1. 1 Use of Webinar Technology in the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks Program October 21, 2008 Federal Transit Administration www.fta.dot.gov/atppl Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona

2. 2  Program goals  Two broad objectives specified in legislation, relating to the visitor experience and resource protection  Five specific program goals identified: 1.Conserve natural, historical, cultural resources 2.Reduce congestion and pollution 3.Improve visitor mobility and accessibility 4.Enhance the visitor experience 5.Ensure access to all, including persons with disabilities Program Overview

3. 3 Applicant and project eligibility and requirements Eligible applicants:  Any federal land management agency (federal agency that manages an eligible area), including:  National Park Service  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  Bureau of Reclamation  Bureau of Land Management  U.S. Forest Service  State, local, or tribal governments with jurisdiction over land in the vicinity of an eligible area, acting with the consent of the relevant federal land management agency

4. 4 Applicant and project eligibility and requirements  Eligible areas: any federally owned or managed park, refuge, or recreational area open to the general public, including:  National Park Service units  National Wildlife Refuge System units  Bureau of Reclamation recreational areas  Bureau of Land Management recreational areas  National Forest System units  State parks are not eligible areas

5. 5 Program Challenges Non-Traditional Grantees Unknown Universe of Applicants Articulating Program Requirements

6. 6 Webinar FTA held a webinar in FY 2007 and FY 2008 FY 2007- Volpe Center - $12,000 FY 2008- Adobe Breeze - $0 Webinar published in NOFA in FY 2008

7. 7 Webinar Components –Audio (teleconference) Participates asked to mute phones –Web –Instant Message Advance FAQs

8. 8 Webinar agenda Welcome ATPPL overview: background, legislation, and goals ATPPL program structure Applicant and project eligibility Project application process Funds administration Available reference documentation and materials Q&A period

9. 9 Project proposal forms (two types!)

10. 10 Planning project evaluation criteria Demonstration of Need (50%) Visitor Mobility and Experience (15%) Environmental Benefits (15%) Financial Feasibility (20%) Planning Proposal Overall Rating Visitor Transportation Experience Environmental Conditions Reduced Traffic Impacts Enhanced Visitor Mobility Improved Education Recreation health Benefits Protection of Natural Resources Reduced Pollution Effectiveness in Meeting Management Goals Feasibility of Financial Plan Cost Effectiveness Partnership/Funding

11. 11 Implementation project evaluation criteria Demonstration of Need (25%) Visitor Mobility and Experience (25%) Environmental Benefits (25%) Financial Feasibility (25%) Implementation Proposal Overall Rating Visitor Transportation Experience Environmental Conditions Reduced Traffic Impacts Enhanced Visitor Mobility Improved Education Recreation health Benefits Protection of Natural Resources Reduced Pollution Effectiveness in Meeting Management Goals Feasibility of Financial Plan Cost Effectiveness Partnership/Funding

12. 12 Project evaluation process Proposals submitted to Federal Transit Administration (Deadline) Land management agency internal screening review Screened proposals distributed for technical working group review Proposals rated by the technical working group Ratings are compiled; projects are ranked based upon scores Technical working group prioritizes project selections; recommends project funding levels Highest-ranked projects are recommended for funding to DOI Project selections by DOI; concurred by FTA (summer 2008)

13. 13 Webinar Participation FY 2007 – 142 participants FY 2008 – 83 participants Webinars archived on the programs webpage

14. 14 Feedback Format should allow follow-up questions. –FY 2008- Adobe Breeze allowed intermittent interaction Technology Easy Better Understanding of the Program

15. 15 Questions and Answers