|
Competitive Bidding: The process
whereby construction projects are required to be advertised and awarded to the lowest
responsible and responsive bidder in open bidding process. This process is not in play if
the use of an eligible force account is more cost effective.
Davis-Bacon Act: The federal law
which requires the minimum prevailing wage to be paid to all works in Federal-aid highway
projects that exceed $2,000. This requirement does not apply to certain enhancements
projects and force account work performed by state highway agency personnel and those
under it’s direct control.
Enhancement Project: Projects or
project features that go beyond what is routinely provided in transportation projects or
in mitigation requirements associated with transportation projects. These projects or
project features must meet the requirements of one of the 12 qualifying transportation
enhancement activities.
Environmental Clearance: The
status of a project which has conformed to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),
the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106), and U.S. DOT Act (Section 4f) and
other relevant federal and state environmental laws.
Federal Share: The portion of a
project’s cost by the funded by the federal government. These funds are usually
matched with the state or local funds. The federal share is typically 80 percent.
Historic Significance: The
characteristics which make a property qualify for the National Register of Historic
Places.
Implementation Plan: A plan
required for candidate projects which includes a schedule of project activities and a
budget.
Local Agency Program (LAP) Manual:
A Department of Transportation guideline (Topic No. 525-010-300)
which establishes uniform practices for authorizing local governments to use federal-aid
funds for project planning, development, design, right of way, construction, and
construction engineering inspection. The use of the LAP process is a frequent approach by
local governments for undertaking transportation enhancement projects.
Matching Funds: Most Federal-aid
highway projects are funded with a maximum 80 percent Federal contribution and require a
20 percent State and/or local match to supplement the Federal funds. For projects located
on the State Highway system, the matching funds are provided by the Department of
Transportation. For projects not on the State Highway System the match is split between
the DOT and the local government. In coordinating the transportation enhancement program
with other Federal-aid programs on a statewide basis, the DOT may occasionally take
advantage of opportunities to reduce the level of matching funds required in the TE
program.
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA): Federal law which requires that every federal agency prepare a detailed report
evaluating significant environmental impacts of the proposed project as well as those of
project alternatives.
National Historic Preservation Act of
1966 (Section 106): Law requiring federal agencies to consider the potential effect of
a project on a property that is registered on or eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places. If effects are identified, federal and state agencies and the public must
identify means to mitigate the harm.
Right-of -Way: A liner corridor of
land used for transportation or other facilities such as highways, roads, railroads,
trails, light-rails transit and utilities.
Section 4(f) of the U.S. DOT Act: Section
4(f) resources consist of publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges and
public and private historic sites. Section 4(f) land cannot be used for U.S. DOT-funded
projects unless it is determined that no feasible and prudent alternative exists.
Sponsor: Any recognized government
entity (ex.: municipal, county, state, or federal agency) willing to: (1) provide any
funding match that may be required; (2) enter into a maintenance agreement with the
Department; and/or (3) support other actions necessary to fully implement the proposed
project. Indian Tribal Councils may sponsor and submit proposed enhancement projects
directly to the appropriate District. The project sponsor may also be the applicant or the
Department.
Statewide Enhancement Project: An
enhancement project that: (1) has statewide significance or is part of a large system or
network and is sponsored by a state or federal agency; or (2) is required to
implement FHWA statewide programs (e.g., non-conforming sign removal).
Surface Transportation: Surface
transportation means all elements of the intermodal transportation system, exclusive of
aviation. For the purposes of TE eligibility, surface transportation includes water as
surface transportation and includes as eligible activities related features such as
canals, lighthouses, and docks or piers connecting to ferry operations, as long as the
proposed enhancement otherwise meets the basic eligibility criteria.
Transit Enhancement Activities:
Projects that enhance mass transportation services in urbanized areas greater than
200,000. This is a separate program created by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century and is funded through the Federal Transit Administration, rather than through this
Program.
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970: Federal law which provides requirements in
the acquisition of real property, and provides for payment and advisory assistance in the
relocation of persons and businesses impacted by federal aid projects.
|
