Block grant funds to States for projects they identify to accomplish statewide planning and research.

Uses and Use Restrictions

This is a consolidated program which is apportioned to the States under 49 U.S.C., Chapter 53 which includes such activities as planning, technical studies and assistance, innovative demonstrations, management training, and cooperative research.

In addition, a State may authorize a portion of these funds to be used to supplement and administer Metropolitan Planning funds allocated by the State to its urbanized areas, as the State deems appropriate.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Apportionments are made to the States.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Apportionments are made to the States.

Credentials/Documentation

Federal Register Notice, "FTA Fiscal Year 2008 Apportionments, Allocations, and Program Information", published annually, contains the State apportionment in Table 2. For fiscal year 2008, the publication date was January 28, 2008. For other fiscal years, contact the FTA Regional Office or refer to the FTA web site to obtain the publication dates. The FTA website is: www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants_financing_38.html.htm.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." A sub-recipient should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

FTA Circular 8200.1 dated December 27, 2001, Program Guidance and Application Instructions for State Planning and Research Program Grants" provides detailed application information. It is available at www.fta.dot.gov/laws/circulars/leg_reg_4124.html.

Award Procedures

If the application is complete, FTA will approve and release the grant.

Deadlines

Applications may be submitted throughout the fiscal year.

Authorization

49 U.S.C. 5304.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

If completed applications are submitted to FTA no later than the first business day of the quarter, FTA will then award grants no later than the last business day of the quarter. In FY 04, FTA awarded State Planning and Research Program grants in an average of 9 days of submission of a completer application.

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Grants may be amended to add additional funds.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

The matching requirements vary. Funds obligated for State or metropolitan planning are granted as an 80 percent Federal, 20 percent local ratio. In addition, current year funds can be transferred from the Federal Highway Administration to form State Consolidated Planning Grants.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Not applicable.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

(1) Progress reports; (2) Financial report upon completion of the project; and (3) Final technical study report (if applicable).

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a 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, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

Project sponsor is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final financial status report pending resolution of audit findings, all project contract documents, financial records, and supporting documents.

Financial Information

Account Identification

69-1137-0-1-401; 69-8350-0-7-401.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $19,991,000; FY 08 est $15,467,000; and est FY 09 $20,875,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$45,000 to $1,000,000 plus per State based on a statutory formula.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Federal Register Notice, "FTA Fiscal Year 2008 Apportionments, Allocations, and Program Information", published annually, contains the State apportionment in Table 2. For fiscal year 2008, the publication date was January 28, 2008. For other fiscal years, contact the FTA Regional Office or consult the FTA web site to obtain the publication dates. The FTA website is: http://www.fta.dot.gov/funding/grants_financing_38.html.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a listing of Federal Transit Administration regional offices.

Headquarters Office

FTA Office of Planning and Environment (TPE-10), Candace Noonan, Telephone: (202) 366-1648, Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Not applicable.