80_FR_37008 80 FR 36885 - Notice of Funding Availability for the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funding

80 FR 36885 - Notice of Funding Availability for the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funding

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 123 (June 26, 2015)

Page Range36885-36891
FR Document2015-15709

This notice announces the availability of funding and requests grant applications for FHWA's Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds (TTPSF). In addition, this notice identifies selection criteria, application requirements, and technical assistance during the grant solicitation period for the TTPSF. The TTPSF is authorized within the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP- 21), as extended. The FHWA will distribute these funds as described in this notice on a competitive basis in a manner consistent with the selection criteria.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 123 (Friday, June 26, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 123 (Friday, June 26, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36885-36891]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15709]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Notice of Funding Availability for the Tribal Transportation 
Program Safety Funding

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of funding and requests 
grant applications for FHWA's Tribal Transportation Program Safety 
Funds (TTPSF). In addition, this notice identifies selection criteria, 
application requirements, and technical assistance during the grant 
solicitation period for the TTPSF.
    The TTPSF is authorized within the Tribal Transportation Program 
(TTP) under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-
21), as extended. The FHWA will distribute these funds as described in 
this notice on a competitive basis in a manner consistent with the 
selection criteria.

DATES: Applications must be submitted through [email protected] no later 
than 5 p.m., e.t. on August 25, 2015 (the ``application deadline''). 
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the 
application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and 
awards will not be made until after the application deadline.
    The FHWA plans to conduct outreach regarding the TTPSF in the form 
of a Webinar on July 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., e.t. To join the Webinar, 
please click this link then enter the room as a guest: https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/tribaltrans/. The audio portion of the 
Webinar can be accessed from this teleconference line: TOLL FREE 1-888-
251-2909; ACCESS CODE 4442306. The Webinar will be recorded and posted 
on FHWA's Web site at: http://www.flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/. A TDD is available for individuals who are deaf or hard of 
hearing at 202-366-3993.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted electronically to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information concerning 
this notice please contact Russell Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via 
email at [email protected]; by telephone at 202-366-9815; or by 
mail at Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For legal 
questions, please contact Ms. Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief 
Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963-3445; by email at 
[email protected]; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, 
Central Federal Lands Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota Avenue, 
Lakewood, CO 80228. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. m.t., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 5, 2013, FHWA published the first 
notice of funding availability for the TTPSF (78 FR 47480). On November 
13, 2013, FHWA awarded 183 tribes a total of $8.6 million for 193 
projects. On May 14, 2014, FHWA published the second notice of funding 
availability for the TTPSF (78 FR 47480). On March 10, 2015, FHWA 
awarded 82 tribes a total of $8.5 million for 94 projects to improve 
transportation safety on tribal lands. The FHWA is publishing this 
third notice to announce the availability of an additional round of 
funding and request grant applications.

Table of Contents

A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
    1. Eligible Applicants
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching
D. Application and Submission Information
    1. Address To Request Application Package
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission
    3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management 
(SAM)
    4. Submission Dates and Time
    5. Intergovernmental Review
    6. Funding Restrictions
    7. Other Submission Requirements
E. Application Review Information
    1. Criteria
    i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities (funding goal 40 
percent of TTPSF)
    ii. Engineering Improvements (funding goal 30 percent of TTPSF)
    iii. Enforcement and Emergency Services Improvements (funding 
goal 20 percent of TTPSF)
    iv. Education Programs (funding goal 10 percent of TTPSF)
    2. Review and Selection Process
    i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities
    ii. Engineering Improvements
    iii. Enforcement and Emergency Services
    iv. Education Programs
F. Federal Award Administration Information
    1. Federal Award Notice
    2. Administrative and National Policy
    3. Reporting
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
H. Other Information
    1. Protection of Confidential Business Information

A. Program Description

    Since the TTPSF was created under MAP-21, $17.1 million has been 
awarded to 265 Indian tribes for 287 projects to address safety issues 
in Indian country over two rounds of competitive grants. The intent of 
the TTPSF is to address the prevention and reduction of death or 
serious injuries in transportation related crashes on tribal lands 
where statistics are consistently higher than the rest of the nation as 
a whole.
    The TTPSF emphasizes the development of Strategic Transportation 
Safety Plans using a data driven process as a means for tribes to 
determine how transportation safety needs will be addressed in tribal 
communities. Tribal Transportation Safety Plans are a tool used to 
identify risk factors that lead to serious injury or death and organize 
various entities to strategically reduce risk; projects submitted must 
be tied to a comprehensive safety strategy and be based on incident 
history (i.e., data).
    Throughout the past two grant cycles, TTPSF awards have supported 
safety

[[Page 36886]]

planning, engineering, enforcement and emergency services, and 
education projects. Successful TTPSF projects leverage resources, 
encourage partnership, and have the data to support the applicants' 
approach in addressing the prevention and reduction of death or serious 
injuries in transportation related crashes. A listing of the safety 
projects/activities that were previously submitted by the Tribes and 
awarded TTP safety funds, as well as additional safety related 
information can be found on the TTP Safety Web site at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm.
    In FY 2015, the TTPSF will continue to fund projects of all 
eligible types, including projects that are highway safety improvement 
projects eligible under the Highway Safety Improvement Program as 
described in 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) 148(a)(4), in the same four 
categories identified in the previous two rounds: (1) Safety plans and 
safety planning activities (40 percent); (2) engineering improvements 
(30 percent); (3) enforcement and emergency services improvements (20 
percent); and (4) education programs (10 percent).
    The TTPSF Web site includes a series of tools to help an applicant 
prepare a successful grant application. Please explore the grant 
application tools at: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm.

B. Federal Award Information

    The MAP-21 (Pub. L. 112-141) authorizes TTPSF as a set aside of not 
more than 2 percent of the funds made available under the TTP for FY 
2013 and 2014. The Highway Transportation Funding Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 
113-159) extended the provisions of MAP-21, including the TTPSF set 
aside, through May 31, 2015. Although the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 TTPSF 
full-year funding level is unknown at this time, this notice of funding 
availability solicits proposals under the TTPSF for FY 2015. Section 
202(e) of Title 23, U.S.C., provides that funds are to be allocated 
based on an identification and analysis of highway safety issues and 
opportunities on tribal lands, as determined by the Secretary, on 
application of the Indian tribal governments for eligible projects 
described in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4). Eligible projects described in 
section 148(a)(4) include strategies, activities, and projects on a 
public road that are consistent with a State strategic highway safety 
plan and correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature, or 
address a highway safety problem.
    Section 202(e) further specifies that in applying for TTPSF, an 
Indian tribal government, in cooperation with the Secretary of the 
Interior and, as appropriate, with a State, local government, or 
metropolitan planning organization, shall select projects from the 
transportation improvement program, subject to the approval of the 
Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Interior.
    Upon award, TTPSF will be administered the same way as all TTP 
funds: FHWA Agreement tribes will receive funds in accordance with 
their Program Agreement through a Referenced Funding Agreement (RFA); 
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Agreement tribes will receive their 
funds through their BIA Regional Office; and Compact tribes will 
receive their funds through the Department of the Interior's Office of 
Self Governance. Upon completion of a TTPSF project, funds that are not 
expended are to be recovered and returned to the TTPSF funding pool to 
be made available for the following TTPSF grant cycle.

C. Eligibility Information

    To be selected for a TTPSF award, an applicant must be a federally 
recognized Indian tribe and the project must be an Eligible Project.

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible Applicants for TTPSF discretionary grants are federally 
recognized tribes identified on the list of ``Indian Entities 
Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs'' (published at 77 FR 47868). Other entities may partner with a 
tribal government to submit an application, but the Eligible Applicant 
must be a federally recognized Indian tribe. A tribe may submit more 
than one application; however, only one project may be included in each 
application.
    Recipients of prior TTPSF funds may submit applications during this 
current round according to the selection criteria. However, to be 
competitive, the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which the 
previously funded project or projects has been able to meet estimated 
project schedules and budget, as well as the ability to realize the 
outcomes for previous awards.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    There is no matching requirement for the TTPSF. However, if the 
total amount of funding requested for applications rated ``highly 
qualified'' or ``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, 
FHWA will give priority consideration to those projects that show a 
commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF funding 
request. Therefore, leveraging a TTPSF request with other funding 
sources identified in Section E is encouraged.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Application package can be downloaded from the TTPSF Web site: 
http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/ttpsf.htm. Applicants may 
also request a paper copy of this application package by contacting 
Russell Garcia at 202-366-9815. For a Telephone Device for the Deaf 
(TDD) please call 202-366-3993. The application must be submitted 
through [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications 
in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not 
be evaluated, and awards will not be made until after the application 
deadline.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Additional information, including additional data, may be requested 
by FHWA to clarify an application, but FHWA encourages applicants to 
submit the most relevant and complete information the applicant can 
provide. The FHWA also encourages applicants, to the extent 
practicable, to provide data and evidence of project merits in a form 
that is publicly available or verifiable.
    The applicants should include the following information in their 
applications:
i. Standard Form 424, Applications for Federal Assistance
    A complete application must consist of the Standard Form 424 (SF 
424) available at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety.
ii. Narrative (Attachment to SF 424)
    Applicants must attach a supplemental narrative to their submission 
to successfully complete the application process. The applicant must 
include the supplemental narrative in the attachments section of the SF 
424 mandatory form.
    The applicant must identify the eligibility category for which the 
applicant is seeking funds in the project narrative. In addition, the 
applicant should address each question or statement in the application. 
It is recommended that the applicant use standard formatting (e.g., a 
single-spaced document, using a standard 12-point font, such as Times 
New Roman, with 1-inch margins) to prepare their

