Beneficiary Eligibility: Employees of State and local highway agencies engaged in, or to be engaged in, Federal-aid highway work. Credentials/Documentation: None. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Application Procedure: States may apply to the State-level (division) office of FHWA for participation in NHI training courses or for the use of 1/2 of 1 percent of Federal-aid highway funds for training. Award Procedure: The FHWA Division Administrator decides on course attendance, and on the use of 1/2 of 1 percent of highway funds in accordance with the provisions of the Federal-Aid Highway Program Manual, Volume 3, Chapter 1, Section 2; and FHWA Notice N 4900.1 dated February 1, 1985. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: None. Appeals: None. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: States and locals pay 50 per cent of NHI training costs. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: None. Audits: None. Records: Participating agencies must keep records of expenditures. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 20-8102-0-7-401. Obligations: (Salaries and expenses) FY 85 $2,331,000; FY 86 est $1,416,000; and FY 87 est $1,416,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1985 approximately 480 training presentations were made, involving 15,000 Federal, State, and local participants. In fiscal year 1986, 188 presentations were made with 6,000 Federal, State and local participants. Estimates not available for fiscal year 1987. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 23 CFR, "Highways." INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Regional or State-level (division) offices of the Federal Highway Administration as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: George M. Shrieves, Director, National Highway Institute, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 426-9141 (use same 7-digit number for FTS). RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Courses as follows: 1) Bridge Maintenance Training; 2) Geotextile Engineering; 3) Value Engineering; 4) Traffic Signal Optimization Timing; and 5) Techniques for Pavement Rehabilitation. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Courses conducted fill major agency needs as defined by national program emphasis areas, and are presented within time, staff, and budget constraints. 20.217 MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY FEDERAL AGENCY: FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZATION: Transportation Act, Public Law 97-449, 49 U.S.C. 3102, 10927, 2314; Department of Transportation Act of 1966, Public Law 92-574, 49 U.S.C. 1655; Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. 1801. Noise Control Act of 1972, 41 U.S.C. 4917, Public Law 92-574; Motor Carrier Act of 1980, 49 U.S.C. 10927; Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982, 49 U.S.C. 10927, Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, 49 U.S.C. 2314, Public Law 97-424; Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984, Public Law 98-554. OBJECTIVES: To protect the public from risks inherent in commercial vehicle operations on the public highways, to minimize risks involved in moving hazardous materials over public highways, and to reduce noise pollution from commercial vehicle operation. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Investigation of Complaints; Training. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Complaints of unsafe truck operations are accepted from the public and other elements of government at all levels. Complaints must be in writing, but public complaints need not be signed. Orientation and training in motor carrier safety inspection, hazardous materials identification, and incident response are provided at no cost on a funds and time availability basis to State and local enforcement and emergency response personnel. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Anyone is eligible to file a complaint; State and local police, rescue, and firefighting units may apply for safety and hazardous materials training. Beneficiary Eligibility: General public for investigation of complaints; State and local police, rescue, and firefighting units for training. Credentials/Documentation: Written complaints for violations or unsafe practices; letterhead request for orientation or training on safety and hazardous materials. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. Application Procedure: Letter of complaint for unsafe practices; letterhead request for orientation and training. Award Procedure: State-level Officer in Charge assigns Safety Investigator staff to follow up on complaints; Regional Office Director, Office of Motor Carrier and Highway Safety and State-level Officer-In-Charge assign resources to orientation and training requests. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 3 to 7 days. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Written complaints investigated and orientation/training furnished subject only to resource available limitations. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Audits: None. Records: None. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 69-0552-0-1-401. Obligations: (Salaries and expenses) FY 85 $12,868,000; FY 86 est $14,422,000; and FY 87 est $19,515,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1985, more than 2,000 complaint and investigation reports were completed, and over 900 orientation or training sessions were conducted on hazardous materials transportation or on motor carrier safety. Complaint and investigation reports: fiscal year 1986 estimate 2,500, fiscal year 1987 estimate 3,000; Orientation and training sessions: fiscal year 1986 estimate 1,000, and fiscal year 1987 estimate 1,000. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations," 49 CFR 325, Subchapter B, and "DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations," 49 CFR 170-178. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Regional or State-level office of the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, Federal Highway Administration, as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Kenneth L. Pierson, Director, Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 426-1790 (use same 7-digit number for FTS). RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Training on motor carrier safety and hazardous materials enforcement provided for the Missouri Highway Patrol; similar State enforcement agencies in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Colorado, and many other States. These efforts included instruction in applicable rules, inspection techniques, and workplace safeguards. