I am part of a mobiltiy management regional team with a focus on developing a one click (and possible on call) data base that will provide information to residence that suffer from mobility challenges. The data base is not just a simple list of organization that provide transit services. The team is focused on developing something that will be more interactive. If you are a citezin over the age of 65 years old and are in a wheel chair the website will filter the search engine by this crietira. Also the start and end distination will detemine what organiation provide transit service to that area. The project is something that could be utilized by all members of the community.
Now that we have developed a scope of work. We are meeting with members of our IT division to discuss what software and hardware needs will we have to complete this project. We are seeking the advise of the IT staff to let us now the possiblities of developing this type of product, but also how to maintain the information housed on the site. There are several more steps that need to take place before we can move forward from here but we definitly have the ball rolling now.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
April 25
Today I went to the East Valley Working Group meeting. This was a knock out, drag out fight... Over the past 10 months Phoenix has been working with other valley cities to determine what can be done to balance the budget. Most cities recieve fund from Prop 400 that is used only for transit. The problem is that the economy is falling and in turn the funding is shrinking. All of the cities have to find a way to balance the budget but they all want to provide as much service as possible within their jursidiction. It is interesting to see how much thought goes into these decisions and how a slight move to one peice of the puzzle and throw everything off. It is not as simple as one would think, but the cities know that these decision have to be made quickly in order to modify the operating contracts. Hopefully I will have a list of the proposed changes tomorrow and I will post what the information is at that time. Please note that changes can still be made to this list up until council approves the changes.
Bad New for grants!!!!
Today I had a meeting with the compliance section of Public Transit to discuss grant awards that Phoenix gave the City of Surprise three to four years ago. When ever you dig something up from that far back you know something bad is going to happen. Well needless to say the bad thing happen! Whenever a grant reciepiant uses federal funds for a project they must follow all Federal Transit Administration regulations. This means that all contracts and project scopes must go through a competitive process. Well the bad news is that Surprise did not go through a competitive process for accomplishing the project objectives and on top of that we (Phoenix) has already reimburst them for all of the cost associated with the project.
So now I have the great pleasure of calling Surprise and letting them know that because they didnt follow the FTA process, they must refund approxiametily $79,000. This doesn't sound like a large sum of money, but if you read the paper you know that Surprise is currently millions of dollars in the whole right now. This is just another stick added to the hay stack. Also, I have to contact the Feds and inform them that Phoenix has disturbed funds that were not eligable for reimbursement. Its going to be a long week and its hump day already.
So now I have the great pleasure of calling Surprise and letting them know that because they didnt follow the FTA process, they must refund approxiametily $79,000. This doesn't sound like a large sum of money, but if you read the paper you know that Surprise is currently millions of dollars in the whole right now. This is just another stick added to the hay stack. Also, I have to contact the Feds and inform them that Phoenix has disturbed funds that were not eligable for reimbursement. Its going to be a long week and its hump day already.
April 24
Today I attended a meeting at the Glendale Public Library for the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) transportation corrdination meeting. This meeting was very interesting because is provided information from cities, for profit organizations, and non profit organizations. This is one of the first meetings that I have attended that focused on the transportation resources of the region regardless of the type of organization.
Dial-a-Ride and other ADA service was a big topic at the meeting. It was not just talking about the service that is available, but also talking about how to better utilize the resouces such as staff and vehicles. I am impressed that their is a commitee out there that is really focused on the needs of the public without a lot of political road blocks. The meetings are open to the public and they try to hold each meeting in a different location around the valley to allow people in all parts of the region with an oppportunity to attend.
Dial-a-Ride and other ADA service was a big topic at the meeting. It was not just talking about the service that is available, but also talking about how to better utilize the resouces such as staff and vehicles. I am impressed that their is a commitee out there that is really focused on the needs of the public without a lot of political road blocks. The meetings are open to the public and they try to hold each meeting in a different location around the valley to allow people in all parts of the region with an oppportunity to attend.
Friends of Transit
I attended the Friends of Transit 10th annual conference on February 24, 2012. This was a great event to not only network but to learn about some of the coordination efforts that are being prosued to further public transit. The main focus of the conference was to provide a tracking of how transit has developed over the past 10 years. This not only consist of the transit service that is on the streets but also the funding sources for transit and the laws approved to make transit possible in Phoenix, AZ. The second half of the conference focused on the next 10 years of transit. How will funding be gained? How will transit service be expanded? Most important was how can transit be more efficient?
