersection, turning lane queuing, onramp, etc.) PROJECT CATEGORY 3: STATE HIGHWAY/LOCAL ROADS—TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALlATION/INTERCONNECT Category Definition: This category includes projects that propose to: a) replace an existing stop sign or four-way stop with a traffic signal; b) interconnect and coordinate newly implemented traffic signals with other signals along the corridor; and c) improvements to signal timing that reduce overall vehicle stops and delays. NOTE: Signal timing and other actions that increase traffic speeds and flows to the detriment of overall traffic performance or that offer a significant inducement to travel by automobile are not air quality beneficial. Speed improvements to greater than 30 mph increase NOx emissions and may be counterproductive to improving air quality. Emissions reductions in Reactive OrQanic Gases (ROG) and NOx are associated with increasinq averaqe tra�c speeds to up to 30 mph. • NOX emissions start increasing when average vehicle speeds are greater than 30 mph • Carbon monoxide emissions start increasing when average vehicle speeds are greater than 45 mph • ROG emissions start increasing when average vehicle speeds are greater than 50 mph CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPLICATION PACKAGE—PAGE 13 OF 17 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT INPUT DATA— continued Please Provide the Following Input Data for Each Road Segment and Congested Period (i.e., AM peak and PM peak) Affected by the Proposed Signalization/Signal Interconnect Project: Length of Roadway Segment(miles) Traffic Volume During ConQested Period - "Before Project" Traffic Count Data OR Before Project Average Daily Traffic(ADT) Traffic Volume During Congested Period - "After ProjecY' Traffic Count Data OR After Project Average Daily Traffic (ADT) "Before ProjecP' Average Vehicle Speed During Congested Period (determined by"floater car"data or other measurement) ---�___ _... __ __....-- -- ...._.__.. __..._.___ ......... "After ProjecY' Estimated Average Vehicle Speed During Congested Period (determined by transportation simulation, volume/capacity ratios, Level of Service (LOS)tables, or other methods) ---- --- ..... __ .. __. _........ ---..... ----....._ _ _ ........ --- ._..... "Before ProjecY' Average Vehicle Delay (average vehicle delay due to stop sign queuing, etc.) _ ..._.... - --.._ "After Project" Average Vehicle Delay(average vehicle delay due to stop sign queuing, etc.) PROJECT CATEGORY 4: PUBLIC TRANSIT—PURCHASE OF BUSES Category Definition: The purchase of transit buses that are certified to be less polluting than a typical new bus or an engine replacement that converts the bus into a less polluting vehicle (cleaner re-power). For emissions reductions to be credited to the project, the vehicle(s) purchased must emit less pollution than conventional new diesel buses meeting current emissions standards. Please Provide the Following Input Data for Each New or Re-powered Transit Bus Proposed: Vehicle Type, Make, and Model _ _. _ ........_ ......._. New Engine Make and Model _ . _ ...... __ ..._. ---- ..... Old Engine Make and Model (if re-power) __._ _ __.. __..___ _. _ _.... New Engine Fuel Type (CNG, LNG, LPG, etc.) __.. _._... Old Engine Fuel Type (if re-power) _ ......._ _ _ _ __ ._._.. ---... ._ __... __ ........ _ ....... _._.... Estimated Vehicle Life (years) Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Annual Vehicle Hours of Operation CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPLICATION PACKAGE—PAGE 14 OF 17 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT INPUT DATA— continued PROJECT CATEGORY 5: OPERATION OF NEW TRANSIT BUS SERVICE Category Definition: New, extended, and increased-frequency provide additional hours of bus service per year and serve additional people. These are fixed-route services implemented by transit agencies. (Cleaner, alternative-fuel buses should be used in the bus service expansions in order to offset the additional emissions created from the new transit service and achieve an overall project net emissions reduction.) Please Provide the Following Input Data for Each New Transit Service Route Proposed: Number of Operating Days per Year Average Daily Ridership of New Service Average Length of Automobile Trips Replaced (miles) _ _ _. _ __ ..__....__ ..__._. _.._ _ ... Percent of Riders Who Drive to the Bus Service Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)for the New Transit Service Percent of Riders Who are Transit Dependent PROJECT CATEGORY 6: INTER-CITY RAIL SERVICE Category Definition: New, extended, and/or increased-frequency of commuter rail services. Please Provide the Following Input Data for Each New Transit Service Route Proposed: Number of Operating Days per Year Average Daily Ridership of New Service Average Length of Automobile Trips Replaced (miles) Percent of Riders Who Drive to the Rail Station Percent of Riders Who are Transit Dependent CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPLICAT/ON PACKAGE—PAGE 15 OF 17 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT INPUT DATA— continued PROJECT CATEGORY 7: BICYCLE FACILITIES Category Definition: Bicycle paths (Class 1) or bicycle lanes (Class 2) are targeted to reduce commute and other non-recreational automobile travel. Class 1 facilities are paths that are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic. Class 2 facilities are striped bicycle lanes giving preferential or exclusive use to bicycles. Bicycle lanes should meet Caltrans'full-width standard depending on street facility type. Please Provide the Following Input Data for Each New Bicycle Facility Proposed: Type of Bicycle Facility(Class 1 or Class 2) Length of Bicycle Path or Lane (miles) Average Length of Bicycle Trip (miles) Average Daily Traffic Volume on Roadway Parallel to Bicycle Facility(ADT) City Population (number of residents) List Types of Activity Centers in the Vicinity of the Bicycle Facility (e.g., bank, church, hospital, park & ride lot, office park, light rail station, post office, public library, shopping center, grocery store, university, community college, elementary school, etc.) PROJECT CATEGORY 8: PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES Category Definition: Pedestrian facilities replace automobile trips by providing or improving pedestrian access. An example is a pedestrian over crossing over several lanes of heavy traffic providing a safe walking access to adjacent activity centers. Please Provide the Following Input Data for Each New Pedestrian Facility Proposed: Estimated Number of Weekly One-Way Automobile Trips Eliminated CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPLICAT/ON PACKAGE—PAGE 16 OF 17 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT INPUT DATA - continued PROJECT CATEGORY 9: GRADE SEPARATIONS Category Definition: Includes construction of rail or roadway over crossings, under crossings, etc. to eliminate traffic flow interruptions at grade crossings. Please Provide the Following Input Data for Each Grade Separation Proposed: Traffic Volume — "Before ProjecY' Traffic Count Data OR Before Project Average Daily Traffic(ADT) Traffic Delays — "Before ProjecY' Average Daily Delay (i.e., average amount of time, on a daily basis, that trains block the roadway) PROJECT CATEGORY 10: TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT Category Definition: Programs that reduce and/or eliminate automobile trips and vehicle miles traveled. Please Provide the Following Input Data for the Proposed Transportation Demand Management Project: Number of Weekly One-Way Automobile Trips Eliminated Average Length of Automobile Trips Eliminated PROJECT CATEGORY 11: INTERMODAL FACILITIES Category Definition: Facilities that support the movement of goods into and through the region, including transfer facilities, cargo terminals, freight distribution facilities, etc. Intermodal facilities can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of goods movement and result in a net reduction in vehicle miles traveled. Please Provide the Following Input Data for the Proposed Intermodal Facility Project: Estimated Total Annual Reduction in Truck Vehicle Miles Traveled (e.g., truck VMT eliminated by using rail for goods movement) CVAG'S CMAQ CALL FOR PROJECTS—APPUCATION PACKAGE—PAGE 17 OF 17