Pilot Transportation Planning Grant Program
Overview | Invite Letter | News Release | FAQs | Application
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Transportation and Mobility Planning Program?
- Can the PDC apply for both the Rural Transportation Planning Grant and the State Transportation Planning Grant Pilot?
- Who is eligible to receive these funds?
- How much money is available?
- How much time will be allowed to do the work?
- Can the MPO or PDC use a consultant?
- What areas of study are eligible?
- Who administers the program?
- How does project funding work?
- How do I obtain this funding?
- How much could the MPO or PDC get?
- Who will make the selection and how?
- How will the applications be evaluated?
- What is the current status of the Program?
- Where can I get additional information or assistance?
- When will the successful grants be announced?
What is the State Transportation Planning Grant Pilot?
The 2004 General Assembly created a state funded pool of money for planning
activities to be accomplished within the Commonwealth. This program is being
undertaken as a pilot program, with the intent to expand the program to
additional participants and eligible topics in future years. The pilot will run
for two consecutive years, with an analysis of the process, results, and
products to be completed at the end of the second year.
Can the PDC apply for both the Rural Transportation Planning Grant and the State
Transportation Planning Grant Pilot?
Yes, the PDC may apply for both, but may receive only one of the two grants for
a project. Should both selection committees recommend the grant for funding,
Administration will determine which will be provided.
Who is eligible to receive these funds?
This competitive pilot program is available to the Planning District Commissions
and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
How much money is available?
VDOT has made available, $1.6 Million dollars for the competitive program.
How much time will be allowed to do the work?
While there is no predetermined time constraint on the completion of the
planning studies, time is a consideration in the evaluation of the applications.
All studies should be undertaken in a manner so that they are completed in a
timely fashion. A timeline or schedule may be included with the application to
demonstrate the allowances for study task and ultimate study completion.
Can the MPO or PDC use a consultant?
A consultant may be used for portions of the study or the entire study. This
should be indicated on the application. Appropriate procedures must be followed.
How will the funds be administered?
This pilot program is a reimbursable grant program. After a study/plan has been
selected for funding, an agreement will be developed for the administration of
funding. If the entity already has an acceptable agreement in place with VDOT,
that agreement can be used. Invoicing by the recipient of the funds will be on a
quarterly basis, and accompanied by a progress report. A VDOT Project Manager
will be assigned to assist and monitor the progress of the effort. In most
cases, this Project Manager will be the District Planner.
What areas of study are eligible?
The categories for the first year of the grant program are:
- Consideration of special transportation needs of unique sectors of the community
- Local transportation planning for alternative modes
- Linking transportation and land use
- Prioritization of local or regional transportation plan recommendations
Who administers the program?
The General Assembly allocated the planning funds in VDOT’s budget. VDOT choose
to develop the pilot transportation planning program. VDOT/TMPD will administer
the overall program.
How does project funding work?
The transportation planning grant program is a State funded program, that does
not require a local match. Local contribution, whether by local funds, or by a
soft match, is encouraged, but not a requirement.
How do I obtain this funding?
Applying for the Planning Grant is a competitive process. This program looks for
projects that produce products that can be used to enhance the transportation
planning process, or can be used to link the transportation planning process
with either land use or programming. The deliverables for this project should
include an action plan which would be endorsed or approved by the local
governing body, demonstrating a good faith effort of moving from recommendation
to action.
How much could the MPO or PDC get?
The maximum funding for one grant is $500,000.
Who will make the selection and how?
The grant applications will be reviewed by a grant selection committee made up
of VDOT Local and State Transportation Planners and a representative of the
Department of Rail and Public Transportation. For any applications, which
require insight to other modes other than those covered by these two agencies,
additional agency representation will be brought in from the Virginia Port
Authority and/or the Virginia Department of Aviation, as necessary. VDOT
Administration will review the committee’s recommendations and make the final
decision. A copy of the evaluation criteria, which closely mirrors the
application, is available.
How will the applications be evaluated?
The evaluation criteria closely mirror the application form. A copy of the
evaluation criteria will be included in the application packet.
What is the current status of the Program?
January 2005 marks the introduction of the pilot program. After this initial
year, the results of the program will be analyzed to determine the future of the
program.
Where can I get additional information or assistance?
For more information on this program or to obtain an application package, please
contact either your VDOT Project Coordinator or Brian King in Transportation
Mobility Planning Division Transportation at 1-800-835-1203. In the Richmond
area, please call (804) 786-3092.
The mailing address is:
Virginia Department of Transportation
Transportation and Mobility Planning Division
State Transportation Planning Grant Pilot
1401 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
When will the successful grants be announced?
The successful grants will be announced in May 2005.