[[Page 36887]]

application narrative. An application must include any information 
needed to verify that the project meets the statutory eligibility 
criteria in order for the FHWA to evaluate the application against 
TTPSF criteria.
    Applicants should demonstrate the responsiveness of their proposal 
to any pertinent selection criteria with the most relevant information 
that applicants can provide, and substantiated by data, regardless of 
whether such information is specifically requested, or identified, in 
the final notice. Applicants should provide evidence of the feasibility 
of achieving certain project milestones, financial capacity, and 
commitment in order to support project readiness.
    Consistent with the requirements for an eligible highway safety 
improvement project under 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4), applicants must describe 
clearly how the project would correct or improve a hazardous road 
location or feature, or would address a highway safety problem. The 
application must include supporting data.
    For ease of review, FHWA recommends that the project narrative 
generally adhere to the following basic outline, and include a table of 
contents, project abstract, maps, and graphics:
    a. Project Abstract: Describe project work that would be completed 
under the project, the hazardous road location or feature or the 
highway safety problem that the project would address, and whether the 
project is a complete project or part of a larger project with prior 
investment (maximum five sentences). The project abstract must 
succinctly describe how this specific request for TTPSF would be used 
to complete the project.
    b. Project Description: Include information on the expected users 
of the project, a description of the hazardous road location or feature 
or the highway safety problem that the project would address, and how 
the project would address these challenges;
    c. Applicant information and coordination with other entities: 
Identify the Indian tribal government applying for TTPSF, a description 
of cooperation with other entities in selecting projects from the TIP 
as required under 23 U.S.C. 202(e)(2), and information regarding any 
other entities involved in the project;
    d. Grant Funds and Sources/Uses of Project Funds: Include 
information about the amount of grant funding requested for the 
project, availability/commitment of funds sources and uses of all 
project funds, total project costs, percentage of project costs that 
would be paid for with the TTPSF, and the identity and percentage 
shares of all parties providing funds for the project (including 
Federal funds provided under other programs);
    e. Include a description of how the proposal meets the Selection 
Criteria identified in Section E, Subsection 1 Criteria.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

    The TTPSF requires applicants to be either registered in SAM or 
provide their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number with their 
application.

4. Submission Dates and Time

    i. Deadline--Applications must be submitted through [email protected] 
no later than 5 p.m., e.t. on August 25, 2015 (the ``application 
deadline'').
    ii. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of 
the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, 
and awards will not be made until after the application deadline.
    iii. Upon submission of the applications to [email protected], the 
applicants will receive automatic reply confirming transmittal of the 
application to the FHWA. Please contact Russell Garcia at 202-366-9815, 
should you not receive any confirmation from the FHWA.
    iv. Late Applications--Applications received after the deadline 
will not be considered except in the case of unforeseen technical 
difficulties that are beyond the applicant's control. The FHWA will 
consider late applications on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are 
encouraged to submit additional information documenting the technical 
difficulties experienced, including a screen capture of any error 
messages received.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    The TTPSF is not subject to the Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.

6. Funding Restrictions

    There are no funding restrictions on any applications. However, 
FHWA anticipates high demand for this limited amount of funding and 
encourages applications with scalable requests that allow more tribes 
to receive funding and for requests that identify a commitment of other 
funding sources to complement the TTPSF funding request. Applicants 
should demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed 
request in a timely manner, and ensure that cost estimates and 
timelines to complete deliverables are included in their application.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    Applications must be submitted electronically to [email protected].

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    The FHWA will award TTPSF funds based on the selection criteria and 
policy considerations as outlined below. However, to be competitive, 
the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which a previously 
funded project or projects has been able to meet estimated project 
schedules and budget, as well as the ability to realize the outcomes 
for previous awards.
    The FHWA shall give priority consideration to eligible projects 
under 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) that fall within one of the following four 
categories:
    (1) Safety plans and safety planning activities;
    (2) engineering improvements;
    (3) enforcement and emergency services improvements; and
    (4) education programs.
    The priority categories were determined in consultation with the 
Tribal Transportation Program Coordinating Committee (TTPCC) and are 
intended to strengthen safety plans and safety planning activities in 
tribal transportation while also directing resources to needed safety 
improvements. The categories are also consistent with the FHWA State 
Strategic Highway Safety Plan (State SHSP) for Indian Lands which has 
as its mission to, ``Implement effective transportation safety programs 
to save lives while respecting Native American culture and tradition by 
fostering communication, coordination, collaboration, and 
cooperation.'' These categories are also consistent with the Tribal 
Safety Management Implementation Plan (TSMIP). The TSMIP recognizes 
that, ``tribal safety plans are an essential component and an effective 
planning tool for prioritizing and implementing safety solutions.'' The 
TSMIP also states that ``reducing highway fatalities and serious 
injuries with any sustained success requires that all four elements 
(4Es) of highway safety be addressed--engineering, enforcement, 
education, and emergency services. A Tribal Safety Program, whether 
large or small, should work to address the 4Es, and its foundation, 
data.''
    The FHWA will allocate the TTPSF among the four categories as 
follows: (1) Safety plans and safety planning activities (40 percent); 
(2) engineering improvements (30 percent); (3) enforcement and 
emergency services improvements (20 percent); and (4)

[[Page 36888]]

education programs (10 percent). These funding goals were established 
with the TTPCC and will be reviewed annually and may be adjusted to 
reflect current tribal transportation safety priorities and needs. 
These proposed allocation amounts provide substantial funding for 
tribal safety plans to reflect the strong need that has been identified 
in this area and to ensure that all tribes have an opportunity to 
assess their safety needs and prioritize safety projects. The remaining 
proposed allocation amounts were established based on the significant 
need for transportation related capital improvement projects, while 
still allowing for applications that would cover all 4Es of safety. 
Because these percentages are only goals, they may be further adjusted 
to reflect the amounts requested in the applications received in 
response to this notice.
i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities (Funding Goal 40 Percent 
of TTPSF)
    The development of a tribal safety plan that is data driven, 
identifies transportation safety issues, prioritizes activities, is 
coordinated with the State SHSP, and promotes a comprehensive approach 
to addressing safety needs by including all 4Es, is a critical step in 
improving highway safety. Additional information on developing a tribal 
safety plan can be found at: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/.
    Accordingly, FHWA will award TTPSF for developing and updating 
tribal safety plans, and other safety planning activities. Example 
projects are listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4), which can be found at: 
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/docs/title23usc.pdf.
    The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of TTPSF 
funding requests for tribal safety plans: (1) Development of a tribal 
safety plan where none currently exists, and (2) age or status of an 
existing tribal safety plan.
    The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of TTPSF 
funding requests for safety planning activities: (1) Inclusion of the 
activity in a completed State SHSP or tribal transportation safety plan 
that is no more than 5 years old; (2) submission of supporting data 
that demonstrates the need for the activity; (3) leveraging of private 
or other public funding; or (4) the project is part of a comprehensive 
approach to safety which includes other safety efforts.
    Examples of eligible safety planning activities include, but are 
not limited to:
     Collection, analysis, and improvement of safety data; and
     Road safety assessments.
ii. Engineering Improvements (Funding Goal 30 Percent of TTPSF)
    Example projects are listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) which can be 
found at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/docs/title23usc.pdf.
    The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of 
funding requests for engineering improvements: (1) Inclusion of the 
activity in a completed State SHSP or tribal transportation safety plan 
that is no more than 5 years old; (2) inclusion of the activity in a 
completed road safety audit, engineering study, impact assessment or 
other engineering document; (3) submission of supporting data that 
demonstrates the need for the project; (4) ownership of the facility; 
(5) leveraging of private or other public funding; (6) years since the 
tribe has last received funding for an TTPSF engineering improvement 
project; or (7) the project is part of a comprehensive approach to 
safety which includes other safety efforts.
    Examples of eligible engineering improvement projects include, but 
are not limited to:
     Intersection safety improvements;
     Pavement and shoulder widening (including addition of a 
passing lane to remedy an unsafe condition);
     Installation of rumble strips or another warning device, 
if the rumble strips or other warning devices do not adversely affect 
the safety or mobility of bicyclists and pedestrians, including persons 
with disabilities;
     Installation of a skid-resistant surface at an 
intersection or other location with a high frequency of crashes;
     Improvements for pedestrian or bicyclist safety or safety 
of persons with disabilities;
     Construction and improvement of railway-highway grade 
crossing safety feature;
     Installation of protective devices;
     Construction of a traffic calming feature;
     Elimination of a roadside hazard;
     Installation, replacement, and other improvement of 
highway signage and pavement markings, or a project to maintain minimum 
levels of retroreflectivity that addresses highway safety;
     Installation of a traffic control or other warning device 
at a location with high crash potential;
     Installation of guardrails, barriers (including barriers 
between construction work zones and traffic lanes for the safety of 
road users and workers), and crash attenuators;
     The addition or retrofitting of structures or other 
measures to eliminate or reduce crashes involving vehicles and 
wildlife;
     Installation of yellow-green signs and signals at 
pedestrian and bicycle crossings and in school zones;
     Construction and operational improvements on high risk 
rural roads;
     Geometric improvements to a road for safety purposes that 
improve safety;
     Roadway safety infrastructure improvements consistent with 
the recommendations included in the FHWA publication entitled ``Highway 
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians'';
     Truck parking facilities eligible for funding under 
section 1401 of MAP-21;
     Systemic safety improvements; and
     Transportation-related safety projects for modes such as 
trails, docks, boardwalks, ice roads, and others that are eligible for 
TTP funds.
iii. Enforcement and Emergency Services Improvements (Funding Goal 20 
Percent of TTPSF)
    Example projects are listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4), which can be 
found at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/docs/title23usc.pdf.
    The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of 
funding requests for enforcement and emergency services improvements: 
(1) Inclusion of the activity in a completed State SHSP or tribal 
transportation safety plan that is no more than 5 years old; (2) 
submission of supporting data that demonstrates the need for the 
project; (3) leveraging of private or other public funding; or (4) the 
project is part of a comprehensive approach to safety which includes 
other safety efforts.
    Examples of eligible enforcement and emergency services improvement 
activities include, but are not limited to:
     The conduct of a model traffic enforcement activity at a 
railway-highway crossing;
     Installation of a priority control system for emergency 
vehicles at signalized intersections; and
     Planning integrated interoperable emergency communications 
equipment, operational activities, or traffic enforcement activities 
(including police assistance) relating to work zone safety.
iv. Education Programs (Funding Goal 10 Percent of TTPSF)
    Example projects are listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4), which can be 
found at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/docs/title23usc.pdf.
    The FHWA will use the following criteria in the evaluation of 
funding requests for education projects: (1) Inclusion of the activity 
in a completed State SHSP or tribal transportation

[[Page 36889]]

safety plan that is no more than 5 years old; (2) submission of 
supporting data that demonstrates the need for the project; (3) 
leveraging of private or other public funding; or (4) the project is 
part of a comprehensive approach to safety which includes other safety 
efforts.
    Examples of eligible education activities include, but are not 
limited to:
     Safety Management System Implementation Plan activities;
     Public service announcements; and
     Programs implemented to inform the public or address 
behaviors that affect transportation safety.

2. Review and Selection Process

    The TTPSF grant applications will be evaluated in accordance with 
evaluation process discussed below. The FHWA will establish an 
evaluation team to review each application received by FHWA prior to 
the application deadline. The FHWA will lead the evaluation team, which 
will include members from the BIA. The evaluation team will include 
technical and professional staff with relevant experience and expertise 
in tribal transportation safety issues. The evaluation team will be 
responsible for evaluating and rating all eligible projects. The 
evaluation team will review each application against the evaluation 
criteria in each of the four categories and assign a rating of ``Highly 
Qualified,'' ``Qualified,'' or ``Not Qualified'' to each application 
for the FHWA Administrator's review. The FHWA Administrator will 
forward funding recommendations to the Office of the Secretary. The 
final funding decisions will be made by the Secretary of 
Transportation.
    All applications will be evaluated and assigned a rating of 
``Highly Qualified,'' ``Qualified,'' or ``Not Qualified.'' The ratings, 
as defined below, are proposed within each priority funding category as 
follows:
i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning Activities \1\
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    \1\ The development of a tribal safety plan is the cornerstone 
for all future tribal safety activities including education, 
enforcement and emergency services, engineering improvements and 
other safety planning activities. Because of the importance of 
developing, completing or updating a tribal safety plan and for this 
one category only, applications will be deemed either ``highly 
qualified'' or ``not qualified.'' All applications to develop a new 
tribal safety plan, update an incomplete safety plan, or update an 
existing tribal safety plan more than 3 years old are deemed to be 
highly qualified. Applications not directed to developing, updating 
or completing existing a tribal safety plan or which address a plan 
not older than 3 years are deemed ``Not Qualified.''
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I. Development of Tribal Safety Plans
    a. Highly Qualified: Requests (up to a maximum of $12,500) for 
development of new tribal safety plans or to update incomplete tribal 
safety plans; and requests (up to a maximum of $7,500) to update 
existing tribal safety plans that are more than 3 years old.
    b. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility 
requirements; any request to update an existing tribal safety plan that 
is less than 3 years old.
II. Other Safety Planning Activities
    a. Highly Qualified: Requests for other safety planning activities 
that are in a current State SHSP or tribal safety plan that is not more 
than 5 years old; submission of data that demonstrates the need for the 
activities; significant leveraging of private or public funding; and 
are part of a comprehensive approach to safety which includes other 
safety efforts. If the total amount of funding requested for 
applications rated as ``highly qualified'' exceeds the amount of 
available funding, FHWA will give priority funding consideration to 
funding one or more independent components of a highly qualified 
project. To be eligible, a component must meet eligibility criteria and 
must be a transportation safety project that has independent utility 
(i.e., is usable and a reasonable expenditure of Federal funds even if 
no other improvements are made in the area). In other words, FHWA may 
fund an independent component of a project, instead of the full project 
described in the application, only if that component provides 
transportation benefits and will be ready for its intended use upon 
completion of that component.
    Applicants should be aware that while it is anticipated that most 
of these projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not 
lead to construction or have potentially significant traffic or other 
impacts, depending on the relationship between the overall project and 
the independent component, the NEPA review for the independent 
component may have to include evaluation of all project components as 
connected, similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 
1508.25. Priority consideration will also be given to funding requests 
that include a commitment of other funding sources to complement the 
TTPSF, and those requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity 
to successfully implement the proposed project in a timely manner.
    b. Qualified: Requests for other safety planning activities that 
are in a current State SHSP or tribal safety plan that is more than 5 
years old; submission of some data that demonstrates the need for the 
activity; some leveraging of private or public funding; and is part of 
a comprehensive approach to safety which includes other safety efforts.
    If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as 
``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give 
priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent 
components of a qualified project. To be eligible, a component must 
meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation safety project 
that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable 
expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in 
the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a 
project, instead of the full project described in the application, only 
if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready 
for its intended use upon completion of that component. Applicants 
should be aware that while it is anticipated that most of these 
projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not lead to 
construction or have potentially significant traffic or other impacts, 
depending on the relationship between the overall project and the 
independent component, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
review for the independent component may have to include evaluation of 
all project components as connected, similar, or cumulative actions, as 
detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will also be given 
to funding requests that include a commitment of other funding sources 
to complement the TTPSF, and those requests where the applicants 
demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project 
in a timely manner.
    c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility 
requirements; projects that are not included in a State SHSP or tribal 
safety plan.
ii. Engineering Improvements
    a. Highly Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or 
tribal safety plan that is less than 5 years old; data included in the 
application that directly supports the project; project is in a current 
road safety audit, impact assessment, or other safety engineering 
study; projects located on a BIA or tribal facility; significant 
leverage with other funding; the tribe has not received funding for a 
TTPSF transportation safety construction project in more than 10 years 
or the project is part of a comprehensive approach to safety which 
includes three or more other safety efforts.
    If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as 
``highly qualified'' exceeds the amount

[[Page 36890]]

of available funding, FHWA will give priority funding consideration to 
funding one or more independent components of a highly qualified 
project. To be eligible, a component must meet eligibility criteria and 
must be a transportation improvement that has independent utility 
(i.e., is usable and a reasonable expenditure of Federal funds even if 
no other improvements are made in the area). In other words, FHWA may 
fund an independent component of a project, instead of the full project 
described in the application, only if that component provides 
transportation benefits and will be ready for its intended use upon 
completion of that component's construction. Applicants should be aware 
that, depending on the relationship between the overall project and the 
independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component 
may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, 
similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority 
consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a 
commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those 
requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully 
implement the proposed project in a timely manner.
    b. Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or tribal 
safety plan, but the plan is more than 5 years old; some data included 
in the application that supports the project; project is in a road 
safety audit, impact assessment, or other safety engineering study that 
is more than 5 years old; project is located on a transportation 
facility not owned by a tribe or BIA; some leveraging with other 
funding; the tribe has not received funding for a TTPSF transportation 
safety construction project in the last 2 to 10 years or the projects 
is part of a coordinated approach with one to two other safety efforts.
    If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as 
``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give 
priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent 
components of a qualified project. To be eligible, a component must 
meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation improvement that 
has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable expenditure 
of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in the area). 
In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a project, 
instead of the full project described in the application, only if that 
component provides transportation benefits and will be ready for its 
intended use upon completion of that component's construction. 
Applicants should be aware that, depending on the relationship between 
the overall project and the independent component, the NEPA review for 
the independent component may have to include evaluation of all project 
components as connected, similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 
40 CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will also be given to funding 
requests that include a commitment of other funding sources to 
complement the TTPSF, and those requests where the applicants 
demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project 
in a timely manner.
    c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility 
requirements; are not included in a State SHSP or tribal safety plan; 
no data provided in the application to support the request; are not 
included in a road safety audit, impact assessment, or other safety 
engineering study; have received funding for a TTPSF transportation 
safety construction project within the last 2 years or do not have a 
comprehensive approach to safety with other partners.
iii. Enforcement and Emergency Services
    a. Highly Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or 
tribal safety plan that is less than 5 years old; data included in the 
application that directly supports the requested project; significant 
leverage with other funding or are part of a comprehensive approach to 
safety, including three or more other safety efforts.
    If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as 
``highly qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will 
give priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent 
components of a highly qualified project. To be eligible, a component 
must meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation safety 
project that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable 
expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in 
the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a 
project, instead of the full project described in the application, only 
if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready 
for its intended use upon completion of that component. Applicants 
should be aware that while it is anticipated that most of these 
projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not lead to 
construction or have potentially significant traffic or other impacts, 
depending on the relationship between the overall project and the 
independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component 
may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, 
similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority 
consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a 
commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those 
requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully 
implement the proposed project in a timely manner.
    b. Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or tribal 
safety plan but the plan is more than 5 years old; some data included 
in the application that supports the project; some leveraging with 
other funding or are coordinated with one to two other safety efforts.
    If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as 
``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give 
priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent 
components of a qualified project. To be eligible, a component must 
meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation safety project 
that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable 
expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in 
the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a 
project, instead of the full project described in the application, only 
if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready 
for its intended use upon completion of that component. Applicants 
should be aware that while it is anticipated that most of these 
projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not lead to 
construction or have potentially significant traffic or other impacts, 
depending on the relationship between the overall project and the 
independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component 
may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, 
similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority 
consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a 
commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those 
requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully 
implement the proposed project in a timely manner.
    c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility 
requirements; are not included in a State SHSP or tribal safety plan; 
no data provided in the application that supports the project;

