Alaska Tribal Transportation News

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1 ALASKA TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TTAP) Summer 2005 Volume 4, Issue 3 Alaska Tribal Transportation News SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A legacy for users THINKING ABOUT GETTING YOUR MASTERS DEGREE IN TRANSPORTA- TION See Page 11 Inside this issue: ADMINSTRATION 2 SAFETEA-LU FUNDING ANALYSIS INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS COORDINAT- ING COMMITTE TTAP LENDING LIBRAR- BRARY INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAFETEA-LU DWIGHT DAVID EISEN- HOWER TRANSPORTA- TION FELLOWSHIP ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS On August 10, 2005, the President signed into law the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). With guaranteed funding for highways, highway safety, and public transportation totaling $244.1 billion, SAFETEA-LU represents the largest surface transportation investment in our Nation s history. The two landmark bills that brought surface transportation into the 21 st century the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA-21) shaped the highway program to meet the Nation s changing transportation needs. SAFETEA-LU builds on this firm foundation, supplying the funds and refining the programmatic framework for investments needed to maintain and grow our vital transportation infrastructure. (FHWA Summary) SAFETEA-LU addresses the many challenges facing our transportation system today challenges such as improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, improving efficiency in freight movement, increasing intermodal connectivity, and protecting the environment as well as laying the groundwork for addressing future challenges. SAFETEA-LU promotes more efficient and effective Federal surface transportation programs by focusing on transportation issues of national significance, while giving State and local transportation decision makers more flexibility for solving transportation problems in their communities. SAFETEA-LU continues a strong fundamental core formula program emphasis coupled with targeted investment, featuring: Safety SAFETEA-LU establishes a new core Highway Safety Improvement Program that is structured and funded to make significant progress in reducing highway fatalities. It creates a positive agenda for increased safety on our highways by almost doubling the funds for infrastructure safety and requiring strategic highway safety planning, focusing on results. Other programs target specific areas of concern, such as work zones, older drivers, and pedestrians, including children (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 Administration: Eastern Washington University: Urban Planning Programs Program Administrator: Dr. Dick Winchell EWU-Urban & Regional Planning Ph: dwinchell@ewu.edu Director: Richard A. Rolland Ph: or Fax: rrolland@ewu.edu Alaska Coordinator: Dan Moreno 329 Harbor Drive Suite 208 Sitka, AK Phone: or dmoreno@mail.ewu.edu Program Specialist: Michele Siedenburg Ph: or msiedenburg@mail.ewu.edu Student Intern: Nora Redfox Ph: nwakttap@mail.ewu.edu Web Page: Newsletter: Michele Siedenburg (Continued from page 1) walking to school, further reflect SAFETEA-LU s focus on safety. Equity The new Equity Bonus Program has three features one tied to Highway Trust Fund contributions and two that are independent. First, building on TEA-21 s Minimum Guarantee concept, the Equity Bonus program ensures that each State s return on its share of contributions to the Highway Trust Fund (in the form of gas and other highway taxes) is at least 90.5 percent in 2005 building toward a minimum 92 percent relative rate of return by In addition, every State is guaranteed a specified rate of growth over its average annual TEA-21 funding level, regardless of its Trust Fund contributions. Selected States are guaranteed a share of apportionments and High Priority Projects not less than the State s average annual share under TEA-21. Innovative finance SAFETEA-LU makes it easier and more attractive for the private sector to participate in highway infra- structure projects, bringing new ideas and resources to the table. Innovative changes such as eligibility for private activity bonds, additional flexibility to use tolling to finance infrastructure improvements, and broader TIFIA and SIB loan policies, will all stimulate needed private investment. Congestion Relief -- Tackling one of the most difficult transportation issues facing us today congestion SAFETEA-LU gives States more flexibility to use road pricing to manage congestion, and promotes real-time traffic management in all States to help improve transportation security and provide better information to travelers and emergency responders. Mobility & Productivity SAFETEA-LU provides a substantial investment in core Federal-aid programs, as well as programs to improve interregional and international transportation, address regional needs, and fund critical high-cost transportation infrastructure projects of national and regional significance. Improved freight transportation is addressed in a number of planning, financing, and infrastructure improvement