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Questions from the Video Conference
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Q: Does
a visitor center have to be on a scenic highway?
A:
A visitor center does not have to be on a
designated scenic or historic byway, but there must be
a clear link to scenic or historic sites. The
connection to a scenic site should take into account
the essential characteristics that make an area or
site scenic, as determined by the State. |
| Q:
Can projects be located on TVA (Tennessee
Valley Authority) property?
A:
Yes, projects can be located on TVA property as
long as a letter of support from TVA accompanies the
application. |
| Q:
Under "Scenic or Historic Programs,"
please elaborate on "a connection to a
scenic or historic site must be
established?"
A:
Connection (clear link) means that the project
must be within close proximity to the scenic or
historic highway; within reasonable walking distance;
can be seen from a vista; or the physical attributes
of the scenic or historic highway can be viewed from
the project. |
| Q:
If a historic rail corridor has been abandoned
can TEA money be used for easement acquisition?
A:
Yes. Abandoned rail corridors (not just
historic rail corridors) would be eligible for
acquisition. |
| Q:
In the acquisition of historic structure (e.g.
depot building), what is the maximum amount of money
under TEA that can be use to purchase historic
structures?
A:
No maximum amount exists. However, an appraisal
of the building will need to be obtained by the
sponsor and reviewed by the North Carolina Department
of Transportation (NCDOT). The fair market value, as
determined by the NCDOT, will be the maximum amount
paid toward the cost of the structure. Keep in mind
that only a certain amount of money is available in
each region (eastern, western, central and statewide),
and funding cannot exceed the amount of funds
allocated for a particular region. |
| Q:
Would a project involving the conversion of a
historic firehouse into a museum qualify for funding?
A:
Yes, if the museum will be a transportation
(excluding aviation) museum. |
| Q:
Would a project that builds new transit stops
to historic design specifications be eligible?
A:
The reconstruction of a historic transportation
facility is not permitted. A transit stop that might
reflect historic architectural elements of the
surrounding buildings may be permitted as part of a
streetscape project, but the replication of a historic
transportation-related structure is not eligible. |
| Q:
Would the renovation of a historic train depot
for non-transportation use qualify for Historic
Preservation or Rehabilitation of Historic
Transportation Facilities?
A:
If the depot is owned or leased by a public
entity and is accessible to the public, the renovation
of the exterior and/or structural components of the
building would be an eligible enhancement expense.
Renovations to the building’s interior are eligible
if the building becomes a transportation museum, but
not for administrative purposes. |
| Q:
In identifying sources of the 20% match, how
specific does one need to be? If funds are being
sought from private foundations and those funds have
not been awarded at the time the Enhancement
application is due, can the name of those foundations
be listed as sources?
A:
To determine whether funding sources are
allowable, sources must be identified. Identify only
those sources from which funding is presently
available and that you control. |
| Q:
If funds within an area (division) are not
used, will they be used in other areas?
A:
The intent of the Enhancement Program is that
funds set aside for a division shall remain in that
division. |
| Q:
What is the range of grant amounts in the past?
A:
Funding amounts awarded in previous years
ranged approximately from $1,000 to $1,000,000. |
| Q:
How long after a project’s completion will
eligible expenses be reimbursed?
A:
Eligible expenses should be submitted to the
Enhancement Unit monthly as they are incurred. (Note:
All invoices must be submitted within one of the
project’s completion date.) |
| Q:
Question #39 on the Enhancement application
asks, "if the project is within the State Highway
System right-of-way," what is the State Highway
System?
A:
The State Highway System is comprised of all
roadways that are maintained and controlled by the
NCDOT. |
| Q:
In reference to question #34 on the Enhancement
application, if ROW certification is required, is it
OK to get certification from a division office? If
division office certification is accepted, does the
certification need to be included with the application
or can it be submitted upon approval?
A:
Right of Way Certification can only be obtained
from the NCDOT Division Right of Way Agent. The ROW
Certification does not need to be submitted with the
application. |
| Q:
Are master plans for a greenway project
reimbursed under the activities of bicycle and
pedestrian facilities, safety, or education
activities?
A:
No, the development of an overall master plan
is not an eligible expense. However, if this question
is referring to plan preparation expenses for a phase
of a regionally approved greenway project for which
federal enhancement funds are being sought, the answer
would be "yes". The request for plan
preparation reimbursement must be included in the
proposed budget submitted with the application for
funding. |
| Q:
Can easements be revocable? For example, can
the easement grantor agree to the easement (e.g., for
a greenway) but in turn revoke it if the project falls
through?
A:
Yes. Reversing language must be included in the
easement. |
| Q:
Consider a long greenway. Can some sections
meet eligibility criteria and be funded while other
sections do not meet the criteria? Or, does the entire
project have to meet the criteria for any to be
funded?
A:
Any portion of a greenway funded with
Enhancement funds must meet the eligibility criteria. |
| Q:
Mitigation of highway runoff: how would
instances of resolving existing flooding of drainage
ways that is directly related to and impacted by new
highway construction be viewed as a qualifying
activity?
