Question: "Does my bridge or highway improvement project qualify for locally administered Federal funds? How do I get my project on the funding list?"

Answer: The Federal Government may have a reasonable solution to your funding needs. Your project may qualify as a Locally Administered Federally Funded Capital Project. By formally applying for assistance, supplying a portion of your own municipal money to fund the project, and passing a local resolution to accept administrative responsibility for the project, you could receive aid. If the project is accepted, funding from the Marchiselli program, administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), could cover the majority (80%) of the project costs. New York State may also contribute a significant amount of money (up to 15%) through a reimbursement program. With these sources contributing as much as 95% of the funding, your local government might only need to cover the 5% balance.

As with any government program, there is a process. Begin by obtaining a Project Proposal Form from the NYSDOT Region or Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that covers your area.

The Form. There are many important items to indicate on this form. First, identify the project type, such as infrastructure, safety or mobility improvements, or whether the project is needed to meet federal or state mandates, enhance transportation, or serve economic development.

To improve your chances of being funded, present your project in the context of the "big picture." For example, an eligible bicycle/pedestrian project connects a canal pathway to an overpass structure with a ramp, enhancing the local pedestrian/bicycle route and providing safe access to a park, local neighborhood, or commercial district. This description ties the project into many important facets of community life, addresses safety, and improves the overall transportation system.

Second, describe all parameters that detail the need for the project. These parameters should indicate condition, capacity, geometry, and mandates from state and local agencies, safety, and economics. You must include a preliminary estimated project cost as well. Guidelines for this task are available from the NYSDOT or your MPO.

Finally, identify your project's priority as part of your community's long-range plan. Indicate who will be responsible for maintenance. For a project to be seriously considered, a strong local commitment to funding and maintenance must be evident.

After you've completed the form, request local administration status and submit the form to your MPO. Every county is assigned to an MPO. This usually coincides with the NYSDOT regional boundaries, however, some counties are covered by an MPO outside their NYSDOT Region. This occurs when transportation is influenced by trends from a metropolitan area in another region. For example, Yates County in Region 6 is covered under the umbrella of the Genesee Transportation Council in Region 4, due to its proximity to the Greater Rochester area.

The Review Process. A well-rounded capital program committee made up of MPO planners, NYSDOT representatives, and other local transportation officials reviews project applications. This committee decides whether projects should be included in the region-wide capital improvement program for the next several years. They also decide whether it should receive federal funding.

The capital committee is made up of professionals that will objectively evaluate the merit of your project. They will look at it from many perspectives such as regional planning, highway condition and design considerations, highway maintenance, traffic and safety, and real estate implications. It is your job to make sure that the project application adequately addresses all of the issues specifically noted on the application form. Remember, until a complete application is filed, only you know how important your project is. If you want federal money, you need to "sell" your project to the committee by highlighting all of the ways it will benefit the community at large. The committee will look at your project in the context of regional importance. Documentation is key.

Merit based on regional significance is why a local project with the lowest pavement rating or the most structural flags alone may not qualify for federal funds. A qualifying project also needs to be considered a regional priority. Your project does not have to be a "mega-project" to be considered important. Therefore, a small price tag does not exclude a project.

If your project is accepted, NYSDOT will make the arrangements for funding and will prioritize your project on their 5-year program.

Administration of Funds. The capital program committee recommends your project to the NYSDOT for inclusion on their five-year State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). The STIP is reviewed and updated annually. The State decides when projects can be implemented based on available budget. A project can move back and forth on the timeline as it is compared to other projects in the region. If high-priority projects are added to the list or increase significantly in cost, your project may be delayed. Projects with low funding priority may be removed from the list.

It is very important to exercise good up-front planning, develop well-prepared project justifications, and create reasonable project estimates. These factors are essential to compete for funding and to stay on the funding list.

The NYSDOT is very helpful during the consultant selection process and other administrative duties. They have worked on locally administered projects for several years and have worked out many of the bugs. NYSDOT is committed to joining with you and making the process easier for your agency.