There were also two awards given to great supporters of public transit. One award 'Friend of the Decade Award' was given to Congressman Ed Pator for his role in help Phoenix to gain funding for light rail and supporting public transit as a whole. The other award '10th Annual Friend of Transit Award' was given to Dave Boggs who recently retired as CEO of Valley Metro RPTA. Dave not only worked as the CEO for the regional transit authority, but also worked with valley cities and organizations to ensure that transit would grow and be sustainable in the valley.
This was a great even. I will definitely be back next year to get my award. HAHAHA!
There were also two awards given to great supporters of public transit. One award 'Friend of the Decade Award' was given to Congressman Ed Pator for his role in help Phoenix to gain funding for light rail and supporting public transit as a whole. The other award '10th Annual Friend of Transit Award' was given to Dave Boggs who recently retired as CEO of Valley Metro RPTA. Dave not only worked as the CEO for the regional transit authority, but also worked with valley cities and organizations to ensure that transit would grow and be sustainable in the valley.
This was a great even. I will definitely be back next year to get my award. HAHAHA!
JACR/New Freedom grant program - Tomorrow April 26, 2012 I am responsible for coordinating the panel interviews of the applicants that have submitted projects for the grant opportunity. The interviews will provide the applicants a chance to discuss the benefits of the project, demonstrate a need for funding, and answer specific questions concerning their submitted application. This process will take a full day and will determine the amount of funding that is allocated to each grant program.
I 'm hoping that everything works out great with the panel. There have been times in the past where no one could agree and the City of Phoenix had to make the final determination. This is not a favorable position for the City to be in. It is a much better process when the panel can make the final recommendation and the City be involved only in the process of distributing the funds for the projects. Pray for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I 'm hoping that everything works out great with the panel. There have been times in the past where no one could agree and the City of Phoenix had to make the final determination. This is not a favorable position for the City to be in. It is a much better process when the panel can make the final recommendation and the City be involved only in the process of distributing the funds for the projects. Pray for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Competitive Grant Tracking spreadsheet
As part of my grant responsiblities, I have to create a competitvie grant matrix for our management staff and City core management to show what grant opportunities are available and what the Public Transit department is applying for.
Grant Application Status
| 2012 – COMPETITIVE FEDERAL GRANT APPLICATIONS MATRIX | ||||||
| Type of Grant | Federal Funds | Project Title | Federal Request | Local Match | Due Dates: | Status |
| Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program (TCSP) | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | |
| Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) | $87.5 million | TBD | 100% | 0% - NA | NA - MAG 3/29/12 - PRM 4/05/12 - City Mgr 4/18/12 - Council 4/27/12 - Form 424 5/04/12 – Final App | Guidance issued 2/17/12. Project determination meeting 3/7/12. No project to be submitted. |
| FTA State of Good Repair (SGR) | $650 million | 1) Bus Replacement | (83/80%) $16,849,000 | (17/20%) $3,451,000 | 3/08/12 - MAG 2/23/12 - PRM 3/01/12 - City Mgr 3/14/12 - Council 3/22/12 – Final App | PRM submitted 2/23. RCA submitted 3/2. MAG submittal 3/8. Final Application submitted 3/22/12. |
| $650 million | 2) Operational Facility Upgrades | (80%) $16,660,000 | (20%) $4,165,000 | 3/08/12 - MAG 2/23/12 - PRM 3/01/12 - City Mgr 3/14/12 - Council 3/22/12 – Final App | PRM submitted 2/23. RCA submitted 3/2. MAG submittal 3/8. Final Application submitted 3/22/12. | |
| FTA Bus Livability | $125 million | Passenger Facilities – Bus Shelters | (80%) $7,400,000 No Min/Max | (20%) $1,480,000 | 3/15/12 - MAG 3/01/12 - PRM 3/08/12 - City Mgr 3/21/12 - Council 3/29/12 – Final App | PRM submitted 2/23. RCA submitted 3/2. MAG submittal 3/15. Final Application to be submitted 3/29/12. |
| FTA Clean Fuels | $51.5 million | 1) CNG Pump Upgrades | (90%) $2,200,000 | (10%) $220,000 | 3/22/12 - MAG 3/01/12 - PRM 3/08/12 - City Mgr 3/21/12 - Council 4/05/12 – Final App | PRM submitted 2/23. RCA submitted 3/2. MAG submittal 3/22. |