provisions throughout the Act. Efficiency The Highways for LIFE pilot program in SAFETEA-LU will advance longer-lasting highways using innovative technologies and practices to speed up the construction of efficient and safe highways and bridges. Environmental Stewardship SAFETEA-LU retains and increases funding for environmental programs of TEA-21, and adds new programs focused on the environment, including a pilot program for nonmotorized transportation and Safe Routes to School. SAFETEA-LU also includes significant new environmental requirements for the Statewide and Metropolitan Planning process. Environmental Streamlining SAFETEA-LU incorporates changes aimed at improving and streamlining the environmental process for transportation projects. These changes, however, (Continued on page 3)

3 Page 3 (Continued from page 2) come with some additional steps and requirements on transportation agencies. The provisions include a new environmental review process for highways, transit, and multimodal projects, with increased authority for transportation agencies, but also increased responsibilities (e.g., a new category of participating agencies and notice and comment related to defining project purpose and need and determining the alternatives). A 180-day statute of limitations is added for litigation, but it is pegged to publication of environmental actions in the Federal Register, which will require additional notices. Limited changes are made to Section 4(f). There are several delegations of authority to States, including delegation of Categorical Exclusions for all states, as well as a 5-state delegation of the USDOT environmental review authority under NEPA and other environmental laws. The air quality conformity process is improved with changes in the frequency of conformity determinations and conformity horizons. (FHWA Summary) The National Congress of American Indians, the Intertribal Transportation Association, regional Tribal organizations such as the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and the Alaska Tribal Transportation Work Group, individual Tribes and their staff and consultants have worked since the passage of TEA-21 in 1998 to advance ideas, policies and programs which could be included in the new transportation legislation to further the advances made in ISTEA and TEA-21. Jim Glaze, who with others, spent countless hours drafting legislation, reviewing with tribal clients and others and presenting to congressional staffers reported that by any measure, SAFETEA-LU can be seen as a success for Indian Country. An initial review of the new law by Mr. Glaze provided these highlights. Indian Reservation Roads Program funding increases from the current $275 million to $300 million in FY 2005, $333 million in FY 2006; $370 million in FY 2007; $410 million in FY 2008; and $450 million in FY Public Lands Highway funding increases from the current $100 million to $260 million in FY 2005, $280 million in FY 2006; $280 million in FY 2007; $290 million in FY 2008; and $300 million in FY For the first time, Indian tribes are directly eligible for Federal Transit Authority (FTA) grant funding in the amount of $8 million in FY 2006; $10 million in FY 2007; $12 million in FY 2008; and $15 million in FY The IRR Bridge Program will receive an additional $14 million each of fiscal year , and these funds will be available for bridge planning and pre-engineering as well as construction activities. Indian tribes will be eligible to enter into Indian self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements directly with the US Department of Transportation. For the first time, Indian tribes will be eligible to nominate as Scenic Byways roadways under the Tribe's or the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) jurisdiction, without the need to go through the State DOT. Tribes are also eligible for direct Scenic Byway grant funding. The legislation limits the BIA's expenditures for its own program management and project administration costs to $20 million in FY 2006; $22 million in FY 2007; $24 million in FY 2008; and $27 million in FY The legislation requires the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Secretary of Interior to perform a National IRR Program Inventory update within two years and report the findings to Congress. The legislation authorizes Tribes to use up to 25% of their IRR Program funds for maintenance activities and up to 100% of their IRR funds for road sealing activities. The legislation authorizes Tribes to approve their own plans, specification, and estimate (PS&E) packages. The legislation requires the BIA to make IRR Program funds available for the "immediate use" of Indian tribes within 30 day after the funds are provided to the Department of