[[Page 36891]]

does not have a comprehensive approach to safety with other partners.
iv. Education Programs
    a. Highly Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or 
tribal safety plan that is less than 5 years old; data included in the 
application that directly supports the requested project; significant 
leverage with other funding or are part of a comprehensive approach to 
safety including three or more other safety efforts.
    If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as 
``highly qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will 
give priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent 
components of a highly qualified project. To be eligible, a component 
must meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation safety 
project that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable 
expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in 
the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a 
project, instead of the full project described in the application, only 
if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready 
for its intended use upon completion of that component. Applicants 
should be aware that while it is anticipated that most of these 
projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not lead to 
construction or have potentially significant traffic or other impacts, 
depending on the relationship between the overall project and the 
independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component 
may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, 
similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority 
consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a 
commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those 
requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully 
implement the proposed project in a timely manner.
    b. Qualified: Efforts that are in a current State SHSP or tribal 
safety plan but the plan is more than 5 years old; some data included 
in the application that supports the project; some leveraging with 
other funding or are coordinated with one to two other safety efforts.
    If the total amount of funding requested for applications rated as 
``qualified'' exceeds the amount of available funding, FHWA will give 
priority funding consideration to funding one or more independent 
components of a qualified project. To be eligible, a component must 
meet eligibility criteria and must be a transportation safety project 
that has independent utility (i.e., is usable and a reasonable 
expenditure of Federal funds even if no other improvements are made in 
the area). In other words, FHWA may fund an independent component of a 
project, instead of the full project described in the application, only 
if that component provides transportation benefits and will be ready 
for its intended use upon completion of that component. Applicants 
should be aware that while it is anticipated that most of these 
projects will be categorical exclusions because they do not lead to 
construction or have potentially significant traffic or other impacts, 
depending on the relationship between the overall project and the 
independent component, the NEPA review for the independent component 
may have to include evaluation of all project components as connected, 
similar, or cumulative actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25. Priority 
consideration will also be given to funding requests that include a 
commitment of other funding sources to complement the TTPSF, and those 
requests where the applicants demonstrate the capacity to successfully 
implement the proposed project in a timely manner.
    c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not meet the eligibility 
requirements; are not included in a State SHSP or tribal safety plan; 
no data provided in the application that supports the project does not 
have a comprehensive approach to safety with other partners.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notice

    The FHWA will announce the awarded projects by posting a list of 
selected projects at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/. 
Following the announcement, successful applicants and unsuccessful 
applicants will be notified separately.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    All awards will be administered pursuant to the Uniform 
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 
for Federal Awards found in 2 CFR part 200. Applicable Federal laws, 
rules, and regulations set forth in title 23, U.S.C., and title 23 of 
the CFR, apply.
    The TTPSF will be administered the same way as all TTP funds: FHWA 
Agreement tribes will receive funds in accordance with their Program 
Agreement through a RFA; BIA Agreement tribes will receive their funds 
through their BIA Regional Office; and Compact tribes will receive 
their funds through the Department of the Interior's Office of Self 
Governance.

3. Reporting

    Required reporting follows the requirements for regular TTP funds.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

    For further information concerning this notice please contact 
Russell Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via email at 
[email protected]; by telephone at 202-366-9815; or by mail at 
Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, 
DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. For legal questions, please 
contact Ms. Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief Counsel, by telephone 
at (720) 963-3445; by email at [email protected]; or by mail at 
Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division, 
12300 West Dakota Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office hours are from 
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. m.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

H. Other Information

1. Protection of Confidential Business Information

    All information submitted as part of or in support of any 
application shall use publicly available data or data that can be made 
public and methodologies that are accepted by industry practice and 
standards, to the extent possible. If the application includes 
information you consider to be a trade secret or confidential 
commercial or financial information, the applicant should do the 
following: (1) Note on the front cover that the submission ``Contains 
Confidential Business Information (CBI)''; (2) mark each affected page 
``CBI,'' and (3) highlight or otherwise denote the CBI portions.

    Authority:  Section 1119 of Pub. L. 112-141; 23 U.S.C. 202(e).

    Issued on: June 19, 2015.
Gregory G. Nadeau,
Acting Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2015-15709 Filed 6-25-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-22-P



                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices                                              36885

                                              acres acquired through provisions of                    DATES:   Applications must be submitted                Table of Contents
                                              Executive Order 9689, dated January 31,                 through ttpsf@dot.gov no later than 5                  A. Program Description
                                              1946 and the Surplus Property Act of                    p.m., e.t. on August 25, 2015 (the                     B. Federal Award Information
                                              1944 with aeronautical rights attached.                 ‘‘application deadline’’). Applicants are              C. Eligibility Information
                                              The property is located on the west side                encouraged to submit applications in                     1. Eligible Applicants
                                              of the airport and is indentified as Lot                advance of the application deadline;                     2. Cost Sharing or Matching
                                              1 of Amended Durant Regional Airport                    however, applications will not be                      D. Application and Submission Information
                                              Industrial Park. The parcel is separated                evaluated, and awards will not be made                   1. Address To Request Application Package
                                              from aviation activity by Cessna Road                   until after the application deadline.                    2. Content and Form of Application
                                              and is located outside of the airport                                                                               Submission
                                                                                                         The FHWA plans to conduct outreach                    3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for
                                              perimeter fence. As airport owner, the                  regarding the TTPSF in the form of a                        Award Management (SAM)
                                              City of Durant has requested a full                     Webinar on July 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.,                   4. Submission Dates and Time
                                              release of their airport obligations. The               e.t. To join the Webinar, please click                   5. Intergovernmental Review
                                              city plans to construct a Regional                      this link then enter the room as a guest:                6. Funding Restrictions
                                              Emergency Operations Center (REOC)                      https://                                                 7. Other Submission Requirements
                                              on the property. As a condition of the                  connectdot.connectsolutions.com/                       E. Application Review Information
                                              transfer, the city will provide                         tribaltrans/. The audio portion of the                   1. Criteria
                                              $73,670.00 to fund construction of                      Webinar can be accessed from this                        i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning
                                              T-hangars at Durant Regional—Eaker                                                                                  Activities (funding goal 40 percent of
                                                                                                      teleconference line: TOLL FREE 1–888–                       TTPSF)
                                              Field.                                                  251–2909; ACCESS CODE 4442306. The                       ii. Engineering Improvements (funding goal
                                                 Any person may inspect the request                   Webinar will be recorded and posted on                      30 percent of TTPSF)
                                              in person at the FAA office listed above                FHWA’s Web site at: http://                              iii. Enforcement and Emergency Services
                                              under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION                           www.flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/                          Improvements (funding goal 20 percent
                                              CONTACT.                                                safety/. A TDD is available for                             of TTPSF)
                                                 In addition, any person may, upon                    individuals who are deaf or hard of                      iv. Education Programs (funding goal 10
                                                                                                      hearing at 202–366–3993.                                    percent of TTPSF)
                                              request, inspect the application, notice                                                                         2. Review and Selection Process
                                              and other documents germane to the                      ADDRESSES: Applications must be                          i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning
                                              application in person at the Durant                     submitted electronically to ttpsf@                          Activities
                                              Regional Airport.                                       dot.gov.                                                 ii. Engineering Improvements
                                                Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 19,                                                                       iii. Enforcement and Emergency Services
                                                                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      For                iv. Education Programs
                                              2015.
                                                                                                      further information concerning this                    F. Federal Award Administration
                                              Ignacio Flores,                                         notice please contact Russell Garcia,                       Information
                                              Manager, Airports Division, Southwest                   TTPSF Program Manager, via email at                      1. Federal Award Notice
                                              Region.                                                 russell.garcia@dot.gov; by telephone at                  2. Administrative and National Policy
                                              [FR Doc. 2015–15773 Filed 6–25–15; 8:45 am]             202–366–9815; or by mail at Federal                      3. Reporting
                                              BILLING CODE P                                          Highway Administration, 1200 New                       G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
                                                                                                      Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC                      H. Other Information
                                                                                                                                                               1. Protection of Confidential Business
                                                                                                      20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m.                      Information
                                              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday through
                                                                                                      Friday, except Federal holidays. For                   A. Program Description
                                              Federal Highway Administration
                                                                                                      legal questions, please contact Ms.                       Since the TTPSF was created under
                                              Notice of Funding Availability for the                  Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief                    MAP–21, $17.1 million has been
                                              Tribal Transportation Program Safety                    Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963–                    awarded to 265 Indian tribes for 287
                                              Funding                                                 3445; by email at vivian.philbin@                      projects to address safety issues in
                                                                                                      dot.gov; or by mail at Federal Highway                 Indian country over two rounds of
                                              AGENCY: Federal Highway                                 Administration, Central Federal Lands                  competitive grants. The intent of the
                                              Administration (FHWA), Department of                    Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota                    TTPSF is to address the prevention and
                                              Transportation (DOT).                                   Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office                     reduction of death or serious injuries in
                                              ACTION: Notice of funding availability.                 hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.                  transportation related crashes on tribal
                                                                                                      m.t., Monday through Friday, except                    lands where statistics are consistently
                                              SUMMARY:   This notice announces the                    Federal holidays.                                      higher than the rest of the nation as a
                                              availability of funding and requests                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August                   whole.
                                              grant applications for FHWA’s Tribal                    5, 2013, FHWA published the first                         The TTPSF emphasizes the
                                              Transportation Program Safety Funds                     notice of funding availability for the                 development of Strategic Transportation
                                              (TTPSF). In addition, this notice                       TTPSF (78 FR 47480). On November 13,                   Safety Plans using a data driven process
                                              identifies selection criteria, application              2013, FHWA awarded 183 tribes a total                  as a means for tribes to determine how
                                              requirements, and technical assistance                  of $8.6 million for 193 projects. On May               transportation safety needs will be
                                              during the grant solicitation period for                14, 2014, FHWA published the second                    addressed in tribal communities. Tribal
                                              the TTPSF.                                              notice of funding availability for the                 Transportation Safety Plans are a tool
                                                The TTPSF is authorized within the                    TTPSF (78 FR 47480). On March 10,                      used to identify risk factors that lead to
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                                              Tribal Transportation Program (TTP)                     2015, FHWA awarded 82 tribes a total                   serious injury or death and organize
                                              under the Moving Ahead for Progress in                  of $8.5 million for 94 projects to                     various entities to strategically reduce
                                              the 21st Century Act (MAP–21), as                       improve transportation safety on tribal                risk; projects submitted must be tied to
                                              extended. The FHWA will distribute                      lands. The FHWA is publishing this                     a comprehensive safety strategy and be
                                              these funds as described in this notice                 third notice to announce the availability              based on incident history (i.e., data).
                                              on a competitive basis in a manner                      of an additional round of funding and                     Throughout the past two grant cycles,
                                              consistent with the selection criteria.                 request grant applications.                            TTPSF awards have supported safety


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                                              36886                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices

                                              planning, engineering, enforcement and                    Section 202(e) further specifies that in             sources to complement the TTPSF
                                              emergency services, and education                       applying for TTPSF, an Indian tribal                   funding request. Therefore, leveraging a
                                              projects. Successful TTPSF projects                     government, in cooperation with the                    TTPSF request with other funding
                                              leverage resources, encourage                           Secretary of the Interior and, as                      sources identified in Section E is
                                              partnership, and have the data to                       appropriate, with a State, local                       encouraged.
                                              support the applicants’ approach in                     government, or metropolitan planning
                                                                                                                                                             D. Application and Submission
                                              addressing the prevention and reduction                 organization, shall select projects from
                                                                                                                                                             Information
                                              of death or serious injuries in                         the transportation improvement
                                              transportation related crashes. A listing               program, subject to the approval of the                1. Address To Request Application
                                              of the safety projects/activities that were             Secretary of Transportation and the                    Package
                                              previously submitted by the Tribes and                  Secretary of the Interior.                                Application package can be
                                              awarded TTP safety funds, as well as                      Upon award, TTPSF will be                            downloaded from the TTPSF Web site:
                                              additional safety related information                   administered the same way as all TTP                   http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/
                                              can be found on the TTP Safety Web site                 funds: FHWA Agreement tribes will                      safety/ttpsf.htm. Applicants may also
                                              at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/                receive funds in accordance with their                 request a paper copy of this application
                                              safety/ttpsf.htm.                                       Program Agreement through a                            package by contacting Russell Garcia at
                                                 In FY 2015, the TTPSF will continue                  Referenced Funding Agreement (RFA);                    202–366–9815. For a Telephone Device
                                              to fund projects of all eligible types,                 Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)                         for the Deaf (TDD) please call 202–366–
                                              including projects that are highway                     Agreement tribes will receive their                    3993. The application must be
                                              safety improvement projects eligible                    funds through their BIA Regional Office;               submitted through ttpsf@dot.gov.
                                              under the Highway Safety Improvement                    and Compact tribes will receive their                  Applicants are encouraged to submit
                                              Program as described in 23 United                       funds through the Department of the                    applications in advance of the
                                              States Code (U.S.C.) 148(a)(4), in the                  Interior’s Office of Self Governance.                  application deadline; however,
                                              same four categories identified in the                  Upon completion of a TTPSF project,                    applications will not be evaluated, and
                                              previous two rounds: (1) Safety plans                   funds that are not expended are to be                  awards will not be made until after the
                                              and safety planning activities (40                      recovered and returned to the TTPSF                    application deadline.
                                              percent); (2) engineering improvements                  funding pool to be made available for
                                                                                                      the following TTPSF grant cycle.                       2. Content and Form of Application
                                              (30 percent); (3) enforcement and                                                                              Submission
                                              emergency services improvements (20                     C. Eligibility Information
                                              percent); and (4) education programs (10                                                                          Additional information, including
                                              percent).                                                 To be selected for a TTPSF award, an                 additional data, may be requested by
                                                                                                      applicant must be a federally recognized               FHWA to clarify an application, but
                                                 The TTPSF Web site includes a series
                                                                                                      Indian tribe and the project must be an                FHWA encourages applicants to submit
                                              of tools to help an applicant prepare a
                                                                                                      Eligible Project.                                      the most relevant and complete
                                              successful grant application. Please
                                              explore the grant application tools at:                 1. Eligible Applicants                                 information the applicant can provide.
                                              http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/                                                                          The FHWA also encourages applicants,
                                                                                                         Eligible Applicants for TTPSF                       to the extent practicable, to provide data
                                              safety/ttpsf.htm.                                       discretionary grants are federally                     and evidence of project merits in a form
                                              B. Federal Award Information                            recognized tribes identified on the list of            that is publicly available or verifiable.
                                                                                                      ‘‘Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible                 The applicants should include the
                                                 The MAP–21 (Pub. L. 112–141)                         to Receive Services from the Bureau of                 following information in their
                                              authorizes TTPSF as a set aside of not                  Indian Affairs’’ (published at 77 FR                   applications:
                                              more than 2 percent of the funds made                   47868). Other entities may partner with
                                              available under the TTP for FY 2013                     a tribal government to submit an                       i. Standard Form 424, Applications for
                                              and 2014. The Highway Transportation                    application, but the Eligible Applicant                Federal Assistance
                                              Funding Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113–159)                   must be a federally recognized Indian                     A complete application must consist
                                              extended the provisions of MAP–21,                      tribe. A tribe may submit more than one                of the Standard Form 424 (SF 424)
                                              including the TTPSF set aside, through                  application; however, only one project                 available at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/
                                              May 31, 2015. Although the Fiscal Year                  may be included in each application.                   programs/ttp/safety.
                                              (FY) 2015 TTPSF full-year funding level                    Recipients of prior TTPSF funds may
                                              is unknown at this time, this notice of                 submit applications during this current                ii. Narrative (Attachment to SF 424)
                                              funding availability solicits proposals                 round according to the selection criteria.                Applicants must attach a
                                              under the TTPSF for FY 2015. Section                    However, to be competitive, the                        supplemental narrative to their
                                              202(e) of Title 23, U.S.C., provides that               applicant should demonstrate the extent                submission to successfully complete the
                                              funds are to be allocated based on an                   to which the previously funded project                 application process. The applicant must
                                              identification and analysis of highway                  or projects has been able to meet                      include the supplemental narrative in
                                              safety issues and opportunities on tribal               estimated project schedules and budget,                the attachments section of the SF 424
                                              lands, as determined by the Secretary,                  as well as the ability to realize the                  mandatory form.
                                              on application of the Indian tribal                     outcomes for previous awards.                             The applicant must identify the
                                              governments for eligible projects                                                                              eligibility category for which the
                                              described in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4). Eligible              2. Cost Sharing or Matching                            applicant is seeking funds in the project
                                              projects described in section 148(a)(4)                    There is no matching requirement for                narrative. In addition, the applicant
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                                              include strategies, activities, and                     the TTPSF. However, if the total amount                should address each question or
                                              projects on a public road that are                      of funding requested for applications                  statement in the application. It is
                                              consistent with a State strategic                       rated ‘‘highly qualified’’ or ‘‘qualified’’            recommended that the applicant use
                                              highway safety plan and correct or                      exceeds the amount of available                        standard formatting (e.g., a single-
                                              improve a hazardous road location or                    funding, FHWA will give priority                       spaced document, using a standard 12-
                                              feature, or address a highway safety                    consideration to those projects that                   point font, such as Times New Roman,
                                              problem.                                                show a commitment of other funding                     with 1-inch margins) to prepare their


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices                                           36887

                                              application narrative. An application                   identity and percentage shares of all                  7. Other Submission Requirements
                                              must include any information needed to                  parties providing funds for the project                   Applications must be submitted
                                              verify that the project meets the                       (including Federal funds provided                      electronically to ttpsf@dot.gov.
                                              statutory eligibility criteria in order for             under other programs);
                                              the FHWA to evaluate the application                       e. Include a description of how the                 E. Application Review Information
                                              against TTPSF criteria.                                 proposal meets the Selection Criteria                  1. Criteria
                                                 Applicants should demonstrate the                    identified in Section E, Subsection 1
                                              responsiveness of their proposal to any                 Criteria.                                                 The FHWA will award TTPSF funds
                                              pertinent selection criteria with the                                                                          based on the selection criteria and
                                              most relevant information that                          3. Unique Entity Identifier and System                 policy considerations as outlined below.
                                              applicants can provide, and                             for Award Management (SAM)                             However, to be competitive, the
                                              substantiated by data, regardless of                       The TTPSF requires applicants to be                 applicant should demonstrate the extent
                                              whether such information is specifically                either registered in SAM or provide                    to which a previously funded project or
                                              requested, or identified, in the final                  their Data Universal Numbering System                  projects has been able to meet estimated
                                              notice. Applicants should provide                       (DUNS) number with their application.                  project schedules and budget, as well as
                                              evidence of the feasibility of achieving                                                                       the ability to realize the outcomes for
                                                                                                      4. Submission Dates and Time                           previous awards.
                                              certain project milestones, financial
                                              capacity, and commitment in order to                       i. Deadline—Applications must be                       The FHWA shall give priority
                                              support project readiness.                              submitted through ttpsf@dot.gov no                     consideration to eligible projects under
                                                 Consistent with the requirements for                 later than 5 p.m., e.t. on August 25, 2015             23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4) that fall within one
                                              an eligible highway safety improvement                  (the ‘‘application deadline’’).                        of the following four categories:
                                              project under 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4),                         ii. Applicants are encouraged to                       (1) Safety plans and safety planning
                                              applicants must describe clearly how                    submit applications in advance of the                  activities;
                                              the project would correct or improve a                  application deadline; however,                            (2) engineering improvements;
                                              hazardous road location or feature, or                  applications will not be evaluated, and                   (3) enforcement and emergency
                                              would address a highway safety                          awards will not be made until after the                services improvements; and
                                              problem. The application must include                   application deadline.                                     (4) education programs.
                                              supporting data.                                           iii. Upon submission of the                            The priority categories were
                                                 For ease of review, FHWA                             applications to ttpsf@dot.gov, the                     determined in consultation with the
                                              recommends that the project narrative                   applicants will receive automatic reply                Tribal Transportation Program
                                              generally adhere to the following basic                 confirming transmittal of the                          Coordinating Committee (TTPCC) and
                                              outline, and include a table of contents,               application to the FHWA. Please contact                are intended to strengthen safety plans
                                              project abstract, maps, and graphics:                   Russell Garcia at 202–366–9815, should                 and safety planning activities in tribal
                                                 a. Project Abstract: Describe project                you not receive any confirmation from                  transportation while also directing
                                              work that would be completed under                      the FHWA.                                              resources to needed safety
                                              the project, the hazardous road location                   iv. Late Applications—Applications                  improvements. The categories are also
                                              or feature or the highway safety problem                received after the deadline will not be                consistent with the FHWA State
                                              that the project would address, and                     considered except in the case of                       Strategic Highway Safety Plan (State
                                              whether the project is a complete                       unforeseen technical difficulties that are             SHSP) for Indian Lands which has as its
                                              project or part of a larger project with                beyond the applicant’s control. The                    mission to, ‘‘Implement effective
                                              prior investment (maximum five                          FHWA will consider late applications                   transportation safety programs to save
                                              sentences). The project abstract must                   on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are                lives while respecting Native American
                                              succinctly describe how this specific                   encouraged to submit additional                        culture and tradition by fostering
                                              request for TTPSF would be used to                      information documenting the technical                  communication, coordination,
                                              complete the project.                                   difficulties experienced, including a                  collaboration, and cooperation.’’ These
                                                 b. Project Description: Include                      screen capture of any error messages                   categories are also consistent with the
                                              information on the expected users of the                received.                                              Tribal Safety Management
                                              project, a description of the hazardous                                                                        Implementation Plan (TSMIP). The
                                              road location or feature or the highway                 5. Intergovernmental Review                            TSMIP recognizes that, ‘‘tribal safety
                                              safety problem that the project would                      The TTPSF is not subject to the                     plans are an essential component and an
                                              address, and how the project would                      Intergovernmental Review of Federal                    effective planning tool for prioritizing
                                              address these challenges;                               Programs.                                              and implementing safety solutions.’’
                                                 c. Applicant information and                                                                                The TSMIP also states that ‘‘reducing
                                              coordination with other entities: Identify              6. Funding Restrictions                                highway fatalities and serious injuries
                                              the Indian tribal government applying                      There are no funding restrictions on                with any sustained success requires that
                                              for TTPSF, a description of cooperation                 any applications. However, FHWA                        all four elements (4Es) of highway safety
                                              with other entities in selecting projects               anticipates high demand for this limited               be addressed—engineering,
                                              from the TIP as required under 23                       amount of funding and encourages                       enforcement, education, and emergency
                                              U.S.C. 202(e)(2), and information                       applications with scalable requests that               services. A Tribal Safety Program,
                                              regarding any other entities involved in                allow more tribes to receive funding and               whether large or small, should work to
                                              the project;                                            for requests that identify a commitment                address the 4Es, and its foundation,
                                                 d. Grant Funds and Sources/Uses of                   of other funding sources to complement                 data.’’
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                                              Project Funds: Include information                      the TTPSF funding request. Applicants                     The FHWA will allocate the TTPSF
                                              about the amount of grant funding                       should demonstrate the capacity to                     among the four categories as follows: (1)
                                              requested for the project, availability/                successfully implement the proposed                    Safety plans and safety planning
                                              commitment of funds sources and uses                    request in a timely manner, and ensure                 activities (40 percent); (2) engineering
                                              of all project funds, total project costs,              that cost estimates and timelines to                   improvements (30 percent); (3)
                                              percentage of project costs that would                  complete deliverables are included in                  enforcement and emergency services
                                              be paid for with the TTPSF, and the                     their application.                                     improvements (20 percent); and (4)