| $51.5 million | Bus Replacements – Hybrid Components | (90%) $6,000,000 | (10%) $600,000 | 3/22/12 - MAG 3/01/12 - PRM 3/08/12 - City Mgr 3/21/12 - Council 4/05/12 - Final App | PRM submitted 2/23. RCA submitted 3/2. MAG submittal 3/22. | |
| FTA Alternatives Analysis (AA) | $25 million | TBD | (80%) $50K Min/ $2M Max | (20%) | | Guidance issued 3/12/12. No qualifying PTD projects. |
| FTA - TIGER | $500 million | NA | (80%) | (20%) | 3/05/12 - MAG 2/23/12 - PRM 3/01/12 – City Mgr 3/14/12 - Council 3/19/12 - Final App | Guidance issued 1/31/12. No qualifying PTD projects. |
Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom Grant Program
Ihave prepared the applications and scoring packets for our Review Committee. A date of 4/26/12 has been selected for applicant presentations. I have also coordinating the ADOT applications/packets for the Panel to conduct reviews.| FY 2012 JARC & NF Application Summary | | | | | |||
| | | | | | | | |
| Phoenix - 5316 JARC | | | | | | ||
| Applicant: | Project Title: | Capital Federal Request: | Capital (20%) Local Match: | Operating Federal Request: | Operating (50%) Local Match: | Project Total: | |
| Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) | Temporary Employment Services Operating Costs | $ - | $ - | $ 24,208.00 | $ 24,208.00 | $ 48,416.00 | |
| City of Glendale | Bethany Home Fixed Route Service | $ - | $ - | $ 336,208.00 | $ 336,208.00 | $ 672,416.00 | |
| City of Phoenix | Routes 3, 17 & 29 | $ - | $ - | $ 1,824,678.00 | $ 1,824,678.00 | $ 3,649,356.00 | |
| City of Surprise | Express Route 571 Continuation & Expansion | $ - | $ - | $ 585,000.00 | $ 585,000.00 | $ 1,170,000.00 | |
| City of Tolleson | Zoom-Avondale Circulator Partnership | $ - | $ - | $ 120,500.00 | $ 120,500.00 | $ 241,000.00 | |
| Lifewell Behavioral Wellness | Van Purchase (8) | $159,782.00 | $ 39,946.00 | $ - | $ - | $ 199,728.00 | |
| RPTA | NextRide Project | $ - | $ - | $ 25,000.00 | $ 25,000.00 | $ 50,000.00 | |
| RPTA | Route 251 | $ - | $ - | $ 870,000.00 | $ 870,000.00 | $ 1,740,000.00 | |
| RPTA | Get Transit Smart Travel Training | $ 57,365.00 | $ 23,595.00 | $ - | $ - | $ 80,960.00 | |
| | Totals: | $217,147.00 | $ 63,541.00 | $3,785,594.00 | $3,785,594.00 | $7,851,876.00 | |
| Phoenix - 5317 NEW FREEDOM | | | | | | | | |
| Applicant: | Project Title: | Capital Federal Request: | Capital (20%) Local Match: | Operating Federal Request: | Operating (50%) Local Match: | Mobility Management Federal Request | Mobility Management (20%) Local Match | Project Total: |
| Benevilla | Vehicle Maintenance/Insurance Costs/Gas Vouchers | $0 | $0 | $31,800.00 | $31,800.0 | $0 | $0 | $63,600.00 |
| City of Glendale | Taxi Voucher Program | $0 | $0 | $62,500.00 | $62,500.00 | $0 | $0 | $125,000.00 |
| City of Glendale | Bus Stop Accessibility Enhancements | $224,000.00 | $56,000.00 | $ - | $ - | $0 | $0 | $280,000.00 |
| City of Peoria | Peoria DAR Plus | $0 | $0 | $28,420.00 | $28,420.00 | $0 | $0 | $56,840.00 |
| City of Phoenix | Senior Cab Coupon Program & ADA Cab Coupon Program | $0 | $0 | $150,000.00 | $150,000.00 | $0 | $0 | $300,000.00 |
| City of Tolleson | Taxi Voucher Program | $0 | $0 | $14,829.72 | $14,829.72 | $0 | $0 | $29,659.44 |
| NAU | Senior Companion Program | $0 | $0 | $ 68,715.00 | $68,715.00 | $0 | $0 | $137,430.00 |
| RPTA | Alternatives Project | $8,640.00 | $2,160.00 | $545,083.00 | $545,083.00 | $103,363.00 | $56,888.00 | $1,261,217.00 |
| | Totals: | $232,640.00 | $58,160.00 | $901,347.72 | $901,347.72 | $103,363.00 | $56,888.00 | $2,253,746.44 |
| ADOT - 5316 JARC | | | | | | |
| Applicant: | Project Title: | Capital Federal Request: | Capital (20%) Local Match: | Operating Federal Request: | Operating (50%) Local Match: | Project Total: |
| Nobody’s Perfect | Personnel and Support Costs | $0 | $0 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 12,000.00 |
| | Totals: | $0 | $0 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 12,000.00 |
| ADOT - 5317 JARC | | | | | | |
| Applicant: | Project Title: | Capital Federal Request: | Capital (20%) Local Match: | Operating Federal Request: | Operating (50%) Local Match: | Project Total: |
| Nobody’s Perfect | Personnel and Support Costs | $0 | $0 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 12,000.00 |
| | Totals: | $0 | $0 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 6,000.00 | $ 12,000.00 |
Glendale
Purchased Service Contracts
I met with the City of Glendale for a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting. The topics of the meeting were based on July 2012 service changes, explanation of Cost Per Mile, future possible use of Congestion Mediation Air Quality (CMAQ), and concerns about the current strike.
