Febuary 8

Discretionary Grant Information

On February 6, 2012 I met with the region and Maricopa Associations of Governments (MAG) to further discuss the 2012 Discretionary Grant Process. The group debriefed on the results of the recent Transit Operators Workshop. It has been decided that a Transit Task Force Committee will be created to review and rank grant applications to determine which applications will move forward and under what particular category. The Task force will be comprised of 9 members from the region.

The Notice of Funding Availability for three discretionary grant programs was issued on 2/6/12:

• State of Good Repair; Approximately $650 million available in FY2012 discretionary funds. The propose of this grant program is to focus on projects aimed at replacing or rehabilitating transit infrastructure and for transit asset management. FTA will also consider maintenance facility and equipment expansion requests to help address ongoing capacity constraints that limit a transit agency’s ability to maintain vehicles and equipment in a state of good repair. Applications are due by March 22, 2012.
• Livability; Approximately $125 million is available in FY 2012 for projects that will improve the quality of life through expanded transportation choices, new and better intermodal connections, reduced congestion, and/or services aimed at economically disadvantaged populations, including senior citizens and people with disabilities. Applications are due by March 29, 2012.
• Clean Fuels. Approximately $51.5 million is available in FY 2012 to help communities meet national air quality standards. The program also supports clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses. FTA may draw upon additional discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Program funds in an effort to expanding the eligible applicant pool. Applications are due by April 5, 2012.

Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom Grant Program

The 2012 Grant Application Assistance Technical Review for Job Access Reverse Commute (5316), and New Freedom (5317) programs is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), 302 N. 1st Avenue, Palo Verde Room, 2nd floor. I will meet with applicants from the region to answer questions regarding their proposed grant application.

Transit Security Grant Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested the City of Phoenix host the 2012 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) Guidance Role Out meeting. The meeting will be held on March 15^th, 2012. We are expecting approximately 30 attendees, including four-six DHS staff members as well as various TSGP recipients from the west coast region. Staff is coordinating the logistics with DHS.