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                                              36888                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices

                                              education programs (10 percent). These                  ii. Engineering Improvements (Funding                  eliminate or reduce crashes involving
                                              funding goals were established with the                 Goal 30 Percent of TTPSF)                              vehicles and wildlife;
                                              TTPCC and will be reviewed annually                        Example projects are listed in 23                      • Installation of yellow-green signs
                                              and may be adjusted to reflect current                  U.S.C. 148(a)(4) which can be found at:                and signals at pedestrian and bicycle
                                              tribal transportation safety priorities and             http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/docs/                    crossings and in school zones;
                                              needs. These proposed allocation                        title23usc.pdf.                                           • Construction and operational
                                              amounts provide substantial funding for                    The FHWA will use the following                     improvements on high risk rural roads;
                                              tribal safety plans to reflect the strong               criteria in the evaluation of funding                     • Geometric improvements to a road
                                              need that has been identified in this                   requests for engineering improvements:                 for safety purposes that improve safety;
                                              area and to ensure that all tribes have an              (1) Inclusion of the activity in a                        • Roadway safety infrastructure
                                              opportunity to assess their safety needs                completed State SHSP or tribal                         improvements consistent with the
                                              and prioritize safety projects. The                     transportation safety plan that is no                  recommendations included in the
                                              remaining proposed allocation amounts                   more than 5 years old; (2) inclusion of                FHWA publication entitled ‘‘Highway
                                              were established based on the                           the activity in a completed road safety                Design Handbook for Older Drivers and
                                              significant need for transportation                     audit, engineering study, impact                       Pedestrians’’;
                                              related capital improvement projects,                   assessment or other engineering                           • Truck parking facilities eligible for
                                              while still allowing for applications that              document; (3) submission of supporting                 funding under section 1401 of MAP–21;
                                              would cover all 4Es of safety. Because                                                                            • Systemic safety improvements; and
                                                                                                      data that demonstrates the need for the
                                              these percentages are only goals, they                                                                            • Transportation-related safety
                                                                                                      project; (4) ownership of the facility; (5)
                                              may be further adjusted to reflect the                                                                         projects for modes such as trails, docks,
                                                                                                      leveraging of private or other public
                                              amounts requested in the applications                                                                          boardwalks, ice roads, and others that
                                                                                                      funding; (6) years since the tribe has last
                                              received in response to this notice.                                                                           are eligible for TTP funds.
                                                                                                      received funding for an TTPSF
                                              i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning                     engineering improvement project; or (7)                iii. Enforcement and Emergency
                                              Activities (Funding Goal 40 Percent of                  the project is part of a comprehensive                 Services Improvements (Funding Goal
                                              TTPSF)                                                  approach to safety which includes other                20 Percent of TTPSF)
                                                                                                      safety efforts.                                           Example projects are listed in 23
                                                 The development of a tribal safety                      Examples of eligible engineering
                                              plan that is data driven, identifies                                                                           U.S.C. 148(a)(4), which can be found at:
                                                                                                      improvement projects include, but are                  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/docs/
                                              transportation safety issues, prioritizes               not limited to:                                        title23usc.pdf.
                                              activities, is coordinated with the State                  • Intersection safety improvements;
                                                                                                                                                                The FHWA will use the following
                                              SHSP, and promotes a comprehensive                         • Pavement and shoulder widening
                                              approach to addressing safety needs by                                                                         criteria in the evaluation of funding
                                                                                                      (including addition of a passing lane to
                                              including all 4Es, is a critical step in                                                                       requests for enforcement and emergency
                                                                                                      remedy an unsafe condition);
                                              improving highway safety. Additional                       • Installation of rumble strips or                  services improvements: (1) Inclusion of
                                              information on developing a tribal                      another warning device, if the rumble                  the activity in a completed State SHSP
                                              safety plan can be found at: http://                    strips or other warning devices do not                 or tribal transportation safety plan that
                                              flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/.                  adversely affect the safety or mobility of             is no more than 5 years old; (2)
                                                                                                      bicyclists and pedestrians, including                  submission of supporting data that
                                                 Accordingly, FHWA will award
                                                                                                      persons with disabilities;                             demonstrates the need for the project;
                                              TTPSF for developing and updating
                                                                                                         • Installation of a skid-resistant                  (3) leveraging of private or other public
                                              tribal safety plans, and other safety
                                                                                                      surface at an intersection or other                    funding; or (4) the project is part of a
                                              planning activities. Example projects are
                                                                                                      location with a high frequency of                      comprehensive approach to safety
                                              listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4), which can
                                                                                                      crashes;                                               which includes other safety efforts.
                                              be found at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
                                                                                                         • Improvements for pedestrian or                       Examples of eligible enforcement and
                                              map21/docs/title23usc.pdf.
                                                                                                      bicyclist safety or safety of persons with             emergency services improvement
                                                 The FHWA will use the following                                                                             activities include, but are not limited to:
                                              criteria in the evaluation of TTPSF                     disabilities;
                                                                                                         • Construction and improvement of                      • The conduct of a model traffic
                                              funding requests for tribal safety plans:                                                                      enforcement activity at a railway-
                                              (1) Development of a tribal safety plan                 railway-highway grade crossing safety
                                                                                                      feature;                                               highway crossing;
                                              where none currently exists, and (2) age                                                                          • Installation of a priority control
                                              or status of an existing tribal safety plan.               • Installation of protective devices;
                                                                                                         • Construction of a traffic calming                 system for emergency vehicles at
                                                 The FHWA will use the following                                                                             signalized intersections; and
                                                                                                      feature;
                                              criteria in the evaluation of TTPSF                        • Elimination of a roadside hazard;                    • Planning integrated interoperable
                                              funding requests for safety planning                       • Installation, replacement, and other              emergency communications equipment,
                                              activities: (1) Inclusion of the activity in            improvement of highway signage and                     operational activities, or traffic
                                              a completed State SHSP or tribal                        pavement markings, or a project to                     enforcement activities (including police
                                              transportation safety plan that is no                   maintain minimum levels of                             assistance) relating to work zone safety.
                                              more than 5 years old; (2) submission of                retroreflectivity that addresses highway
                                              supporting data that demonstrates the                                                                          iv. Education Programs (Funding Goal
                                                                                                      safety;
                                              need for the activity; (3) leveraging of                                                                       10 Percent of TTPSF)
                                                                                                         • Installation of a traffic control or
                                              private or other public funding; or (4)                 other warning device at a location with                   Example projects are listed in 23
                                              the project is part of a comprehensive                  high crash potential;                                  U.S.C. 148(a)(4), which can be found at:
                                                                                                         • Installation of guardrails, barriers
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                                              approach to safety which includes other                                                                        http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/docs/
                                              safety efforts.                                         (including barriers between                            title23usc.pdf.
                                                 Examples of eligible safety planning                 construction work zones and traffic                       The FHWA will use the following
                                              activities include, but are not limited to:             lanes for the safety of road users and                 criteria in the evaluation of funding
                                                 • Collection, analysis, and                          workers), and crash attenuators;                       requests for education projects: (1)
                                              improvement of safety data; and                            • The addition or retrofitting of                   Inclusion of the activity in a completed
                                                 • Road safety assessments.                           structures or other measures to                        State SHSP or tribal transportation


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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices                                            36889

