Program Plan
Department of Transportation - Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Surface Transportation System, Recovery Act Recover
Updated 05/15/2009
Objectives
Program Purpose
Under this new program, grants are awarded for transportation projects (including highway, transit, rail and ports) that will contribute to near-term economic recovery and job creation, maximization of long-term economic benefits and impacts on the Nation, a region, or a metropolitan area, and assistance for those most affected by the current economic downturn. DOT will determine how to allocate funds among projects and across modes based on the selection criteria described in the solicitation.
Public Benefits
Depending on the projects selected for funding, public benefits are expected to include: (1) improved condition of existing transportation facilities and systems; (2) long-term growth in employment, production or other high-value economic activity; (3) improved livability of communities; (4) improved energy efficiency, reduced dependence on oil and reduced greenhouse gas emissions; (5) reduced adverse impacts of transportation on the natural environment; (6) reduced number, rate and consequences of surface transportation-related crashes, injuries and fatalities; (7) greater use of innovative technology and innovative approaches; (8) greater collaboration among traditional and non-traditional stakeholders; or (9) greater integration of transportation decision making with decision making by other public agencies.
Measures
The measures have been revised to enrich the performance metrics for Recovery targets. In some instances, targets will not be available until additional baseline data has been collected.
| Measure | Target/Actual |
|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|
[-]
Obligation of 100% of program funds. | - | - | - | - |
Measure Information
| Frequency : Quarterly | | Direction : No Data Available | | Type : Output | | Explanation : Dollar volume obligated to awarded grantees. | | Unit : No Data Available |
|
[-]
Number of projects awarded | - | - | - | - |
Measure Information
| Frequency : Monthly | | Direction : No Data Available | | Type : Output | | Explanation : Number of projects selected under the competitive process. | | Unit : No Data Available |
|
[-]
Number of projects under construction. | - | - | - | - |
Measure Information
| Frequency : Monthly | | Direction : No Data Available | | Type : Output | | Explanation : Number of projects which have started construction and are providing employment. | | Unit : No Data Available |
|
[-]
Outlay of 100% of program funds to recipients. | - | - | - | - |
Measure Information
| Frequency : Quarterly | | Direction : No Data Available | | Type : Output | | Explanation : Funds transferred to grantees for project implementation. | | Unit : No Data Available |
|
[-]
Number of projects completed. | - | - | - | - |
Measure Information
| Frequency : Quarterly | | Direction : No Data Available | | Type : Output | | Explanation : Number of projects which have finished construction and are providing promised benefits. | | Unit : No Data Available |
|
Schedule and Milestones
Milestones
| Milestone |
Completion Date |
| Request for Applications: Determination of project selection criteria and publication of solicitation of applications. |
05/15/2009 |
| Deadline for receipt of grant applications: DOT receives and begins evaluation of proposals (120 days from date of publication of solicitation). |
09/12/2009 |
| Deadline for announcement of all projects to be funded under the program. Completion of evaluation of all applications received by the DOT and selection of projects for funding. |
02/17/2010 |
Projects and Activities
This program is for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure. Projects that are eligible for grants include, but are not limited to: (1) highway or bridge projects; (2) public transportation projects; (3) passenger and freight rail transportation projects; and (4) port infrastructure investments, including projects that connect ports to other modes of transportation and improve the efficiency of freight movement.
Review Process
In order to properly implement and oversee this new grant program, the Office of the Secretary has established a team charged with meeting all of the Recovery Act requirements and ensuring that the program is built upon merit-based and transparent criteria. The Office of the Secretary also currently plans to (i) partner with the relevant DOT modal administrations that have existing expertise or experience administering and overseeing similar grant programs, and (ii) acquire new personnel, or provide training to existing personnel, to ensure that the Department is properly administering this program and that funds are being spent quickly and wisely. Furthermore, the Office of the Secretary is participating in Department-wide Recovery Act-related risk assessment and management process to assess, evaluate, and address risks, including those related to the Recovery Act reporting requirements and the reallocation of unused funds.
Cost and Performance Plan
The program is working with representatives from throughout DOT to determine the best way to collect and validate project-level data for Recovery Act programs. The selection criteria established for this program are merit-based to help ensure responsible spending.
Timing and nature of reviews of project and program performance are yet to be determined. However, department-wide performance management approaches will incorporate Recovery Act objectives to hold Program Managers accountable for meeting the goals and objectives of the Recovery Act. To hold Primary and Secondary Recipients accountable for meeting the goals and objectives of the Act, grant administration procedures will incorporate Recovery Act requirements, including plans for identifying unused funds for reallocation to other eligible projects.
The Office of the Secretary expects technical representatives and project management oversight teams to be in frequent contact with grant recipients. Oversight and management teams will likely include representatives from the Office of the Secretary and from the relevant DOT modal administrations. The website for this program will be available shortly by link from the DOT Recovery Act website, at http://www.dot.gov/recovery/. DOT is considering additional opportunities to communicate with the public and stakeholders to ensure transparency in process and results and engage in two-way communication.
Energy Efficiency Spending Plans
One of the key selection criteria identified for this program is improved energy efficiency, reduced dependence on foreign oil, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduced environmental impacts.
Program Plan Award Types
No Data Available