Discretionary Grant Information
FTA - Bus Livability
Initial applications were submitted to MAG on 3/15/12. I attended meetings on March 22, 27 & 28, 2012 with the Transit Operators Working Group (TOWG) to complete the technical review of the 2012 Bus Livability grant applications. I will finalize the applications and submit via grants.gov on March 29, 2012.
FTA – Clean Fuels Program
Initial applications were turned into MAG on 3/22/12. I will be meeting with the TOWG on April 2 & 3, 2012 to discuss and complete the technical review of the 2012 Clean Fuels applications that were received.
Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom Grant Program
Phoenix received a total of 17 grant applications for the 2012 9 - Job Access Reverse Commute (5316), and 8 - New Freedom (5317) programs. I have provided our PIO with a draft public notice including the list of all applicants. The PIO finalized the notice and published it for public comment on 3/19/12. Applications and scoring packets for our Review Committee will be prepared and finalized by March 26, 2012. A date of April 26, 2012 has tentatively been selected for applicant interviews.Discretionary Grant Information
FTA - State of Good Repair (SGR)
I attended meetings on March 19 & 20, 2012 with the Transit Operators Working Group (TOWG) to complete the technical review of the 2012 SGR grant applications. I will finalize the applications and submit via grants.gov on March 21, 2012.
FTA - Bus Livability
Initial applications were turned into MAG on 3/15/12. I will be meeting with the TOWG on March 22, 2012 to review and discuss the 2012 Bus Livability applications that were received.Department Grants Team
I have provided assistance to the Grants Team for their respective submittals for the Bus Livability grant applications that were due to MAG on 3/15/12.
Some many applications to review
MAG/FTA Ad Hoc Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Transportation Program Committee (Section 5310)
I participated on the Review Panel for the ADOT - 2012 Section 5310 Program Grant Application process. The panel held applicant interviews on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. 19 applications were reviewed and scored for this grant opportunity.
I participated on the Review Panel for the ADOT - 2012 Section 5310 Program Grant Application process. The panel held applicant interviews on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. 19 applications were reviewed and scored for this grant opportunity.
Workshop
Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom Grant Program
The 2012 Grant Applications for Job Access Reverse Commute (5316), and New Freedom (5317) programs are due on March 16, 2012. Ibeen receiving applications throughout the week. At this time, I am in the process of preparing the list of the applicants for our PIO. The agency names and projects will be published for one week of public comments. Transit Security Grant Program
The City Of Phoenix hosted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 2012 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) Guidance Workshop. The meeting was held on March 15, 2012. We had 13 attendees, including four from DHS, as well as attendees from Orange County, CA, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Minneapolis, MN. The group received valuable insight into this years grant process as well as the coming changes and expectations for future grants.Purchased Service Contracts
I met with the City of Avondale, City of Scottsdale and RPTA this week for regularly scheduled quarterly meetings. The topics of these meetings were based on July 2012 service changes, explanation of Cost Per Mile, future possible use of Congestion Mediation Air Quality (CMAQ), and concerns about the current strike.