                                              safety plan that is no more than 5 years                of new tribal safety plans or to update                a comprehensive approach to safety
                                              old; (2) submission of supporting data                  incomplete tribal safety plans; and                    which includes other safety efforts.
                                              that demonstrates the need for the                      requests (up to a maximum of $7,500) to                   If the total amount of funding
                                              project; (3) leveraging of private or other             update existing tribal safety plans that               requested for applications rated as
                                              public funding; or (4) the project is part              are more than 3 years old.                             ‘‘qualified’’ exceeds the amount of
                                              of a comprehensive approach to safety                     b. Not Qualified: Projects that do not               available funding, FHWA will give
                                              which includes other safety efforts.                    meet the eligibility requirements; any                 priority funding consideration to
                                                 Examples of eligible education                       request to update an existing tribal                   funding one or more independent
                                              activities include, but are not limited to:             safety plan that is less than 3 years old.             components of a qualified project. To be
                                                 • Safety Management System                                                                                  eligible, a component must meet
                                              Implementation Plan activities;                         II. Other Safety Planning Activities
                                                                                                                                                             eligibility criteria and must be a
                                                 • Public service announcements; and                     a. Highly Qualified: Requests for other             transportation safety project that has
                                                 • Programs implemented to inform                     safety planning activities that are in a               independent utility (i.e., is usable and a
                                              the public or address behaviors that                    current State SHSP or tribal safety plan               reasonable expenditure of Federal funds
                                              affect transportation safety.                           that is not more than 5 years old;                     even if no other improvements are made
                                                                                                      submission of data that demonstrates                   in the area). In other words, FHWA may
                                              2. Review and Selection Process
                                                                                                      the need for the activities; significant               fund an independent component of a
                                                 The TTPSF grant applications will be                 leveraging of private or public funding;               project, instead of the full project
                                              evaluated in accordance with evaluation                 and are part of a comprehensive                        described in the application, only if that
                                              process discussed below. The FHWA                       approach to safety which includes other                component provides transportation
                                              will establish an evaluation team to                    safety efforts. If the total amount of                 benefits and will be ready for its
                                              review each application received by                     funding requested for applications rated               intended use upon completion of that
                                              FHWA prior to the application deadline.                 as ‘‘highly qualified’’ exceeds the                    component. Applicants should be aware
                                              The FHWA will lead the evaluation                       amount of available funding, FHWA                      that while it is anticipated that most of
                                              team, which will include members from                   will give priority funding consideration               these projects will be categorical
                                              the BIA. The evaluation team will                       to funding one or more independent                     exclusions because they do not lead to
                                              include technical and professional staff                components of a highly qualified                       construction or have potentially
                                              with relevant experience and expertise                  project. To be eligible, a component                   significant traffic or other impacts,
                                              in tribal transportation safety issues.                 must meet eligibility criteria and must                depending on the relationship between
                                              The evaluation team will be responsible                 be a transportation safety project that                the overall project and the independent
                                              for evaluating and rating all eligible                  has independent utility (i.e., is usable               component, the National Environmental
                                              projects. The evaluation team will                      and a reasonable expenditure of Federal                Policy Act (NEPA) review for the
                                              review each application against the                     funds even if no other improvements are                independent component may have to
                                              evaluation criteria in each of the four                 made in the area). In other words,                     include evaluation of all project
                                              categories and assign a rating of ‘‘Highly              FHWA may fund an independent                           components as connected, similar, or
                                              Qualified,’’ ‘‘Qualified,’’ or ‘‘Not                    component of a project, instead of the                 cumulative actions, as detailed at 40
                                              Qualified’’ to each application for the                 full project described in the application,             CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will
                                              FHWA Administrator’s review. The                        only if that component provides                        also be given to funding requests that
                                              FHWA Administrator will forward                         transportation benefits and will be ready              include a commitment of other funding
                                              funding recommendations to the Office                   for its intended use upon completion of                sources to complement the TTPSF, and
                                              of the Secretary. The final funding                     that component.                                        those requests where the applicants
                                              decisions will be made by the Secretary                    Applicants should be aware that                     demonstrate the capacity to successfully
                                              of Transportation.                                      while it is anticipated that most of these             implement the proposed project in a
                                                 All applications will be evaluated and               projects will be categorical exclusions                timely manner.
                                              assigned a rating of ‘‘Highly Qualified,’’              because they do not lead to construction                  c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not
                                              ‘‘Qualified,’’ or ‘‘Not Qualified.’’ The                or have potentially significant traffic or             meet the eligibility requirements;
                                              ratings, as defined below, are proposed                 other impacts, depending on the                        projects that are not included in a State
                                              within each priority funding category as                relationship between the overall project               SHSP or tribal safety plan.
                                              follows:                                                and the independent component, the
                                                                                                      NEPA review for the independent                        ii. Engineering Improvements
                                              i. Safety Plans and Safety Planning
                                              Activities 1                                            component may have to include                             a. Highly Qualified: Efforts that are in
                                                                                                      evaluation of all project components as                a current State SHSP or tribal safety
                                              I. Development of Tribal Safety Plans                   connected, similar, or cumulative                      plan that is less than 5 years old; data
                                                 a. Highly Qualified: Requests (up to a               actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25.                included in the application that directly
                                              maximum of $12,500) for development                     Priority consideration will also be given              supports the project; project is in a
                                                                                                      to funding requests that include a                     current road safety audit, impact
                                                 1 The development of a tribal safety plan is the
                                                                                                      commitment of other funding sources to                 assessment, or other safety engineering
                                              cornerstone for all future tribal safety activities     complement the TTPSF, and those                        study; projects located on a BIA or tribal
                                              including education, enforcement and emergency
                                              services, engineering improvements and other            requests where the applicants                          facility; significant leverage with other
                                              safety planning activities. Because of the              demonstrate the capacity to successfully               funding; the tribe has not received
                                              importance of developing, completing or updating        implement the proposed project in a                    funding for a TTPSF transportation
                                              a tribal safety plan and for this one category only,    timely manner.                                         safety construction project in more than
                                              applications will be deemed either ‘‘highly
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                                              qualified’’ or ‘‘not qualified.’’ All applications to
                                                                                                         b. Qualified: Requests for other safety             10 years or the project is part of a
                                              develop a new tribal safety plan, update an             planning activities that are in a current              comprehensive approach to safety
                                              incomplete safety plan, or update an existing tribal    State SHSP or tribal safety plan that is               which includes three or more other
                                              safety plan more than 3 years old are deemed to be      more than 5 years old; submission of                   safety efforts.
                                              highly qualified. Applications not directed to
                                              developing, updating or completing existing a tribal
                                                                                                      some data that demonstrates the need                      If the total amount of funding
                                              safety plan or which address a plan not older than      for the activity; some leveraging of                   requested for applications rated as
                                              3 years are deemed ‘‘Not Qualified.’’                   private or public funding; and is part of              ‘‘highly qualified’’ exceeds the amount


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                                              36890                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices

                                              of available funding, FHWA will give                    intended use upon completion of that                   depending on the relationship between
                                              priority funding consideration to                       component’s construction. Applicants                   the overall project and the independent
                                              funding one or more independent                         should be aware that, depending on the                 component, the NEPA review for the
                                              components of a highly qualified                        relationship between the overall project               independent component may have to
                                              project. To be eligible, a component                    and the independent component, the                     include evaluation of all project
                                              must meet eligibility criteria and must                 NEPA review for the independent                        components as connected, similar, or
                                              be a transportation improvement that                    component may have to include                          cumulative actions, as detailed at 40
                                              has independent utility (i.e., is usable                evaluation of all project components as                CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will
                                              and a reasonable expenditure of Federal                 connected, similar, or cumulative                      also be given to funding requests that
                                              funds even if no other improvements are                 actions, as detailed at 40 CFR 1508.25.                include a commitment of other funding
                                              made in the area). In other words,                      Priority consideration will also be given              sources to complement the TTPSF, and
                                              FHWA may fund an independent                            to funding requests that include a                     those requests where the applicants
                                              component of a project, instead of the                  commitment of other funding sources to                 demonstrate the capacity to successfully
                                              full project described in the application,              complement the TTPSF, and those                        implement the proposed project in a
                                              only if that component provides                         requests where the applicants                          timely manner.
                                              transportation benefits and will be ready               demonstrate the capacity to successfully                  b. Qualified: Efforts that are in a
                                              for its intended use upon completion of                 implement the proposed project in a                    current State SHSP or tribal safety plan
                                              that component’s construction.                          timely manner.                                         but the plan is more than 5 years old;
                                              Applicants should be aware that,                          c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not               some data included in the application
                                              depending on the relationship between                   meet the eligibility requirements; are                 that supports the project; some
                                              the overall project and the independent                 not included in a State SHSP or tribal                 leveraging with other funding or are
                                              component, the NEPA review for the                      safety plan; no data provided in the                   coordinated with one to two other safety
                                              independent component may have to                       application to support the request; are                efforts.
                                              include evaluation of all project                       not included in a road safety audit,                      If the total amount of funding
                                              components as connected, similar, or                    impact assessment, or other safety                     requested for applications rated as
                                              cumulative actions, as detailed at 40                   engineering study; have received                       ‘‘qualified’’ exceeds the amount of
                                              CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will                funding for a TTPSF transportation                     available funding, FHWA will give
                                              also be given to funding requests that                  safety construction project within the                 priority funding consideration to
                                              include a commitment of other funding                   last 2 years or do not have a                          funding one or more independent
                                              sources to complement the TTPSF, and                    comprehensive approach to safety with                  components of a qualified project. To be
                                              those requests where the applicants                     other partners.                                        eligible, a component must meet
                                              demonstrate the capacity to successfully                                                                       eligibility criteria and must be a
                                                                                                      iii. Enforcement and Emergency                         transportation safety project that has
                                              implement the proposed project in a                     Services
                                              timely manner.                                                                                                 independent utility (i.e., is usable and a
                                                 b. Qualified: Efforts that are in a                     a. Highly Qualified: Efforts that are in            reasonable expenditure of Federal funds
                                              current State SHSP or tribal safety plan,               a current State SHSP or tribal safety                  even if no other improvements are made
                                              but the plan is more than 5 years old;                  plan that is less than 5 years old; data               in the area). In other words, FHWA may
                                              some data included in the application                   included in the application that directly              fund an independent component of a
                                              that supports the project; project is in a              supports the requested project;                        project, instead of the full project
                                              road safety audit, impact assessment, or                significant leverage with other funding                described in the application, only if that
                                              other safety engineering study that is                  or are part of a comprehensive approach                component provides transportation
                                              more than 5 years old; project is located               to safety, including three or more other               benefits and will be ready for its
                                              on a transportation facility not owned                  safety efforts.                                        intended use upon completion of that
                                              by a tribe or BIA; some leveraging with                    If the total amount of funding                      component. Applicants should be aware
                                              other funding; the tribe has not received               requested for applications rated as                    that while it is anticipated that most of
                                              funding for a TTPSF transportation                      ‘‘highly qualified’’ exceeds the amount                these projects will be categorical
                                              safety construction project in the last 2               of available funding, FHWA will give                   exclusions because they do not lead to
                                              to 10 years or the projects is part of a                priority funding consideration to                      construction or have potentially
                                              coordinated approach with one to two                    funding one or more independent                        significant traffic or other impacts,
                                              other safety efforts.                                   components of a highly qualified                       depending on the relationship between
                                                 If the total amount of funding                       project. To be eligible, a component                   the overall project and the independent
                                              requested for applications rated as                     must meet eligibility criteria and must                component, the NEPA review for the
                                              ‘‘qualified’’ exceeds the amount of                     be a transportation safety project that                independent component may have to
                                              available funding, FHWA will give                       has independent utility (i.e., is usable               include evaluation of all project
                                              priority funding consideration to                       and a reasonable expenditure of Federal                components as connected, similar, or
                                              funding one or more independent                         funds even if no other improvements are                cumulative actions, as detailed at 40
                                              components of a qualified project. To be                made in the area). In other words,                     CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will
                                              eligible, a component must meet                         FHWA may fund an independent                           also be given to funding requests that
                                              eligibility criteria and must be a                      component of a project, instead of the                 include a commitment of other funding
                                              transportation improvement that has                     full project described in the application,             sources to complement the TTPSF, and
                                              independent utility (i.e., is usable and a              only if that component provides                        those requests where the applicants
                                              reasonable expenditure of Federal funds                 transportation benefits and will be ready              demonstrate the capacity to successfully
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                                              even if no other improvements are made                  for its intended use upon completion of                implement the proposed project in a
                                              in the area). In other words, FHWA may                  that component. Applicants should be                   timely manner.
                                              fund an independent component of a                      aware that while it is anticipated that                   c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not
                                              project, instead of the full project                    most of these projects will be categorical             meet the eligibility requirements; are
                                              described in the application, only if that              exclusions because they do not lead to                 not included in a State SHSP or tribal
                                              component provides transportation                       construction or have potentially                       safety plan; no data provided in the
                                              benefits and will be ready for its                      significant traffic or other impacts,                  application that supports the project;