4 Page 4 (Continued from page 3) Interior. The legislation provides an Indian labor preference for construction projects on Indian Reservation Roads (which by federal definition include BIA, tribal, state and county roads that provide access to or cross Indian reservations and tribal communities). Quoting further from the FHWA report on SAFETEA-LU which can be found on the web at SAFETEA-LU provides a significant change in the administration of the IRR program. IRR funding may be provided directly in accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a requesting Indian tribal government (s) that has satisfactorily demonstrated financial stability and financial management to the Secretary. IRR funds shall only be expended on projects identified in a transportation improvement program approved by the Secretary. The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, is required to complete a comprehensive national inventory of transportation facilities that are eligible for assistance under the IRR program within 2 years of enactment of SAFETEA-LU. Up to 25% of a tribe s IRR program funds may now be used for the purpose of road and bridge maintenance, although the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will retain primary responsibility for IRR maintenance programs through DOI appropriations. A limitation on the program and oversight expenses for the BIA is provided, although BIA project administrative expenses have been added to the amount. An Indian tribe may enter into a road maintenance agreement with a State to assume the responsibilities of the State for roads in and providing access to Indian reservations. A new position in DOT is established for a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Tribal Government Affairs. A total of $70 million is authorized separately (no longer a set-aside) through 2009 for improving structurally deficient or functionally obsolete IRR bridges. [1119] For Alaska Tribes and rural communities there is a new program the Denali Access System Program Sec The new Denali Access System Program in SAFETEA-LU provides $60 million from the Highway Trust fund through 2009 to fund planning, design, engineering, and construction for highways and other surface transportation infrastructure priorities for the [Alaska] region, as determined by an advisory committee to be established within 3 months by the Denali Commission. SAFETEA-LU includes 271 references to Indian. It would be beyond the scope of this article to try and address each and every reference or to address the many additional provisions of the law the will affect Indians and Tribal Governments as they seek to implement provisions of the law to their benefit. That said, it is our intent to provide a series of articles that address various aspects of the Indian provisions in the law as well as identify other opportunities or programs that may not specifically have mentioned Indians or Tribes. It is also important to remember that SAFETEA-LU amends a body of law that remains in place unless amended. Therefore, a reading of SAFETEA-LU should be done while referencing United States Codes and Regulations under Titles 23 and 25 as applicable. It should be remembered that the Indian Reservation Road program project funds are supplemental to a fair and equitable share of funds apportioned to states under section 104 of Title 23. (USC Title 23 page 176) Tribes should look for opportunities within the law and the codes to apply for funds apportioned to the states which can be matched with Indian Reservation Roads and Bridge dollars to complete projects beneficial to Tribes and neighboring jurisdictions. If you have questions related to specific provisions of SAFETEA-LU or would like us to focus future research and reporting on specific topics please feel free to call or the NW & Alaska Tribal Technical Assistance Program.

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6 Page 6 INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS COORDINATING COMMITTEE On September 8, 2005 the Secretary of the Interior appointed tribal regional representatives to the Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) Program Coordinating Committee (Committee) as outlined under 25 CFR 170. The IRR final rules amending 25 CFR 170 include establishing a Committee to provide input and recommendations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in developing IRR Program policies and procedures and to coordinate with and obtain input from tribes, BIA, and FHWA. The Secretary announced on February 13, 2005, the request for nominations from tribal governments for representatives and alternates to serve on the Committee. Based on review of those nominations, the Secretary announced the representatives who will serve on the Committee in each of the 12 BIA regions. The responsibilities of the Committee are to provide input and recommendations to BIA and FHWA during the development or revision of: BIA/FHWA IRR Program Stewardship Plan; IRR Program policy and procedures; IRR Program eligible activities determinations; IRR Program transit policy; IRR Program regulations; IRR Program management systems policy and procedures; IRR Program fund distribution formula (under 25 CFR ); and National tribal transportation needs. The Committee also reviews and provides recommendations on IRR Program national concerns, including implementation of 25 CFR 170. IRR Program Coordinating Committee Members include: Primary Pete Red Tomahawk, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Great Plains Region; Chuck Tsoodle, Kiowa Tribe, Southern Plains Region; John Smith, Wind River