Agenda - 11-22-2004-d1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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M Agencies seeking to implement ITS projects must demonstrate consistency with the National ITS Architecture. This is address in separate guidance. Operating expenses for traffic flow improvements are eligible for CMAQ funding where they can be shown to: 1) have air quality benefits, 2) the expenses are incurred from new or additional services, and 3) previous funding mechanisms, such as fares or fees for services, are not displaced. Since CMAQ- funded projects should contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a NAAQS, it must be found that these operating costs are necessary for the overall system to contribute to attainment or maintenance of an ambient air quality standard. It is reasonable to assume that, after several years, a transportation service may no longer be considered to be an air quality improvement project, but that it has become a part of the existing transportation network. Hence, FHWA and FTA field offices are advised to use the consultation process with EPA to make a determination that operating assistance for traffic management systems, traveler information systems and other ITS projects or programs, beyond the initial 3 -year period of eligibility, will assist in the attainment or maintenance of an air quality standard. (Also see operating assistance eligibility discussion earlier in this guidance.) 7. Transit Projects: Improved public transit is one of the TCMs identified in section 108(f)(1)(A) of the CAA. However, not all transit improvements are eligible under the CMAQ program. The general guideline for determining eligibility is whether an increase in transit ridership can reasonably be expected to result from the project. As with all CMAQ - funded projects, this must be supported by a quantified estimate of the emissions effects due to the project. Facilities: New transit facilities are eligible if they are associated with new or enhanced mass transit service. If the project is rehabilitation, reconstruction, or maintenance of an existing facility, it is not eligible since there would be no change in emissions caused by the project. Other FTA grant programs can be used for upgrading existing facilities. Vehicles: Acquisition of new transit vehicles (bus, rail, van) to expand the fleet are eligible. New vehicles acquired as replacements for existing fleet vehicles are also eligible; however, diesel - powered replacement vehicles will have minimal impact on attaining the ozone, PM and CO standards. For these projects in particular, emissions effects must be documented so that they can be arrayed with other CMAQ proposals and allow informed decisions on the best use of available funds. Operating Assistance: CMAQ funding can be used to support the start -up of new transit services. In order to be eligible, the service must be a discrete new addition to the system so that operating costs can be easily identified. Operating assistance is for a maximum of 3 years, after which other sources of funding must be used if the service is to be continued. Fare subsidies: CMAQ funds may be used to subsidize regular transit fares, but only if the reduced or free fare is part of an overall program for preventing exceedances of a national