Application Notes:

Applications for entry in project development (PD) are accepted on a rolling basis; however, the funding agency discourages the submission of applications in the early fall.

Entities that are not already Federal Transit Administration (FTA)-approved grant recipients must discuss procedures for becoming approved early in the application process with their FTA regional office.

The program officer stated that applications for entry in project development (PD) must be emailed or mailed to the appropriate address provided in the Contact section.

Applications for entry in PD must include:

• Name of the applicant, any partners involved in the study, and the roles and responsibilities of each
• Identification of project manager and other key staff
• Brief description and clear map of corridor being studied, including length and key activities centers
• Description of transportation problem in corridor or a statement of purpose and need
• Electronic copies of or weblinks to prior studies done in the corridor (if applicable)
• Identification of proposed project if one is known, and alternatives to that project if any are being considered
• Brief description of current levels of transit service in the corridor
• Information that verifies how projects would increase capacity by at least 10 percent
• Identification of cost estimate (if applicable)
• Anticipated cost to complete PD
• Identification of matching funds
• Documentation demonstrating commitment of matching funds for projects
• Anticipated draft timeline for completing the activities listed on page 97 of the Guide file

Applications should be submitted in the form of a short letter, with a length ranging from two to five pages.

Applicants that complete the PD phase of projects may proceed to the engineering phase. The funding agency will begin formal oversight of projects no later than six months prior to entry into the engineering phase or six months prior to the end of the two-year PD period, whichever is earlier. Refer to pages 100-101 of the Guide file for information regarding the application components of projects requesting entry into the engineering phase of projects. Applicants that complete the engineering phase of projects may apply for construction funding. Refer to page 104 of the Guide file for information regarding the application components of projects requesting entry into the construction phase.

Refer to pages 105-115 of the Guide file for detailed information regarding this component's application evaluation criteria.

Refer to the NOFA and Guide files for additional application information.

Match Notes:

Applicants must provide at least 20 percent of project costs.

Applicants must show in the application that matching funding is available and committed to perform project development (PD) activities. Applicants must obtain at least 30 percent of matching funds during the PD phase.

Applicants must obtain commitments of at least 50 percent of matching funds within three years of a project's advancement into the engineering phase.

Generally, at least 50 percent of matching funds for the project must be committed before a project may receive construction funding.

Projects that provide matching contributions in excess of the minimum required will receive additional consideration during the application evaluation process. Refer to pages 111-112 of the Guide file for additional information regarding the evaluation of matching contributions.

Funding Notes:

An unspecified amount of funding is available to support awards through this component.

Projects will be divided into PD, engineering, and construction phases. PD phases may last up to two years. The funding agency encourages applicants to perform whatever work they feel is necessary prior to requesting PD funding. After accomplishing PD activities, applicants may move on to the engineering phase. The engineering phase may last longer than three years. Projects will receive construction funding only if they are recommended in the Annual Report on Funding Recommendations.

Projects may request extensions of the two-year project period for the PD phase. Extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as outlined on pages 99-100 of the Guide file.

Funds may not be used for pre-award costs. Activities undertaken prior to entering PD phases are not covered by automatic pre-award authority and will not be eligible for future reimbursement should a construction award be provided in the future.

Funds may not be used for:

• Costs of project elements related to maintaining a state of good repair
• Elements to improve general station facilities or parking
• Acquisition of rolling stock alone
• Costs of vehicles, station facilities, or parking, when not combined with other elements as part of a larger project

March 17, 2025
The program officer provided detailed submission information for the application for entry in project development (PD). The Application and Contact sections have been updated accordingly.