Tribes, Rocky Mountain Region; Ed (Sam) Thomas, Native Village of Craig, Alaska Region; James Garrigan, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, Midwest Region; Melanie (Fourkiller) Knight, Cherocee Nation of Oklahoma, Eastern Oklahoma Region; Erin S. Forrest, Hualapai Tribe, Western Region; Bo Mazzetti, Rincon Band of Lusieno Indians, Pacific Region; Royce Gchachu, Pueblo of Zuni, Southwest Region; Sampson Begay, Navajo Nation, Navajo Region; Michael Marchand, Confederated Tribes of the Colville, Northwest Region; Clint Hill, Oneida Indian Nation, Eastern Region Alternates Ed Hall, Three Affiliated Tribes of Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikira, Great Plains Region; Tim Ramirez, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Southern Plains Region; C. John Healy, Sr., Fort Belnap Indian Community, Rocky Mountain Region; Wayne Lukin, Native Village of Port Lions, Alaska Region; Alof Olson, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians, Midwest Region; Robert Endicott, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Eastern Oklahoma Region; Kent Andrews, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Western Region; Peggy O Neill, Yurok Tribe, Pacific Region; Ed Little, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Southwest Region; Wilfred Frazier, Navajo Nation, Navajo Region; Kirk Vinish, Lummi Nation, Northwest Region; No candidates submitted, Eastern Region Federal Members Robert Sparrow, Federal Lands Highways, Washington DC; LeRoy Gishi, BIA Division of Transportation, Washington DC In the committee s organizational meeting Pete Red Tomahawk of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been named Chairman. Sampson Begay of the Navajo Nation is Vice-Chairman, and John Healy of the Fort Belknap Tribes is Secretary. Additional information can be found in the Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 173 / Thursday, September 8, 2005 / Notices or by contacting the NW & Alaska TTAP.

7 Page 7 TTAP Lending Library The Northwest and Alaska TTAP lending library contains material from multiple resources. One of these resources is the Transportation Research Board (TRB). The following web address: will take you to the TRB Library database. You will be able to search for any publications on any transportation subject that is of interest to you. If you find something you would like to read you can then contact us to see if a copy is in our library. If it is not, we will check into getting a copy for you. The following is a list of New AASHTO 2005 Design Publications: The Green Book: A Policy on Geometric Design on Highway and Streets, 2004 Edition. This 2004 edition of the AASHTO s Green Book contains the latest design practices in universal use as the standard for highway geometric design and has been updated to reflect the latest research on superelevation and side friction factors as presented in NCHRP Report 439. Guide for Park-and-Ride Facilities, 2nd Edition. Information presented in this guide is intended to provided a general knowledge of the park-and-ride planning and design process. Applicable local ordinances, design requirements, and building codes must be consulted for their affect on the planning and design process. Local data resources, development patterns and transit networks may present unique opportunities for park-and-ride implementation, and should be explored. Guide for High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Facilities, 3rd Edition. This guide suggests methods and designs for dedicated facilities to encourage greater use of existing transportation systems, such as increased use of public transit (primarily buses), carpools, vanpools, or other ridesharing modes to help attain the above goals. Guidance is given for planning and design of preferential treatment for highoccupancy vehicles (HOV). Guide for Achieving Flexibility in Highway Design. Context-sensitive solutions (CCS) reflect the need to consider highway projects as more than just transportation facilities. Depending on how highway projects are integrated into the community, they can have far-reaching impacts beyond their traffic or transportation function. CCS is a comprehensive process that brings stakeholders together in a positive, proactive environment to develop projects that not only meet transportation needs, but also improve or enhance the community. AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities. The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance on the planning, design, and operation of pedestrian facilities along streets and highways. Specifically, the guide focuses on identifying effective measures for accommodating pedestrians on public rights-of-ways. Appropriate methods for accommodating pedestrians, which vary among roadway and facility types, are described in this guide. The primary audiences for this manual are planners, roadway designers, and transportation engineers, whether at the state or local level, the majority of who make decisions on a daily basis that affect pedestrians. Contact our office if you would like to borrow a copy of one of these books or you can visit the AASHTO web site at for ordering information.

