ALABAMA SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM SUMMARY & GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION

Transcription

1 ALABAMA SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM SUMMARY & GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION August, 2011

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Background Funding Eligibility Outreach Project Selection/Approval Program Schedule Additional Program Guidance/Requirements Typical Projects Contacts SRTS Application Forms: Cover Page Checklist Assessment Form Project Identification Form Line Item Budget Line Item Budget Example Project Timeline Scope of Work

3 Alabama Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program BACKGROUND The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is described in Section 1404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU, Public Law ). The purpose of SRTS is to enable and encourage children in grades K-8, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school; to make walking and bicycling to school safer and more appealing; and to facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects that will improve highway safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools. Each state receives SRTS funds, and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) administers the program in Alabama. The ALDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator is Mr. Bill Luckerson of the Bureau of Modal Programs. The SRTS program encourages local communities to submit funding proposals to ALDOT to address roadway and safety issues such as school zone congestion and inadequate bike/pedestrian facilities. Successful proposals enable communities to design on-street improvements to make alternative modes of travel to school safer, to provide walking and bicycling education, and to reduce the fears associated with children walking or bicycling to school. FUNDING Alabama has been apportioned approximately $15 million in SRTS funds since the Program s inception in FY To date all funds have been allocated to projects. SAFETEA-LU requires that at least 70% of the SRTS funds must be expended on Infrastructure projects such as crosswalks, striping and sidewalk improvements and that at least 10% be expended on Non-infrastructure projects such as public awareness, education, and training. The remaining 20% can be spent for either category. The Bureau of Modal Programs administers the SRTS program and monitors progress of the projects. The process and procedures are outlined as followed: ALDOT announces application solicitation period A completed application must be prepared and submitted during this period to qualify for SRTS funds All applications are reviewed and ranked by a SRTS Advisory Board Applicants are notified regarding status of applications Applications approved require the execution of a formal agreement with ALDOT Plans are prepared; project authorized; and bids are received 3

4 NOTE: ALDOT (Divisions) perform all preliminary engineering, plan preparation and construction engineering activities through project completion ALDOT has entered into Interagency Agreements with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama State Department of Education (ASDE) to develop and assist in the selection and implementation of the Non-infrastructure component of this program using approximately 15% of the funds available. ALDOT will be responsible for coordination and oversight of all Non-Infrastructure activities. These funds may be used in three ways: ELIGIBILITY ADPH and ASDE will implement Statewide SRTS programs related to safety education, the health benefits of walking/biking, etc. In all cases, ASDE will be the lead agency in dealing with all related educational activities (in classroom). ADPH and/or ASDE will contact each applicant that is awarded an SRTS grant and offer assistance in the education, training, activities, etc. to promote safe use of the new facilities. ADPH assumes the lead in dealing with communities (e. g. Walk to School Day). Non-infrastructure project proposals can be submitted through the application process. The Non-infrastructure proposals will be reviewed, ranked, and awarded through the normal SRTS selection process. Non-Infrastructure projects submitted through the application process must be innovative and beyond the scope of ADPH or ASDE functions. Local agencies and school boards working through a local unit of government as sponsor are eligible applicants. Private school applications are also welcomed but must be submitted through the Alabama Private School Association. Private school applicants must ensure that all SRTS improvements are located on public property and are accessible to the general public. All applicants must indicate local public support for the project. Each application must attach Letters of Notification to inform the following entities of project activities and to solicit cooperation/coordination for the project: County/city engineer School board Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Urban Applications Regional Planning Organization (RPO) Rural Applications All SRTS Infrastructure projects must be located within a two (2) mile radius of an elementary or middle school. SRTS Infrastructure projects must be located on the public right-of-way or easements must be obtained in accordance with ALDOT right of way procedures. Non-infrastructure projects are not restricted to the two (2) mile radius 4