Grants are taking over my life
Discretionary Grant Information
Staff attended a meeting on March 13, 2012 with the Transit Operators Working Group (TOWG) to discuss the 2012 State of Good Repair (SGR) grant applications that were received. All applications were from the City Of Phoenix. The TOWG will be meeting again on March 19, 2012 to conduct a technical review of the applications prior to their submittal to grants.gov on March 22, 2012.
As part of the MAG regional 2012 discretionary grant process, I created the City of Phoenix letter of support for necessary for the SGR, Bus Livability and Clean Fuels application submittals.
Department Grants Team
I provided assistance to the Grants Team for their respective submittals for the SGR grant applications that were due to MAG on 3/8/12.
I also kept the Grants Team informed of the upcoming deadlines for the Bus Livability and Clean Fuels Initiatives.
Staff attended a meeting on March 13, 2012 with the Transit Operators Working Group (TOWG) to discuss the 2012 State of Good Repair (SGR) grant applications that were received. All applications were from the City Of Phoenix. The TOWG will be meeting again on March 19, 2012 to conduct a technical review of the applications prior to their submittal to grants.gov on March 22, 2012.
As part of the MAG regional 2012 discretionary grant process, I created the City of Phoenix letter of support for necessary for the SGR, Bus Livability and Clean Fuels application submittals.
Department Grants Team
I provided assistance to the Grants Team for their respective submittals for the SGR grant applications that were due to MAG on 3/8/12.
I also kept the Grants Team informed of the upcoming deadlines for the Bus Livability and Clean Fuels Initiatives.
Nothing but Grants
Discretionary Grant Information
I attended an informational webinar on March 1st for applicants to the Fiscal Year 2012 State of Good Repair Initiative, Bus Livability Initiative and Clean Fuels Grant Program funding opportunities. The webinar provided an introduction to the programs, information on applicant and project eligibility, and a review of the criteria that will be used to select projects.
I attended an informational webinar on March 1st for applicants to the Fiscal Year 2012 State of Good Repair Initiative, Bus Livability Initiative and Clean Fuels Grant Program funding opportunities. The webinar provided an introduction to the programs, information on applicant and project eligibility, and a review of the criteria that will be used to select projects.
Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom Grant Program
As part of the 2012 Grant Application Assistance Technical Review for Job Access Reverse Commute (5316), and New Freedom (5317) programs I met with a member of the CASS organization to answer questions regarding their proposed grant application. CASS was not able to meet during the scheduled assistance day on 2/8/12. Transit Security Grant Program
I attended a meeting of the RTSWG on March 7, 2012 to finalize projects for this years grant submittal. Once the grant projects have been made final, I will work to prepare and submit the grant application.
Strike
Hello everyone,
I first want to apologize to everyone for not being on here for the last seems like month. Things have been super crazy. I'm sure by now that you all have heard that the City of Phoenix had its first bus strike under the new contract with Veolia Transit Services. Thank GOD that it is finally over. I had to stand out at the Park n Ride on 27th Ave and Baseline Rd from 5am until 8am informing passengers that the bus service during the strike would be unreliable and inconsistent. Several people already had the information that I was passing along to them, but there are always a few that live in a bubble. It is hard to deter someone from taking the bus when it is their only source of transportation and they have work or day care that they need to get to.
I worked a total of 45 hours in three days. I couldn't tell you if I was going or coming. One thing is for sure, i will never forget the strike of 2012. It is not a good thing that transit service was stopped for a lot of individuals that depend on transportation for their day to day lives, but it was great to be able to gain the experience of working through a strike. That is a once in a life time thing. Well actually the last strike was about 10 years ago, so once in a decade is more true to fact.
I first want to apologize to everyone for not being on here for the last seems like month. Things have been super crazy. I'm sure by now that you all have heard that the City of Phoenix had its first bus strike under the new contract with Veolia Transit Services. Thank GOD that it is finally over. I had to stand out at the Park n Ride on 27th Ave and Baseline Rd from 5am until 8am informing passengers that the bus service during the strike would be unreliable and inconsistent. Several people already had the information that I was passing along to them, but there are always a few that live in a bubble. It is hard to deter someone from taking the bus when it is their only source of transportation and they have work or day care that they need to get to.
I worked a total of 45 hours in three days. I couldn't tell you if I was going or coming. One thing is for sure, i will never forget the strike of 2012. It is not a good thing that transit service was stopped for a lot of individuals that depend on transportation for their day to day lives, but it was great to be able to gain the experience of working through a strike. That is a once in a life time thing. Well actually the last strike was about 10 years ago, so once in a decade is more true to fact.
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