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
• Brief 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
• 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 54 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 construction phase and request construction funding. Refer to pages 56-58 of the Guide file for information regarding the application components of projects requesting entry into the construction phase.

Refer to pages 59-86 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 commitments of at least 50 percent of matching funds within three years of the start of the PD 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 88-89 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.

In order to be eligible for funding, projects must have estimated total project costs of less than $400 million and seek up to $150 million in funds through this program.

Projects will be divided into PD and construction phases. Applicants may wish to conduct early planning work and initiate environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). After accomplishing PD activities, applicants may request construction funding. Generally, projects will receive construction funding only if they are recommended in the Annual Report on Funding Recommendations.

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.

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.