Everyone:
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) is pleased to announce the opening of our online grant application system for FY 2016 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) potential projects. For your convenience, a direct link to the page is http://dohgrants.wv.gov/Account/LogOn.The application process has two phases: an Intent-to-Apply (ITA) Phase and an Application Phase. All applicants must first complete and submit an online ITA for the project for which funding is sought. If the ITA is approved by the WVDOH grant staff, then the applicant will be allowed to complete and submit an online Application. No paper ITAs or Applications will be accepted. Instructions for the completion of the ITA and Application can be found at the website listed above.
There are a few notable changes this year:
1. In the past, the majority of ITAs and Applications requested funding for a combined Design Phase and Construction Phase award, with a few applications for Right of Way Phase awards to purchase property. This year, applicants may apply for the following phases either individually or together, as follows:
a. Design Phase. The applicant may apply for a Design Phase award in order to fund the full development of the design plans and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) clearance. This approach would provide the applicant with a more accurate estimate of funding needed for the Construction Phase; in addition, potential problems that may slow or even render a project infeasible could be identified during the Design Phase. This method also applies to projects in the early planning stages, i.e., those projects that are not yet mature enough in concept for Construction Phase funding to be estimated and thus awarded. Applicants whose projects are determined feasible following the Design Phase would then be encouraged to apply for a Construction Phase award in a subsequent grant cycle. Having full designs approved by the WVDOH would increase the likelihood of a Construction Phase award.
b. Construction Phase. Should an applicant wish to design the project using the applicant’s own funds and/or staff prior to submitting the application for a Construction Phase award, this is allowable as well. This option will also improve the chances of the Application for a Construction Phase award being recommended since the design, cost estimate and materials information necessary for NEPA evaluation will be on hand, making it likely that the project could move quickly into the Construction Phase.
c. Design and Construction Phases. Applicants who believe they have a project ready for development may combine Design and Construction Phase funding requests in a single Application. Previously- funded projects moving into the next phase, and projects that have already been subjected to a feasibility study are two examples of such projects. If, upon review, WVDOH staff believes that the project should be developed through the Design Phase prior to awarding Construction Phase funds, an adjusted amount of funding may be awarded to complete the Design Phase. In this case the applicant would be encouraged to apply for a Construction Phase award in a subsequent grant cycle.
d. Right-of-Way Phase. Applicants wishing to secure grant funding for the purchase of a rail corridor or historic transportation facility may apply for a Design, Right of Way, and Construction Phase award in a single Application. However, due to the lengthy time to obtain a fair market value appraisal and to complete the negotiations that accompany property purchase, we encourage applicants to apply only for the initial purchase of the property, and then for Design and Construction Phase awards in subsequent grant cycles.
2. Potential projects located within Economically Distressed Areas or At-Risk Areas as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) are eligible for 100% Federal funding. Please follow the link below to see if your potential project site is located in either an Economically Distressed Area or an At-Risk Area. ARC Map: http://arcgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c2f1b23bdd8943c4988b313e2fdb3aa4
The above changes to the TAP and RTP are further defined in the attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. We encourage anyone applying for a TAP or RTP award to examine the FAQ for clarification and detailed explanations of many aspects of the grant programs.
The ITA Phase will be closed at 11:59 PM on January 15, 2016. The Application Phase will be closed at 11:59 PM on March 15, 2016. Please remember that as soon as your ITA is approved, you may begin work on your Application. It is possible to complete the ITA, receive approval by WVDOH grant staff, and be able to begin work on the Application shortly after the ITA submission. Please check your email and the online application system concerning your ITA/Application as it is the responsibility of the applicant to track the progress of the applicant’s own submission(s). Also, please be sure to review any email notifications as there may be suggestions from the WVDOH grant staff regarding your project’s ITA or Application. Please feel free to share this information with any interested, eligible parties.
If you have any technical questions regarding the online ITA, Application, accessing the system or need assistance in getting registered, please contact Ms. Rhonda Banks at rhonda.c.banks@wv.gov or by phone at (304) 558-9606. Should you have any questions regarding the overall TAP or RTP, please contact Mr. Ken Given at kenneth.t.given@wv.gov or by phone at (304) 558-9292.
Rhonda C. Banks
Ms. Rhonda C. Banks
Project Manager - Community Development Specialist II
WV Dept. of Transportation, Division of Highways
Planning Division, Grants Administration Unit
Building 5, Room A-450
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 558-9606
Fax: (304) 558-3783
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