8 Page 8 INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAFETEA-LU PROVISIONS ON PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT, AND AIR QUALITY FOR FHWA AUTHORITIES SEPTEMBER 2, 2005 ENVIRONMENT PROVISIONS: Section State Assumption of Responsibilities for Certain Programs and Projects (Transportation Enhancements & Recreational Trails): Authorizes the Secretary to establish a pilot program for states to assume the Secretary's responsibilities for environmental reviews for the Transportation Enhancement Program and the Recreational Trails Program. Excludes delegation of the Secretary's responsibilities relating to Federally-recognized Indian tribes. For the first 3 years of SAFETEA-LU, only 5 states may be selected by the Secretary for this pilot program. The Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty (HEP) will assess State interest in using this provision; if the interest is there, HEP will develop application procedures and more information in the future, after more immediate SAFETEA-LU implementation requirements are met. Section Surface Transportation Project Development Pilot Program: Allows US DOT to delegate to 5 states (specified as CA, TX, OK, AK, and OH) the Secretary's responsibility for NEPA and reviews and consultations required by other Federal environmental laws. This section applies to highway projects only. Can be for 1 project or multiple projects. Contains multiple conditions and restrictions, some of which may require new state legislation. Requires US- DOT to issue regulations via rulemaking to establish application requirements within 270 days of SAFETEA-LU's enactment. The statute does not address tribal consultation, but FHWA's interpretation is that this provision does not extend additional authority for States to assume US DOT responsibilities for such consultation. HEP and the Office of Chief Counsel (HCC) have begun a series of discussions with (a) other affected Federal agencies, (b) the 5 affected Divisions; and (c) the 5 affected states, to develop the best way to implement this Section. FHWA expects to hold individual meetings with the 5 states in September to ascertain their interest in this and discuss the obligations and requirements that would apply. Divisions and Copied from the United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration web site. States should begin discussing which projects and which US DOT authorities the States wish to assume in preparation for the formal State application. Section Environmental Restoration and Pollution Abatement; Control of Noxious Weeds and Aquatic Noxious Weeds and Establishment of Native Species: Provides new and expanded eligibility for using Federal-aid funds. First, it extends the existing Surface Transportation Program (STP) eligibility for pollution abatement and restoration to the National Highway System (NHS). Second, it adds a new eligibility item under both the STP and the NHS for projects that promote the detection and eradication of noxious weeds, and it establishes a preference to the extent practicable for the planting of native plant species. These provisions are effective immediately. We will issue further guidance as necessary to address questions that arise. Section Exemption of Interstate System: This provision exempts the vast majority of the Interstate Highway System from consideration as an historic site under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act. The limited exceptions to this provision are the same discrete Interstate elements currently being identified under a FHWA nationwide initiative, that continue to be subject to the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act process under provisions of the Section 106 exemption adopted administratively in March A Consultant will be on board soon to do phone interviews with State DOTs, State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs), FHWA Divisions, and others and to compile a list of candidate elements for consideration at the national level. FHWA Divisions should (Continued on page 9)

9 Page 9 begin discussing with State DOTs and SHPOs the individual elements of the Interstate System in your State that warrant consideration. PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT FUNDING PRO- GRAMS: Section 1101(a)(19) - Appropriations for Borders and Corridors Programs: Authorizes $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2005 for the National Corridor Planning and Development and Coordinated Border Infrastructure programs under sections 1118 and 1119 of TEA-21. These programs will be closed, so they can be replaced by the new programs and funding structures in SAFETEA-LU. The close-out will likely take several years based on past experience with States that have difficulty obligating specific projects. The Office of Interstate and Border Planning (HEPI) will issue instructions regarding implementation of the Office of Budget and Finance redistribution notice. Section Apportionments (CMAQ): Establishes a modified apportionment formula for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding. Uses the multiple weighting of eight-hour ozone classifications previously used for the one-hour classifications. Adds a 1.0 weighting for the Subpart 1 eight-hour ozone nonattainment areas and for all maintenance areas. Does not provide a weighting factor for PM 2.5 or PM 10 