Department of Transportation and the Corporation for National and Community Service: Engaging Corps

Overview The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) have partnered to encourage the use of youth service and conservation corps to perform appropriate transportation-related projects.

Benefits of Utilizing National Service Partnerships between the DOT, CNCS, and States create opportunities to: –Focus service initiatives on State-specific transportation needs –Create effective methods and more efficient leveraging of funds –Create active citizenship and economic opportunities for young adults

TAP Eligible Activities and AmeriCorps: A Perfect Fit Developing pedestrian and bicycle facilities including ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements; Pedestrian and bicycle amenities; Safe Routes to School projects and programs; Scenic turn-out and overlook construction; Trail conversion of abandoned railway corridors; Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities; Environmental mitigation; Restoration and/or maintaining wildlife connectivity; Landscaping and streetscaping to complete transportation projects.

CNCS and USDOT Outreach Efforts State Service Commission Webinars and One on One Assistance National Direct Webinar AmeriCorps State & National Program Officer Training and Support Fact Sheet, FAQs and other on-line support

AmeriCorps Resources New, Recompete, or Continuation applications for national directs New, Recompete, or Continuation applications for state commission subgrantees Securing additional member positions during the program year for national directs Securing additional member positions during the program year for state commission subgrantees

National Direct notifies CNCS PO Project Identified National Direct provides short narrative application Partnership Developed Short CNCS review process If approved, Award Amended adding MSY CNCS Project Support – An Example Securing additional AmeriCorps member positions

Highlight: California

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) developed criteria to give priority in selection of projects to sponsors using corps. It requires transportation planning agencies, county transportation commissions or authorities and congestion management agencies to use specified criteria when selecting candidates for Transportation-related projects that partner with corps. It also allowed Caltrans to enter into cooperative agreements with local conservation corps for Transportation-related projects.

Highlight: West Virginia Citizens Conservation Corps Of WV (CCCWV) utilizes AmeriCorps members that serve on projects which are administered by the WV Department of Transportation

Highlight: West Virginia Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia (CCCWV) – West Virginia The non profit Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia (CCCWV) serves both youth & adults through: Operates a Motorist Assistance Patrol program, known as the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol (WVCP) via contract with West Virginia Department of Transportation’s Division of Highways. Funding streams include State Tourism Division, Department of Health and Human Resources. –Corps members (ages 21 & up) become trained drivers who work full time, receive a paid wage, training, education and job development opportunities/services to prepare him or her to become quality workers. –Drivers are also eligible to receive AmeriCorps Education Awards with the WVCP program.

Highlight: West Virginia CCCWV also has AmeriCorps members (age 16-25) who work on its Trails and Development (TDP) projects which receive funding from a variety of strategic partnerships including and AmeriCorps and RTP. –Receives AmeriCorps funding through a formula grant from the WV State Service Commission, Volunteer WV. Project work includes trail work, building, and maintenance for non-motorized trails. –Receives Recreational Trail Program funding for various projects which include partnerships with local community based organizations seeking assistance; and also receives RTP funding for trail building and maintenance for motorized trails.

Getting Started USDOT and CNCS encourage and support this partnership Collaborate between key stakeholders in your State or region—essential for an effective engagement strategy. –Reach out to State Service Commissions –Reach out to State and Regional Transportation Authorities. RTP funds usually are administered through a resource agency, and not a transportation agency. Include both agencies. Metropolitan planning organizations representing large urbanized areas select projects for a portion of TAP funds.

Action Steps for Corps Reach out to State Service Commissions who can help facilitate the process. Help educate State and Federal transportation authorities on the benefits of utilizing AmeriCorps members in DOT-supported projects. Share realistic expectations with key stakeholders on your capacity to perform DOT- supported project work. Share research and evaluation data that show the impact of service on participants and communities (the value add of AmeriCorps).

Tips Lay the Groundwork and Build a Relationship –Ensure all parties understand roles and capabilities Consider How the Project Might Change Current Business Practices – –Contracting (DOT) –Corps Member Recruitment (desired skills of members) –Project Timing –Corps Member Experience (training, certifications/credentials, etc.)

Resources Transportation MAP-21 §1524 Questions and Answers Transportation Alternatives Program Recreational Trails Program AdministratorsRecreational Trails Program Administrators Transportation Alternatives Data ExchangeTransportation Alternatives Data Exchange State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators National Center for Safe Routes to School FTA Workforce NOFA National Service State Service Commissions AmeriCorps For more information, contact Malia Pfister at