5 limitation. These projects are expected to cover large geographic areas such as city or county school districts or may extend statewide. The basic unit of the SRTS program is the project. A project is normally limited to $150,000 for Infrastructure funding. A project may involve more than one school; for instance, the project may involve school cross walk striping for several schools, or it may involve a bike safety program for all K-8 schools in a school district. Grant applications with projects greater than $150,000 will be considered as an exception based on special needs and merits. If multiple projects are proposed within a successful application, SRTS may choose to partially fund some but not all projects in the application. To help ensure that SRTS funding is not disproportionately awarded to high-population or lowpopulation areas, applicants must identify the project location on the application as either Urban or Rural: Urban Applications: these applicants are located within the jurisdiction of an MPO. Rural Applications: these applicants are located outside the jurisdiction of an MPO. This category includes all rural schools. It may include locations within the RPOs. Urban and rural area applicants approved for funding in the current fiscal year will not be eligible for funding the following fiscal year. OUTREACH ALDOT, in cooperation with the FHWA Division Safety Engineer, is working with two designated groups to assure the SRTS Program goal encourages safe walking and bicycling to school. Advisory Board. The SRTS Advisory Board has 12 members. This Board serves as the review panel for SRTS applications. Each year one half (six) members of the SRTS Advisory Board will be selected to review applications. The remaining half of the Advisory Board reviews applications the following year. Current Board membership includes representatives of ASDE, ADPH, the Alabama Association of School Boards, Regional Planning Commissions, MPOs, Alabike Inc., a county engineer, an ALDOT employee, a University of Alabama professor, a city engineer, a law enforcement representative, the FHWA Division Safety Engineer. The Alabama Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ALSITE). The application process requires that applicants document problems and needs relating to walking/biking to school. ALSITE has volunteered to help applicants perform 5

6 surveys near schools and to help analyze data related to traffic volumes and crash history for use in their applications. ALSITE contacts are listed on the Alabama SRTS website: PROJECT SELECTION/APPROVAL The project selection process for the SRTS Program starts with an open application solicitation period. Application forms, instructions, and other information describing the SRTS program are provided on the Alabama SRTS website hosted by ALDOT/ADPH. To obtain the information, access the ALDOT website at and click on Safe Routes to School or the Alabama Department of Public Health website at Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the ALDOT Bureau of Modal Programs in Montgomery. Applications will be reviewed, scored, and ranked by members of the SRTS Advisory Board using the methodology developed in consultation with the Advisory Board, ALDOT Safety Management staff, and FHWA. The scoring system will assess the quality and completeness of the application and the effectiveness and benefits of the proposed project. Applications will be ranked numerically to prioritize projects within the available funding each fiscal year. The prioritized list of projects shall be submitted to the ALDOT Chief Engineer/Deputy Director and the Director of Transportation for final selection. Approved projects will be funded as FHWA SRTS fund appropriations are received. A new funding cycle will start each fiscal year on October 1st as long as this program exists. ALDOT will receive SRTS applications each year from January 1st through March 31st. Any unresolved issues, disputes, and appeals concerning the SRTS program will be forwarded by the Bureau of Modal Programs to the Director of Transportation for resolution, and his decision will be final. ALDOT will send a letter to all applicants that did not receive funding and suggest an application be resubmitted for the next fiscal year. PROGRAM SCHEDULE The current SRTS schedule calls for the next round of applications to be submitted beginning in January 1, The expected timetable leading to those awards follows: Website update (October 1, 2011) Request for proposals begin January 1, 2012 Proposals due March 31, 2012 Project Selection Notification (tentatively scheduled for June, 2012) 6

7 Projects will be awarded annually pending funding availability. All future applications will follow a schedule similar to the timeline established for ADDITIONAL PROGRAM GUIDANCE/REQUIREMENTS A list of additional program guidance/requirements follows: SRTS projects require no local matching funds. ALDOT will perform the preliminary engineering, develop the plans, let the contract, and manage construction. There is no cost to the applicant. No Federal funds will be expended on properties containing toxic or hazardous waste or other contamination. ADA requirements must be met for all Infrastructure projects. The project must be made available for public use. Leveraging SRTS funds with other Federal, State or local funds is encouraged. Projects on existing public right of way such as constructing sidewalks, placing striping, or adding signage will be exempt from environmental review process under the SRTS Categorical Exclusion approved by FHWA. Projects involving environmentally sensitive areas or circumstances must be coordinated with ALDOT s Environmental Section. All preliminary costs associated with project development (including surveying, plan development, other preliminary engineering) will be provided by ALDOT Division personnel with no cost to the local agency. o The local agency will provide all required right-of-way for SRTS projects. o The local agency will adjust and/or relocate any utilities in conflict with the project. o All construction plans must be complete, ready for letting to bid and submitted to ALDOT Central Office Quality Control/Office Engineer onehundred twenty (120) days prior to the scheduled bid letting. All projects will be constructed during the spring/summer when school is not in session. Any cost incurred relating to this project determined to be ineligible will be borne and paid by the applicant. All Infrastructure projects must be let to competitive bid unless prior approval is obtained to use another method of construction, such as force account. A SRTS project is subject to applicable State and Federal regulations. TYPICAL PROJECTS The list below represents typical Infrastructure projects but is not intended to limit other type projects that may be proposed: Developing Park and Walk locations 7

8 Placement of striping, markings or legends (crosswalks, bike lanes, etc) Installing Signs/Pedestrian Signals Providing Traffic Calming Facilities to Slow Traffic Constructing new Sidewalks Developing alternate Drop-off stations Increasing Connectivity Between Locations Developing Off-Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Providing Handicapped Accessibility Facilities for new construction Improvement of other facilities that relate to the goals of this Program. Applications for Non-infrastructure projects will vary in content. Applicants are requested to coordinate with ADPH and ASDE to discuss project types and eligibility: Convene local meetings with SRTS advocates and partners Assist with data collection and analysis Provide walking and biking safety flyers, fact sheets, and brochures Provide training and technical assistance Provide awareness and promotional materials Conduct walking and biking demonstrations and rodeos Sponsor structured walking and biking safety competition and learning experiences Develop and coordinate training and seminars Coordinate outreach and awareness for SRTS projects or other local efforts to improve alternative transportation and active lifestyles CONTACTS The Bureau of Modal Programs in ALDOT is responsible for the overall management and oversight of the SRTS Program statewide. Additionally, each ALDOT Division Office has a designated employee listed on the SRTS website to assist SRTS program development within each Division area. The Alabama SRTS Coordinator in the Bureau of Modal Programs is Mr. Bill Luckerson: Bill Luckerson Bureau of Modal Programs Alabama Department of Transportation 1100 John Overton Drive Montgomery, AL Phone: luckersonb@dot.state.al.us The list of ALDOT Division contacts follows. 8

9 First Division US Highway 431 North Guntersville, Alabama (256) Matthew Johnson, Safety Coordinator (256) , ext. 231 Second Division 295 Highway 20 East Tuscumbia, Alabama (256) Andy Laster, Safety Coordinator (256) Third Division 1020 Bankhead Highway Birmingham, AL Renya Hooks, Safety Coordinator (205) Fourth Division Highway 280 Alexander City, AL (256) Dee McDaniel, Safety Coordinator (256) Fifth Division 2715 Skyland Boulevard Tuscaloosa, AL (205) Robert Hoggle, Safety Coordinator (205) Sixth Division 1525 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery, AL (334) David Bollie, Safety Coordinator (334) Seventh Division Highway 87 South Troy, AL (334) Stephanie Rushing, Safety Coordinator (334) Eighth Division 129 Grove Hill Avenue East Grove Hill, AL (251) Jody Camp, Safety Coordinator (251) Ninth Division 1701 North Beltline Hwy Mobile, AL (251) Edwin Perry, Safety Coordinator (251) Additional Contacts (Interagency Agreements) Adrinda Carter ADPH, Injury Prevention 201 Monroe Street Montgomery, AL Michael Bassett ASDE, Driver and Traffic Safety Education 50 North Ripley Street Montgomery, AL

10 Alabama Department of Transportation FY 20 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Assistance Application (Submit 7 Copies) COVER PAGE Legal Name of Applicant: Address of Applicant: Street City, State, Zip County: Alabama Legislative Jurisdiction: House: School District: Senate: Applicant Contact Information: Name: Title: Telephone Number: ( ) - Ext. Fax Number: ( ) - Address: Application Location (please check one): Urban Rural Type of Application (Please check one): Infrastructure Non-Infrastructure Combined Name of Schools Impacted: Number of Schools: TOTAL FUNDS REQUESTED: $ 10