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: There is no specific selection criteria, but complaints are handled on an as-received basis; training requests are honored on a time and resource availability basis. 20.218 MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MCSAP) FEDERAL AGENCY: FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZATION: The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, Sections 401-404, Public Law 97-424, 96 Stat. 2154, 49 U.S.C. 2301-2304. OBJECTIVES: To reduce the number and severity of accidents and hazardous materials incidents involving commercial motor vehicles by substantially increasing the level of enforcement activity and the likelihood that safety defects, driver deficiencies, and unsafe carrier practices will be detected and corrected. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Formula Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Assistance to States for the development or implementation of programs for the enforcement of Federal rules, regulations, standards, and orders applicable to commercial motor vehicle safety and compatible State rules, regulations, standards, and orders. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: A qualified State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (a State). Beneficiary Eligibility: General public. Credentials/Documentation: Certification by the State that it meets the conditions for grant approval. Submission of a State Plan addressing the commercial motor carrier and highway hazardous materials safety within the State. Cost will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. Application Procedure: File with FHWA Division Office a State Plan for development grant or FHWA Form MCSAP-1, which includes a certification of eligibility and the State Plan, for an implementation grant. Award Procedure: The amount of the grant to a qualifying State will be determined by the Federal Highway Administration based on the availability of funds. State will be required to sign a grant agreement. Deadlines: Application for a grant must be filed with the FHWA Division Office by August 1 of each year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 30 to 60 days. Appeals: State will be notified in writing of failure to submit a satisfactory State Plan. State will have 30 days to modify and resubmit the plan. Renewals: Application for a grant must be made annually. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: The MCSAP, 49 CFR 350.21. Funds will be allocated each year among the States according to a formula based on the following in equal proportions: (1) roadway mileage; (2) special fuel sales; (3) truck registrations; (4) vehicles miles traveled; and (5) population. Source: FHWA Highway Statistics, 1981. The Federal share shall not exceed 80 percent of the approved incremental increase over the average for the 2 years prior to January 6, 1983. The State's share is at least 20 percent. The FHWA shall, upon request, waive the requirement for matching funds to be provided by the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northen Marianas. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are for up to 1 year terminating at the end of the Federal fiscal year. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: A quarterly Activity Report (FHWA Form MCSAP-3) is to be filed with the FHWA Division Office. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A128, "Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive $100,000 or more a year in Federal financial assistance shall have an audit made for that year. States receive between $25,000 and #100,000 a year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Records: Records of all program activities covered in the State's State Plan and statistics pertaining to commercial motor vehicle accidents. Such records must be kept for 3 years following the year of funding. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 69-8027-0-7-401. Obligations: (Grants) FY 85 $12,111,000; FY 86 est $19,757,000; and FY 87 est $50,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Up to $50,000 for a development grant. Not less than $225,000 nor more than $1,250,000 for an implementation grant in fiscal years 1985, 1986 and 1987. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Information not yet available. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 49 CFR 1.48 and 301.60. CFR Parts 386-399, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Government Printing Office, $6 per copy. 49 CFR Parts 100-177, Hazardous Materials Regulations, Government Printing Office, $9 per copy. National Uniform Driver-Vehicle Inspection Manual and Safety Management Audit Guidelines, FHWA, Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, Washington, DC 20590, one copy free. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Regional or State-level office of the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, Federal Highway Administration, as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 426-9826 (Use same 7-digit numbers for FTS). RELATED PROGRAMS: 20.217, Motor Carrier Safety. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Roadside driver-vehicle inspections. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The applicant must meet the statutory and administrative requirements contained in 49 CFR 350. The State Plan must provide for an effective safety program. FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 20.301 RAILROAD SAFETY (Railroad Safety Services) FEDERAL AGENCY: FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZATION: Department of Transportation Act of 1966, Public Law 89-670, 49 U.S.C. 1651-1659; Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as amended, Public Law 91-458 as amended by 93-90, 45 U.S.C. 421-441. OBJECTIVES: To reduce railroad-related casualties and accidents. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Investigation of Complaints. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The services offered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Office of Safety are made available according to the type of service. Any individual or institution with a complaint or inquiry concerning railroad safety may contact the FRA. Responses will be made to all inquiries. Information and interpretations will be provided relative to railroad safety laws and regulations administered by the Federal Railroad Administration. Records and reports are made available within the parameters of the Freedom of Information Act. Complaints will be investigated, and legal action will be taken if a safety regulation has been violated by a carrier. In cases where potential safety hazards are discovered, recommendations will be made to the responsible party of corrective actions to be taken. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Anyone concerned with railroad safety. Preapplication Coordination: None required. Application Procedure: Contact Federal Railroad Administration headquarters, preferably by letter. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: None. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Not applicable. Audits: Not applicable. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 69-0702-0-1-401. Obligations: (Salaries and expenses) FY 85 $26,006,693; FY 86 est $26,319,000; and FY 87 est $26,038,000. Total salaries and expenses under the appropriation - includes regulatory functions in addition to investigation of complaints. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1985, Office of Safety assigned 1,389 requests for investigations from the private sector on railroad safety matters. This number represents over 5,000 individual complaints. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 55 Broadway, Rm. 10-77, Cambridge, MA 02142. Telephone: (617) 494-2302; Regional Director of Safety, 1020 Independence Bldg., 434 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106. Telephone: (215) 5970750; Regional Director of Railroad Safety, Suite 440, North Tower, 1720 Peachtree Rd., NW., Atlanta, GA 30309, Telephone: (404) 881-2751; Regional Director of Safety, 165 North Canal St., Suite 1400-SA, Chicago, IL 60606. Telephone: (312) 353-6203; Re gional Director of Railroad Safety, 7A35 Federal Bldg., 819 Taylor St., Ft. Worth, TX 76102. Telephone: (817) 334-3601; Regional Director of Railroad Safety, Suite 250 Crown Plaza Annex, 1500 SW First Ave., Portland, OR 97201. Telephone: (503) 2213011; Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 211 Main St., Room 1085, San Francisco, CA 94105. Telephone: (415) 974-9845; Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 1806 Federal Bldg., 911 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. Telephone: (816) 374-2497. Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, Room 8318-A 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 426-0895. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Investigation of complaints against railroads for violation of railroad safety rules and regulations. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 20.303 GRANTS-IN-AID FOR RAILROAD FEDERAL AGENCY: FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZATION: Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, Section 206, Public Law 91-458 as amended, 84 Stat. 972, as amended. Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1980 - expanded state participation authority, 49 CFR Part 212. OBJECTIVES: To promote safety in all areas of railroad operations; reduce railroad related accidents and casualties; and to reduce damage to property caused by accidents involving any carrier of hazardous materials by providing State participation in the enforcement and promotion of safety practices. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Through availability of Federal funds, participating States will be better able to provide the necessary personnel, training, equipment, and activities related to enforcement of Federal railroad standards, as called for under the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as amended. With the 1982 statutory expansion, State inspectors are now authorized to work in all inspection disciplines except hazardous materials. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: A State may participate in investigative and surveillance activities in connection with regulations promulgated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under this Act which are applicable to track and rolling equipment, signal and train control, and operating practices inspection costs. The State must provide the Administrator with an annual certification that the State agency (1) has regulatory jurisdiction, (2) has been furnished a copy of each Federal rail safety regulation, and (3) is conducting investigative and surveillance activities prescribed by the FRA Administrator. The State must furnish evidence of budget authority. State safety personnel must be bona fide state employees. State inspectors must meet minimum Federal qualifications, as well as successfully complete the inspector technical evaluation. Noncertifying States may also participate by an agreement with the Federal Railroad Administrator. Beneficiary Eligibility: States. Credentials/Documentation: Annual certification, as outlined under Applicant Eligibility section of this program, includes a report showing (1) the name and address of each railroad subject to the safety jurisdiction of the State agency; (2) the record maintenance, reporting, and inspection conducted by the State agency, including details of the number of inspections made of rail facilities, equipment, rolling stock, and operations by the State agency during the preceding 12 months; (3) an annual work plan developed through coordination with the Regional Safety Director's Office; and (4) other information as the Secretary of Transportation may require. States must provide proof of employee experience qualifications and provide a monthly plan of activities. States must maintain a total funding level for the safety program that does not fall below the coverage level or such expenditures for fiscal years 1968 and 1969. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: It is recommended that interested States contact the Associate Administrator for Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 426-1510. Consultation and assistance is available from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) preparing the application form, furnished by the FRA and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 and FRA regulations (49 CFR 212). This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in the 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 Procedure: Completion of the form entitled "State Participation Program" is required for certification or agreement under Section 206 of the Act and 49 CFR 212. The information required in this form is specified in 49 CFR 212.105 and 212.107 for the Initial Certification and Report. The form includes provisions for a description of the State's planned program with respect to the investigative and surveillanc activities prescribed for each Federal railroad safety rule, regulation, order, or standard for which a certification is submitted, or into which an agreement is entered. Award Procedure: The application for payments and approval by the Federal Railroad Administrator requires certification under Section 206, Subsection (a); the report required under Subsection (b); or agreements with noncertifying States as outlined under Subsection (c); and satisfactory assurances to the Administrator that the State agency will provide the remaining costs, of a safety program, as reflected under Subsection (d). Deadlines: Federal appropriations for the State Participation program are made on a Federal fiscal year basis for activities to be conducted in the ensuing fiscal year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Sixty (60) days. Renewals: Certification required annually; agreements with noncertifying states required annually. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: The Secretary of Transportation shall pay out of funds appropriated pursuant to this title or otherwise made available, up to 50 percent of cost of the personnel, equipment, and activities of a State agency which are reasonably required, during the ensuing fiscal year, to carry out a safety program under such certification or agreement. No payment may be made unless the State agency making application gives satisfactory assurances to the Secretary of Transportation that the State agency will provide the remaining cost of a safety program and that the aggregate expenditures of State funds exclusive of Federal grants, will be maintained at a level which does not fall below the average level of such expenditures for the last 2 fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of this title. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Annually, subject to certification and the availability of Federal funds. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: The State agency shall submit a copy of each semiannual expenditure/performance report, a monthly work schedule, and a daily inspector log for each State safety inspector to the Federal Railroad Administration. Audits: The State agency shall maintain a financial management system which is in compliance with the standards listed in Attachment G to OMB Circular No. A-102. In addition, the State agency shall permit authorized representatives of the Federal Railroad Administration or other Federal Government agencies to review investigative and surveillance activities and to inspect payrolls, personnel records, invoices, and other relevant data and records pertaining to payment agreements and implementation activities. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-128, "Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive $100,000 or more a year in Federal financial assistance shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 a year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Recipients of more than $100,000 shall submit one copy of the audit report within 30 days after issuance to the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, Data Preparation Division, 1201 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47132, Attn: Single Audit Clearinghouse. Records: (See Reports and Audits section of the program.) The State agency is authorized to substitute microfilm copies in lieu of original records. The Federal Railroad Administration shall request the State agency to transfer certain records to Federal custody when the FRA determines that the records possess long-term retention value. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 69-0706-0-1-401. Obligations: (Grants) FY 85 $3,043,152; FY 86 est $3,043,152; and FY 87 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: The Federal share is estimated at $30,000 per State inspector. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A total of 32 States are participating in the Track Safety, Freight Car, Operating Practices and Signal and Train Control Programs for fiscal years 1985 and 1986, with 102 inspectors (60 track inspectors, 33 equipment inspectors, eight operating practices inspectors, and one signal and train control inspector). Data not available for fiscal year 1987. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as amended; the Federal safety standards published thereunder; and the State Participation Regulations, 49 CFR 212. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 55 Broadway, Room 10-77, Cambridge, MA 02142, Telephone: (617) 494-2302; Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 1020 Independence Bldg., 434 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone: (215) 597-0750. Regional Director of Railroad Safety, Suite 440, North Towers, 1720 Peachtree Rd., NW., Atlanta, GA 30309, Telephone: (404) 881-2751. Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 165 North Canal St., Suite 1400 SA, Chicago, IL 60606, Telephone: (312) 353-6203. Regional Director of Railroad Safety, Room 7A35, Federal Bldg., 819 Taylor St., Ft. Worth, TX 76102, Telephone: (817) 334-3601. Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 211 Main St., Room 1085, San Francisco, CA 94105, Telephone: (415) 974-9845; Regional Director of Railroad Safety, 1807 Federal Building, 911 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. Telephone: (816) 374-2497; and Regional Director of Railroad Safety, Suite 250 Crown Plaza Annex, 1500 SW First Ave., Portland, OR 97201, Telephone: (503) 221-3011. Headquarters Office: Associate Administrator for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, Room 8318-A 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 426-0895. RELATED PROGRAMS: 20.301, Railroad Safety; 20.502, Urban Mass Transportation Grants for University Research and Training; 20.900, Air Transportation-Consumer Affairs; 33.001, ShippingInvestigation of Complaints; 41.002, Interstate Commerce-Investigation of Complaints. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Four types of inspection programs are funded one for track safety standards, one for freight car locomotion safety standards, one for signal and train control standards and one for operating practices standards. States may apply for one program or for all. At present in fiscal year 1986 there are 30 States in track, 17 in freight car, and seven in op erating practices, and one in signal and train control. Of the 31 States aboard, 16 are in both track and freight car. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The application forms for State participation provide the necessary detail for the selection process of State proposals. It is important that the State meet the eligibility requirements and project a comprehensive safety program plan for involvement. Key criteria are listed in the State Participation Regulations, (49 CFR 212), and the State Program Management Manual, which are integral to the selection and qualifying process. 