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 123 / Friday, June 26, 2015 / Notices                                                  36891

                                              does not have a comprehensive                           eligible, a component must meet                        Agreement tribes will receive their
                                              approach to safety with other partners.                 eligibility criteria and must be a                     funds through their BIA Regional Office;
                                                                                                      transportation safety project that has                 and Compact tribes will receive their
                                              iv. Education Programs
                                                                                                      independent utility (i.e., is usable and a             funds through the Department of the
                                                 a. Highly Qualified: Efforts that are in             reasonable expenditure of Federal funds                Interior’s Office of Self Governance.
                                              a current State SHSP or tribal safety                   even if no other improvements are made
                                              plan that is less than 5 years old; data                in the area). In other words, FHWA may                 3. Reporting
                                              included in the application that directly               fund an independent component of a
                                              supports the requested project;                                                                                  Required reporting follows the
                                                                                                      project, instead of the full project
                                              significant leverage with other funding                                                                        requirements for regular TTP funds.
                                                                                                      described in the application, only if that
                                              or are part of a comprehensive approach                 component provides transportation                      G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
                                              to safety including three or more other                 benefits and will be ready for its
                                              safety efforts.                                         intended use upon completion of that                      For further information concerning
                                                 If the total amount of funding                       component. Applicants should be aware                  this notice please contact Russell
                                              requested for applications rated as                     that while it is anticipated that most of              Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via
                                              ‘‘highly qualified’’ exceeds the amount                 these projects will be categorical                     email at russell.garcia@dot.gov; by
                                              of available funding, FHWA will give                    exclusions because they do not lead to                 telephone at 202–366–9815; or by mail
                                              priority funding consideration to                       construction or have potentially                       at Federal Highway Administration,
                                              funding one or more independent                         significant traffic or other impacts,                  1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                              components of a highly qualified                        depending on the relationship between                  Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are
                                              project. To be eligible, a component                    the overall project and the independent
                                              must meet eligibility criteria and must                                                                        from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday
                                                                                                      component, the NEPA review for the                     through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                              be a transportation safety project that
                                                                                                      independent component may have to                      For legal questions, please contact Ms.
                                              has independent utility (i.e., is usable
                                                                                                      include evaluation of all project                      Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief
                                              and a reasonable expenditure of Federal
                                                                                                      components as connected, similar, or                   Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963–
                                              funds even if no other improvements are
                                                                                                      cumulative actions, as detailed at 40                  3445; by email at vivian.philbin@
                                              made in the area). In other words,
                                                                                                      CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will               dot.gov; or by mail at Federal Highway
                                              FHWA may fund an independent
                                                                                                      also be given to funding requests that                 Administration, Central Federal Lands
                                              component of a project, instead of the
                                                                                                      include a commitment of other funding                  Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota
                                              full project described in the application,
                                                                                                      sources to complement the TTPSF, and
                                              only if that component provides                                                                                Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office
                                                                                                      those requests where the applicants
                                              transportation benefits and will be ready                                                                      hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
                                              for its intended use upon completion of                 demonstrate the capacity to successfully
                                                                                                      implement the proposed project in a                    m.t., Monday through Friday, except
                                              that component. Applicants should be                                                                           Federal holidays.
                                              aware that while it is anticipated that                 timely manner.
                                              most of these projects will be categorical                 c. Not Qualified: Projects that do not              H. Other Information
                                              exclusions because they do not lead to                  meet the eligibility requirements; are
                                                                                                      not included in a State SHSP or tribal                 1. Protection of Confidential Business
                                              construction or have potentially                                                                               Information
                                              significant traffic or other impacts,                   safety plan; no data provided in the
                                              depending on the relationship between                   application that supports the project
                                                                                                      does not have a comprehensive                             All information submitted as part of
                                              the overall project and the independent                                                                        or in support of any application shall
                                              component, the NEPA review for the                      approach to safety with other partners.
                                                                                                                                                             use publicly available data or data that
                                              independent component may have to                       F. Federal Award Administration                        can be made public and methodologies
                                              include evaluation of all project                       Information                                            that are accepted by industry practice
                                              components as connected, similar, or                                                                           and standards, to the extent possible. If
                                              cumulative actions, as detailed at 40                   1. Federal Award Notice
                                                                                                                                                             the application includes information
                                              CFR 1508.25. Priority consideration will                   The FHWA will announce the
                                                                                                                                                             you consider to be a trade secret or
                                              also be given to funding requests that                  awarded projects by posting a list of
                                                                                                                                                             confidential commercial or financial
                                              include a commitment of other funding                   selected projects at http://
                                                                                                      flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/safety/.                 information, the applicant should do the
                                              sources to complement the TTPSF, and
                                              those requests where the applicants                     Following the announcement,                            following: (1) Note on the front cover
                                              demonstrate the capacity to successfully                successful applicants and unsuccessful                 that the submission ‘‘Contains
                                              implement the proposed project in a                     applicants will be notified separately.                Confidential Business Information
                                              timely manner.                                                                                                 (CBI)’’; (2) mark each affected page
                                                 b. Qualified: Efforts that are in a                  2. Administrative and National Policy                  ‘‘CBI,’’ and (3) highlight or otherwise
                                              current State SHSP or tribal safety plan                Requirements                                           denote the CBI portions.
                                              but the plan is more than 5 years old;                    All awards will be administered                        Authority: Section 1119 of Pub. L. 112–
                                              some data included in the application                   pursuant to the Uniform Administrative                 141; 23 U.S.C. 202(e).
                                              that supports the project; some                         Requirements, Cost Principles, and
                                                                                                      Audit Requirements for Federal Awards                    Issued on: June 19, 2015.
                                              leveraging with other funding or are
                                              coordinated with one to two other safety                found in 2 CFR part 200. Applicable                    Gregory G. Nadeau,
                                              efforts.                                                Federal laws, rules, and regulations set               Acting Administrator, Federal Highway
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                 If the total amount of funding                       forth in title 23, U.S.C., and title 23 of             Administration.
                                              requested for applications rated as                     the CFR, apply.                                        [FR Doc. 2015–15709 Filed 6–25–15; 8:45 am]
                                              ‘‘qualified’’ exceeds the amount of                       The TTPSF will be administered the                   BILLING CODE 4910–22–P
                                              available funding, FHWA will give                       same way as all TTP funds: FHWA
                                              priority funding consideration to                       Agreement tribes will receive funds in
                                              funding one or more independent                         accordance with their Program
                                              components of a qualified project. To be                Agreement through a RFA; BIA


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Document Created: 2015-12-15 14:14:31
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 14:14:31
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of funding availability.
DatesApplications must be submitted through [email protected] no later than 5 p.m., e.t. on August 25, 2015 (the ``application deadline''). Applicants are encouraged to submit applications in advance of the application deadline; however, applications will not be evaluated, and awards will not be made until after the application deadline.
ContactFor further information concerning this notice please contact Russell Garcia, TTPSF Program Manager, via email at [email protected]; by telephone at 202-366-9815; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For legal questions, please contact Ms. Vivian Philbin, Office of the Chief Counsel, by telephone at (720) 963-3445; by email at [email protected]; or by mail at Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway Division, 12300 West Dakota Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. m.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FR Citation80 FR 36885 

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