although CMAQ funds may be used in those areas. These factors will be effective with the FY06 apportionment and will be applied to reconcile FY05 apportionments. Section Metropolitan Planning (PL Funds): Adds a new requirement that state DOTs must reimburse Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for costs of carrying out the Section 134 planning process, out of PL funds, within 30 days of receiving the MPO's claim for reimbursement. This requirement is effective immediately. If a state DOT believes the MPO did not provide adequate supporting documentation for reimbursement claims and the state DOT needs more than the 30 days to verify the claims, the state DOT should reimburse the MPO and then deduct any charges later determined to be unallowable from the MPO's next claim for reimbursement. Please ensure that state DOTs and MPOs are aware of it and that state DOTs are complying. Section Transportation, Community, and System Preservation (TCSP) Program: SAFETEA- LU more than doubles the TCSP Program for the last four fiscal years. However, SAFETEA-LU does not provide for formula allocation, as contained in the Administration's SAFETEA proposal. Effective immediately, the TCSP Program is no longer 100 percent Federally-funded. The Federal share is now in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 120(b). Section 1122(a) - Definitions (Transportation Enhancement Activities): The definition of transportation enhancements (TE) in 23 USC 101(a)(35) is amended to clarify that acquisition of historic battlefields and inventory for outdoor advertising are eligible activities. These clarifications are effective immediately. HEP staff will revise existing TE guidance on FHWA's website at to reflect those clarifications for TE project eligibility. Section Coordinated Border Infrastructure Improvement Program: Establishes an apportioned (a.k.a. formula) program for about $833 million/year for the States with land borders with Canada or Mexico. Projects are to be selected by the States. Eligible projects must be within 100 miles of the border. Eligible uses include construction of highways, safety enforcement infrastructure, operations improvements and international coordination. States may fund projects that are physically located in Mexico or Canada under some conditions. HEP expects to issue guidance on this program within a month. Section High Priority Corridors on the National Highway System: Modifies and adds to corridors previously identified in Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) Section 1105, as amended. Also designates some corridors as future interstates. Subsection 1304(d) seems to provide funding for improvement of the corridors, but it just provides the authorization that would be needed if some future (Continued on page 10)

10 Page 10 appropriations act provided the funding. Section National Scenic Byways Program:- This program was amended to allow Indian tribes to apply directly to the FHWA for Byway designation and for funding. This provision is effective immediately. HEP will implement this change for pending FY 2005 discretionary grants once projects are selected. HEP will also provide more specific guidance as needed in the solicitation of FY 2006 grants this fall. Section Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program: This is a new program for four communities to encourage nonmotorized transportation Columbia, MO; Marin County, CA; Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN and Sheboygan County, WI. Agreements need to be in place for the communities to initiate the pilots. FY 2006 funding should be available by February We need to coordinate the efforts of the four pilot communities to ensure comparable data collection and analysis for use in preparing reports to Congress due in 2007 and HEP staff are consulting with staff in the four affected FHWA Divisions on how best to form the agreements and administer the four pilots. Section Addition to CMAQ-Eligible Projects: Provides continued eligibility to use CMAQ funds in those former one-hour ozone areas that are required to prepare maintenance plans. Reinforces the eligibility of projects that contribute to attainment or maintenance. Specifies the eligibility of advanced truck stop electrification, interoperable emergency communications equipment, and transportation systems management and operations projects that mitigate congestion and improve air quality. Calls for priority to be given to funding diesel retrofit projects and other cost-effective CMAQ strategies that improve air quality. HEPN will coordinate with FTA in updating FHWA's CMAQ guidance to clarify the new eligibility categories. In the interim, however, these projects are immediately eligible (and in fact many of these project types were eligible even before SAFETEA-LU was enacted). In addition, EPA will also be developing related guidance on obtaining conformity credit for emissions reductions associated with diesel retrofits. Until EPA issues this guidance, credit for diesel retrofits can only be obtained through the current SIP revision process. OTHER PROVISIONS: Section Future Interstate Routes: Increases the time allowed to bring designated future interstates' to Interstate standards from 12 to 25 years. This change is effective immediately and is self-explanatory. HEP will begin a revision of 23CFR 470 to incorporate