Clean Fuels
Projects receiving funding under the program include the replacement of existing diesel buses with hybrid diesel-electric and other alternative fuel buses, as well as the construction of facilities to support vehicles utilizing clean fuel technology.
The Department of Transportation's mission is to ensure fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.
Program Accomplishments
The program has provided funding for clean fuel projects as directed by Congress.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Eligible projects include the purchase or lease of clean fuel buses, the construction or lease of clean fuel buses or electrical recharging facilities and related equipment for such buses, and construction or improvement of public transportation facilities to accommodate clean fuel buses.
A clean fuel bus is a passenger vehicle used to provide public transportation that is powered by compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, biodiesel fuels, batteries, alcohol-based fuels, hybrid electric systems, fuel cells, clean diesel (to the extent allowed by law), or another low or zero emissions technology.
Buses that employ lightweight composite primary structure may also be eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Public agencies, including States; municipalities and other subdivisions of States; public agencies and instrumentalities of one or more States; and public corporations, boards, and commissions established under State law.
Applicant must have legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out proposed project and maintain facilities and equipment purchased with Federal assistance.
Applicant must also operate in an urbanized area designated as a non-attainment or maintenance area for ozone or carbon monoxide.
If the urbanized area is less than 200,000 in population, the State in which the area is located will act as the recipient.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The general public, both users and non-users of public transportation.
Credentials/Documentation
Resolution by an authorized public body approving the filing for an application; projects must be included in an urbanized area's transportation improvement program (TIP), and in the Statewide transportation improvement program (STIP) approved by FTA and FHWA. Information must be provided on labor agreements and relocation planning; environmental impact; legal capacity; coordinated regional planning; and compliance with certifications and assurances as compiled in FTA's Annual List of Certifications and Assurances.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an environmental impact assessment and/or environmental impact statement may be required.
An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process to be followed in applying for assistance under this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Project funds may be allocated by Congress for specific projects. When applicable, a Notice of Funding Availability is published to announce the availability of discretionary funds and application process. The notification and application are also available at http://www.grants.gov.
Award Procedures
An FTA grant award obligating Federal funds is reflected in a grant agreement. Grants are awarded electronically using FTA's Transportation Electronic Award Management (TEAM) system, http://ftateamweb.fta.dot.gov/fta-flash2b.html. In order to access this system, a user name and password are needed and can be obtained by contacting the regional offices. Once the funds are reserved in TEAM and the project information has been reviewed and approved by Headquarters, the recipient must execute the grant agreement to access the funds.
Deadlines
Applications may be submitted throughout the fiscal year. Funds are available for obligation for three fiscal years including the year of appropriation.
Authorization
49 U.S.C 5308.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
It is a goal of the Federal Transit Administration to obligate grants within an average of 36 days of the submission of a complete grant application.
Appeals
None. Award recipients are chosen by Congress during the appropriations process.
Renewals
Funds are appropriated annually. Grants may be amended to add newly available funds for a continuing project.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Funding is apportioned on a discretionary basis. The Federal share is not to exceed 80 percent of the net project cost. The Federal share may be 90 percent for the cost of vehicle-related equipment or facilities attributable to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and the Clear Air Act.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Terms and conditions are delineated in the grant agreement.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
(1) Progress reports, (2) Financial status reports, (3) construction reports where applicable.
Audits
Pursuant to requirements established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), nonfederal entities that expend $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year with certain exceptions as determined by the OMB. The Federal Transit Administration may also conduct its own audits.
Records
Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all project contract documents, financial records, and supporting documents.
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-8350-0-7-401.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $15,920,000; FY 08 est $46,538,470; and FY 09 est $60,663,470 not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$160,000 - $5,250,000. Average $1,112,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Please visit the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) website or contact the appropriate FTA Region office for more information. See Federal Register/ Vol.70, No. 229/ Wednesday, November 30, 2005/ Notices.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See list of region contacts listed in Appendix IV.
Headquarters Office
Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration-Office of Program Management, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202)366-2053 Contact: Kimberly Sledge, E-mail: kimberly.sledge@fta.dot.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Per Congressional designation.
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