11 SRTS Application Checklist The following items MUST BE included in the application for submission to the Department of Transportation and labeled in the following order: [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] Application Cover Page Application Checklist Minutes of Community SRTS Work Team Meeting(s) Minutes of Community Public Meeting(s) SRTS Assessment Form Project Identification Form Line Item Budget Project Timeline Based on ALDOT Implementation Schedule Scope of Work Map or Drawing of the Project Area (Infrastructure project) Pictures highlighting the need for Infrastructure Projects Details of Non-Infrastructure Projects Letters of Support The following must be submitted separately to the Department of Public Health. [N] [O] Parent Surveys Classroom Tally sheets Note: Only one copy of the parent surveys and tally sheets should be submitted. Fax these to (334) or mail to: Attn: Adrinda Carter Safe Routes to School Alabama Department of Public Health 201 Monroe Street Suite 980F Montgomery, AL

12 Neighborhood SRTS Assessment Form School Name: No. Current Walkers: BASELINE DATA Enrollment: No. Current Bikers: No. Current Parent Carpools: No. Active Highway Safety Programs: % of Parent Surveys Returned: No. Classroom Tally Sheets Completed: DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS/NEEDS Neighborhood Canvassing Results: Crash Data Results: Police Records: Other: PRIORITY ISSUES Infrastructure Proposals CORRECTIVE ACTIONS Non-Infrastructure Proposals * * * * * * * * Number of New Walkers: PROJECTED OUTCOMES/GOALS Number of New Bikers: Number of Educational programs: Number of Community groups involved: Number of Volunteers recruited: Number of Walk to School Day activities: Access to register your events 12

13 SRTS Project Identification Form Project I City/County: School: Project Location: Infrastructure Non-Infrastructure Project Description: Cost: $ Project II City/County: School: Project Location: Infrastructure Non-Infrastructure Project Description: Cost: $ Total Number of Projects: Total Cost:$ (Add additional sheets if necessary) 13

14 Estimated Construction Costs Item Quantity Unit Unit Price Requested SRTS Funds Total Cost Totals 14

15 Estimated Construction Cost Example Project I (Infrastructure Project; Bid Process; 1,400 Total Feet of New Sidewalk) Item Quantity Unit Unit Price Requested SRTS Funds Total Cost Sidewalk EXAMPLE 1,400 Square Feet $6.00 $8, $8, Crosswalk Stripe 900 Linear Feet $0.39 $ $ Curb Cuts for Handicapped Access 16 Each $ $6, $6, Speed Radar Feedback Device (battery-pole) 1 Each $6, $6, $6, Speed Radar Feedback Device (Solar) 1 Each $10, $10, $10, Bicycle Rack 1 Each $1, $1,200 $1,200 Speed Bump (10 ft. portable) 1 Each $ $ $ TOTAL $33, Project II (Non-Infrastructure Project) Item Quantity Unit Unit Price Requested SRTS Funds Total Cost EXAMPLE SRTS Bike Safety Rodeo 1 $ *$ $ Walk-on-Wednesday Event (Pedometers) 50 $3.75 $ $ Bicycle Safety Instruction Booklet 200 $1.35 $ $ Fact Sheet for Mayor/Community 200 $0.35 $70.00 $70.00 Crossing Guard Training Seminar 1 Each $3, $3, $3, TOTAL for Two Projects $37, Method of Project Completion: Competitive Bid; Force Account 15

16 SRTS Project Timeline Based on ALDOT Project Implementation Schedule Project Duration: Start Date Completion Date Total Time (months) Date Milestone (Task #) (Add additional sheets if necessary) 16

17 SRTS Scope of Work Proposal A detailed statement (maximum two (2) paragraphs) must be written for each element of work proposed (list below). A Scope of Work must be completed for each project in an application if the application has more than one project. The Scope of Work elements follow: Needs Statement Eligibility Statement Project Source Documentation Use of 5-E s (encouragement, education, enforcement, engineering, and evaluation) for SRTS Estimated Construction Cost Planned Outcome(s) Compliance with American with Disabilities Act Local Support Agencies Details of Non-Infrastructure Activities (International Walk to School Day activities, Traffic Bingo, Walking School Bus, Bicycle Rodeos, etc ) Maintenance Responsibilities Attachments Reminder When finalizing the Application, please do not forget five (5) important sections that are frequently overlooked: Section C: Minutes of Community SRTS Work Team Meeting(s) Section D: Minutes of Community Public Meeting(s) Section J: Map or Drawing of the Project Area (for Infrastructure project ) Section K: Pictures Highlighting the Need for Infrastructure Projects Section J: Letters of Support 17