this change into FHWA regulations. HEP will also notify divisions about six months prior to the expiration of the new deadline (this will not be in the FHWA regulations). Section Inclusion of Certain Route Segments on Interstate System and NHS: Requires some designation actions. HEP will shortly contact FHWA Divisions where action is needed. Section th Amendment Highway and 3 rd Infantry Division Highway: Requires studies for two corridors, one between Augusta, GA and Natchez, MS, and one between Savannah, GA and Knoxville, TN. Three line items in section 1702 provide about $1.3 million (over the life of SAFETEA-LU) to Georgia for these two studies. HEPI expects to work with the Georgia Division and Georgia DOT to establish protocols for implementing this section in cooperation with other States in these corridors (Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee). Section Transportation Assets and Needs of Delta Region: Provides funding ($1 million) for a study that will result in a report to Congress. The study is to address all modes of transportation. The funding will go to the Delta Regional Authority to author the report. HEP will consult Divisions in the 8 States within the Delta Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee)

11 Page 11 DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER TRANSPORTATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM The mission of the Universities & Grants Programs (U&GP) is to attract the Nation's brightest minds to the field of transportation by providing both students and faculty at the Nation's colleges and universities with opportunities to expand and heighten their awareness of transportation related fields and careers while retaining top talent in the United States transportation industry. Universities and Grants Programs is directly responsible for the administration of the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP). DDETFP awards fellowships to students and faculty and transportation - related disciplines. The Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program was established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991 and reauthorized in 1998 by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). Fellowships & Internships Eisenhower Graduate (GRAD) Fellowships - enable students to pursue Master's Degrees or Doctorates in transportation-related fields at the university of their choice. Eisenhower Grants for Research Fellowships (GRF) - acquaint undergraduate and graduate students with transportation research, development and technology transfer activities at U.S. Department of Transportation facilities. Internship opportunities are available. Eisenhower Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fellowships - provide HBCU students with additional opportunities to enter careers in transportation. They also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships. Internship opportunities are available. Eisenhower Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Fellowships - provide HSI students with additional opportunities to enter careers in transportation. They also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships. Internship opportunities are available. Eisenhower Tribal Colleges (TC) Fellowships - identify transportationrelated activities and provide student and faculty fellowship opportunities at Tribal Colleges. They also serve as a feeder for other Eisenhower fellowships. Internship opportunities are available. Eisenhower People with Disabilities (PWD) Fellowships - The purpose of this fellowship is to provide additional opportunities for people with disabilities to enter careers in transportation. The PWD also serves as a feeder program for other Eisenhower fellowships. Eisenhower Intern Fellowship (IF) - provides students with opportunities to perform transportation- related research and development and technology transfer activities at public and private sector transportation organizations. For more information on this fellowship program visit the Universities & Grants web site at:

12 ALASKA TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TTAP) Northwest & Alaska TTAP Eastern Washington University 216 Isle Hall Cheney, WA Phone: Fax: We re on the Web!!! The Alaska Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) is administered by the Urban Planning Program at Eastern Washington University under contract with the Federal Highway Administration. Funds are provided by the Federal Highway Administration LTAP, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Reservation Roads Program, locally generated resources and individual contributions. Advisory Board Al Ketzler Sr Cottonwood St. Fairbanks, AK Ph: or Cell: Sam Thomas Craig Community P.O. Box 828 Craig, Alaska Ph: or Fax: Dugan Nielsen, Rural Planner Bristol Environmental & Engineering Services Corporation 2000 W. International Airport Road #C-1 Anchorage, AK Ph: or Cell: Fax: Advisory Board Bobby Jo Kramer Aleutian/Pribilof Island Assoc., Inc. 201 E. 3rd Ave Anchorage, AK Ph: or Fax: Karen A. Schmidt Assistant Division Administrator FHWA Alaska Division 8 th Floor Federal Building 709 W. 9 th Juneau, AK Ph: or Fax: karen.schmidt@fhwa.dot.gov Jon Dunham, Manager State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Civil Rights Office P.O. Box Anchorage, AK Ph: or Fax: jon_dunham@dot.state.ak.us