ADOT Multimodal Planning Division Planning Assistance for Rural Areas (PARA) Program Overview December 4, 2013

2 Program Overview PARA program is competitive and covers 100% of study costs with no local match required; $250,000 budget cap, 10-15% typically allocated for public involvement consultant; Addresses issues related to roadway, transit and non-motorized transportation modes;

3 Overview Continued Next PARA cycle will begin January 2014 (Funding Applications Distributed) Funding available to local communities, cities, towns, and counties located outside Transportation Management Areas (Phoenix and Tucson urbanized boundaries); and Tribal governments and their sub-units are eligible including: chapters, districts and villages.

4 Application Preparation Applications must be prepared by local agency staff: Consultants assisting with application preparation will be disqualified from bidding on projects; and Partnerships between communities are encouraged, and lead agency must be identified.

5 Eligible Activities Planning activities eligible for funding include: Roadway operations and facilities planning; Transit operations and facilities planning; Feasibility review of public transit with intent of seeking FTA or other funding assistance; General Plan Circulation Element development / update;

6 Eligible Activities Continued Scenario Planning Bike / Ped Planning including General Plan Bicycle elements; and Trails Planning as part of a multimodal roadway, pedestrian and transit system.

7 Ineligible Activities Design documents; Environmental clearances (NEPA documents); Engineering documents including pre-design and DCRs; and Construction of facilities or capital expenses including: staff salaries, and purchasing computer hardware.

8 PARA Study Examples / FAQ Examples of previous studies and a FAQ page can be accessed through the PARA website at: s/PARAStudies

9 ADOT Project Management ADOT Planner Responsibilities: Overall project management; Consultant selection oversight; Scheduling TAC meetings; Deliverables review and acceptance; and Payment for consultant services.

10 Local Public Agency Role Assist ADOT PM as part of study team: Assist with development of public involvement materials used in related activities (e.g. public meetings, forums and stakeholder meetings); Provide guidance and local perspective, including timely review and final approval of all deliverables; and Assist with securing meeting rooms for project meetings (e.g. public meetings, TAC meetings, PMT meetings).

11 Application Submittal Requirements Ten hard copies and electronic submittal; Application period closes 45 days after distribution to local governments; Late or incomplete applications will not be considered; and Send all required items to: ADOT Multimodal Planning Division Attention: Justin Feek 206 South 17th Avenue., Mail Drop: 310B Phoenix, AZ 85007

12 Application Content Application located on Pages 4 and 5 of packet; Map of the Study Area (11x17 if necessary) with planning area boundary; Background, Purpose, Need and Goals Statement (max 5 pages, 12 point font);

13 Application Content: Background, Purpose, Need and Goals Statement This section will carry the most weight in the scoring process. Primary elements: Overall project considerations; Demonstration of the need for study; Demonstration of planning element incorporation; Demonstration of Community Support;

14 Application Content Continued Demonstration of how study will benefit the state, region, and / or community; A list of Technical Advisory committee members (public agency staff excluding elected officials); Estimated timeline for completion (maximum 12-months) including target dates and constraints (i.e. Council – Board meetings) Schedules may be shorter than 12- months when possible;

15 Application Content Continued A minimum of three letters of support from appropriate (COG, MPO, ADOT District Engineer, Council, Stakeholders, etc.); Studies including State routes must include support from ADOT District Engineer(s); and If applicable, provide a list of previous relevant studies and a list of projects based on associated recommendations made by previous ADOT and Non-ADOT transportation studies.

16 Scoring Criteria (Application Page 10, Appendix C) Overall Project Considerations: 0-20 Points Demonstrates Need for Study: 0-25 Points Incorporates Planning Elements: 0-15 Points Demonstrates Community Support: 0-15 Points Benefits the State, Region, and/or Community: Points

17 Study Content Guidelines The Study may consider a few or as many of the following potential elements: System Performance and Preservation; Mobility and Access for People and Goods; Public Transportation; Environment and Quality of Life; Planning Coordination; Mobility and Economic Competitiveness; Safety; Accessibility; or Resource Conservation.

18 Questions? All questions and application submittals should be directed to: Justin Feek PARA Program Manager Arizona Department of Transportation Multimodal Planning Division 206 South 17 th Avenue, Mail Drop 310B Phoenix, AZ Phone: Fax: