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Q: |
When will there be another call for projects? |
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| A: |
We anticipate that there will
be a call for non-infrastructure statewide services projects
in spring 2009. No date has been set for other types of
projects.
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Q: |
What types of projects are eligible? |
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| A: |
Projects eligible to receive funding
under the SRTS program include those involving both
infrastructure and non-infrastructure related activities.
An infrastructure project is a construction project
designed to improve the bicycle and pedestrian safety of
students in grades K-8. Infrastructure projects must be
located within the public right of way (or private land with
legal public easement) and within a two-mile radius of an
eligible school.
Eligible infrastructure projects
include (but are not limited to): sidewalk improvements;
pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements; on-street
bicycle facilities; off-street bicycle and pedestrian
facilities; traffic diversion improvements and traffic
diversion away from school zones or designated routes to a
school; traffic calming and speed reduction improvements on
local roads; secure bicycle parking facilities; and other
projects that promote pedestrian and bicycle safety of
children within a two-mile radius of an eligible school.
Non-infrastructure-related activities
encourage walking and bicycling to school and may include:
public awareness campaigns and outreach to press and
community leaders; traffic education and enforcement;
student education on bicycle and pedestrian safety, health,
and environment; and other projects that promote pedestrian
and bicycle safety of children in and around schools.
For further guidance on non-infrastructure activities see
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s
Safe Routes to Schools: Practice and Promise, and
Safe Routes to School Toolkit. Additional ideas
are
available at the
National Center for Safe Routes to School Clearinghouse.
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Q: |
Can educational materials and programs be paid for through this program? |
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Q: |
Who pays the local match for projects on local roads around schools? |
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| A: |
No local match is required. The SRTS program is a 100-percent federally funded
cost-reimbursement program, which means recipients of the funds will front
the cost of the project and will be reimbursed during the course of the project.
On infrastructure projects, cost overruns may be the responsibility of the local
government. Costs incurred prior to federal authorization are not eligible for
reimbursement.
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Q: |
Is there a limit on how much funding I can request for each project? |
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| A: |
There is a maximum federal reimbursement amount for the construction costs of
any single infrastructure project of $750,000. The maximum federal reimbursement
for a Non-Infrastructure Program and Plan Development project is $10,000. There
are no maximum limits for a Non-Infrastructure Plan Implementation or
Non-Infrastructure Statewide Service in Support of SRTS projects.
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Q: |
Can existing roadways by my school be resurfaced? |
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| A: |
No. Existing roadways may be widened to incorporate bike lanes or to accommodate pedestrians more easily, but SRTS funds may not be used to maintain existing roadways.
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Q: |
Can a new roadway to my school be built? |
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| A: |
No. New sidewalks or new bike lanes
may be built, but new roadways may not be built with SRTS funds.
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Q: |
If my project is selected for funding, how long will I have to complete the project? |
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| A: |
Infrastructure projects will have a three year period from
the date of project award to be let to contract.
Non-infrastructure projects time lines will be established
based on the type of work to be performed.
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Q: |
When is the construction of a turn lane eligible for the SRTS program? |
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| A: |
Construction of a turn lane may be
eligible for SRTS funding if it provides a clear, direct,
demonstrable benefit to the safety of bicyclists and/or
pedestrians. Some examples may include:
- Construction of a designated bicycle left turn
lane.
- Construction of a left turn lane on a two-lane
facility with existing bicycle lanes to keep vehicular
traffic from entering the bicycle lane to avoid traffic
stopped for a left turn.
- Construction of a right turn lane on a two-lane facility with
existing bicycle lanes to keep vehicular traffic from
entering the bicycle lane to complete their right turn.
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Q: |
Can the SRTS program pay for the installation of new sidewalks, crosswalks or traffic control at the site of a future school or a school under construction? |
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| A: |
No.
Eligible SRTS infrastructure project sites must be within two miles
of an existing eligible school. Eligible schools are public
or private schools that contain any of the grades from K-8.
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Q: |
How much will SRTS cost the schools, community, applicant, or other participants? |
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| A: |
Nothing. There is no local or any other type of match
required.
The new SRTS program is a 100-percent federally funded
cost-reimbursement program, which means recipients of the funds will front
the cost of the project and will be reimbursed during the
course of the project. If your application requesting $50,000 is approved for that amount, then
all program costs will be reimbursed up to that amount. For infrastructure projects, cost overruns may be the responsibility of the local government.
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Q: |
Does an infrastructure project require submission in the metropolitan planning organization's (MPO) or regional planning affiliation's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) prior to applying for SRTS funding? |
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| A: |
No, however applicants should work with their MPO or regional planning affiliation prior to submitting an infrastructure project application to ensure local support and consistency with regulations.
If the project is selected for funding and is located within an MPO or regional planning group, it will
need to be programmed in their TIP and STIP. |
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