20.308 LOCAL RAIL SERVICE ASSISTANCE (National Rail Service Continuation Grants) FEDERAL AGENCY: FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AUTHORIZATION: Section 5, Department of Transportation Act of 1966, Public Law 89-670, 49 U.S.C. 1654(f)(g), as amended by Title VIII, Section 803 of the Rail Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, Public Law 94-210. Local Rail Service Assistance Act of 1978, Title XI, Subtitle G of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981. OBJECTIVES: To maintain efficient local rail freight services. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Formula grants and limited discretionary grants may be used by States to assist in acquiring a line of railroad or other rail properties for existing or future rail freight service; grants may also be used for rehabilitation and improvement on lines certified by the railroad as having carried three million gross ton miles per mile or less during the prior year, and for State rail planning, rail facility construction and substitute service projects; such assistance to be available in accordance with provisions o Section 5, Department of Transportation Act, as amended, and 49 CFR Part 266. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: A State agency designated by the Governor is eligible for assistance if it meets requirements contained in 49 CFR Part 266. Beneficiary Eligibility: Beneficiaries are all users of rail freight service assisted by these grants. Credentials/Documentation: The Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Passenger and Freight Services is responsible for reviewing the State Rail Plan. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." 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 the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. States will satisfy preapplication requirements through submission of a State Rail Plan. The State Rail Plan is required to be submitted in accordance with Executive Order 12372. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. Application Procedure: Applications shall be completed in accordance with procedures contained in 49 CFR Part 266. The standard application forms as required by OMB Circular No. A-102 and program procedures are available from the Federal Railroad Administration. Award Procedure: Grants are awarded by Federal Railroad Administration Headquarters office. Deadlines: Project applications should be submitted in a timely manner so as to assure rail freight service is continued. Planning applications must be submitted on or before the first day of the Fiscal Year (October 1). Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Fourty-five days. Renewals: New applications shall be contingent upon an annual ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Assistance shall be available to each State and the District of Columbia in the ratio which such State's eligible mileage bears to the total eligible mileage in all of the States, except that no State shall receive less than 1 percent of such assistance. The Federal share of the costs of providing rail service assistance under Section 5(h) of the Act will be 70 percent. This program operates under a statutory formula the statistical factor used for allocation is data obtained from ICC newsletter, "Certificate and Decision" and the System Diagram Map filed annually. There are no statistical factors used for eligibility. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Funds authorized for the program are available until expended. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: States receiving assistance by advance payment shall file the Report of Federal Cash Transaction and a Financial Status Report quarterly. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A128, "Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive $100,000 or more a year in Federal financial assistance shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 a year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Records: Record procedures are specified in 49 CFR Part 266, "Assistance to States for Rail Service under Section 5 of the Department of Transportation Act." FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 69-0700-0-1-401. Obligations: (Grants) FY 85 $17,605,713; FY 86 est $8,950,000; and FY 87 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $100,000 to $800,000 and $212,960. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1985, 74 applications were submitted and 59 grants were approved under the Section 5 program: $2,666,815 for planning; $14,533,582 for rehabilitations; $44,900 for substitute service; $120,000 for acquisition; and $360,140 for rail facility construction. Fiscal year 1986 to date: 37 applications for rail assistance totaling $3,595,211 have been submitted. Fiscal year 1987 estimates not available. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Regulations were published as 49 CFR Part 266, "Assistance to States for Rail Service under Section 5 of the Department of Transportation Act." INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Office of Passenger and Freight Services, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh St., SW., Room 5410, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 426-1677. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: (1) Purchase of an eligible line of railroad or other rail properties. (2) Rehabilitation and improvement of rail lines. (3) Rail facility construction: construction of connections between rail lines and intermodal terminals. (4) substitute service programs which reduce the cost of lost rail freight service in a manner less expensive than continuing rail service. Projects are approved if the State has analyzed their benefits and costs pursuant to a benefit/cost methodology contained in the State Rail Plan. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The local rail service assistance program is an entitlement program that allocates a specific funding level to each State based on the State's eligible mileage. The order of priority for projects is established by each State in their rail plan. Upon the approval of the rail plan, each State may apply for a project that is contained in the approved plan. Statutory discretionary considerations are the percent of rail lines filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission for abandonment or potential abandonment in the State, the likelihood or future abandonments, benefit-cost ratio of the project, the likelihood the related line will continue operating with freight assistance, and the |