A:
The intent of the activity is to reduce water
pollution resulting from runoff from an existing
highway. Mitigation of highway runoff was established
to filter water runoff, improve water quality and
reduce water pollution. Mitigation of highway runoff
required as part of new highway construction is not
eligible. |
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Q: What is the NCDOT Enhancement Program?
A: The Enhancement Program is a federally funded
program that promotes diverse modes of surface
transportation, that increases benefits to
communities, and encourages citizen involvement. There
are twelve categories from which sponsors may apply
for reimbursement funding consideration. |
|
Q: How can I participate in the NCDOT Enhancement
Program?
A: You may participate in the Call-for-Projects
process by successfully completing and submitting an
application, and having that application selected and
approved for funding. |
|
Q: Where can I get an application?
A: You may download an enhancement application from
this web site. |
|
Q: Are privately owned (such as a historical
society) sites and/or structures eligible for funding?
A: Yes, as long as a governmental entity
(representing the public) is granted access to the
site through either ownership or an easement. |
|
Q: Can an applicant change competition from
regional to statewide and vise versa after the filing
deadline?
A: No. You should decide whether you want to
compete at the statewide level, (if you qualify), or
the regional level before submitting your application.
Once an application is submitted you may compete only
in the category indicated on your application. |
|
Q: Can the same application and/or project be
submitted for consideration in both regional and
statewide competition?
A: No. |
|
Q: Can a funding request for the same project be
submitted through the Call-for-Projects Process as
well as other NCDOT Enhancement Programs, e.g., Bike
and Pedestrian Division and the Highway Division
Pedestrian and Landscaping Programs?
A: Yes; however, the Division of Bicycle and
Pedestrian Transportation has indicated they will not
contribute additional Bicycle and Pedestrian funds if
funding is awarded through the Call-for-Projects
process. |
|
Q: Are applications funded all or nothing?
A: No. An application may be partially funded.
Emphasizing the need for an applicant to separate a
large project into distinguishable phases with an
accompanying budget. In the event the EAC decides to
fund a selected phase(s) of a project, that phase must
have utility as a stand-alone project. |
|
Q: Can funding from one project be used on or for
another project?
A: Absolutely NOT for a non-enhancement eligible or
a previously fully funded Enhancement project.
Generally No; however, you may contact your assigned
Transportation Project Consultant to discuss
extenuating circumstances surrounding your need for
considering such a request. |
|
Q: How will I know if my project was selected for
funding?
A: All qualified applicants will be notified of the
outcome of their application review. |
|
Q: How are application selected for funding?
A: Applications are initially evaluated by the
Enhancement Staff for eligibility. Upon determination
of eligibility, the applications are submitted to the
Enhancement Advisory Council (EAC) for consideration.
The Enhancement Advisory Council’s recommendations
are submitted to the Board of Transportation for
funding. |
|
Q: When can I get started on my approved project?
A: No project costs will be reimbursed for work
performed or contracted to be performed prior to the
execution of an Agreement between NCDOT and the award
recipient(s). In addition. Preliminary engineering,
right-of-way and construction work cannot be incurred
prior to authorization of funds by the Federal Highway
Administration. |
|
Q: Who is responsible for managing my project?
A: The award recipient is responsible for the
successful management and completion of their project.
The NCDOT will provide technical assistance and a
Project Manager’s Guide is available on line at
http://www.ncdot.org/planning/development/Enhancement/enhance/enhancement/htm. |
|
Q: Where can I get technical assistance, if I need
it?
A: Your assigned Transportation Program Consultant
and the Project Manager’s Guide will be your primary
sources of information. |
|
Q: Is there a time limit to completing a project?
A: Most projects can and should be completed within
two years of a fully executed agreement. Exceptions
should be negotiated with your assigned Transportation
Program Consultant prior to the execution of your
agreement. |
|
Q: When can an approved project expect to receive
its grant funding?
A: The NCDOT Enhancement Program is an eligible
cost reimbursement program. It is not a traditional
grant program. Approved projects may be reimbursed for
expenditures made on eligible expenditures of approved
projects once an agreement has been fully executed.
The applicant/ sponsor submits invoices to their
assigned Transportation Program Consultant at NCDOT
for reimbursement. |
|
Q: How often can I invoice NCDOT for expenditures
made on eligible items?
A: Invoices should not be submitted more often than
monthly. |
|
Q: If I can’t raise the 20 percent required local
cash match, will I lose my funding?
A: Yes. This really should not be an issue since
this matter should be resolved and reflected in your
budget submittal that is part of your application. |
|
Q: Can other grants be used toward the local cash
match requirement?
A: Generally, yes. Other Federal Highway
Administration Funds can not be used toward the local
20% cash match. |
|
Q: Can in-kind services count towards the 20 %
local cash match?
A: No. In-kind services may be utilized in order to
reduce the total project cost; however, a local cash
match is still required (except for Tier 1 and Tier 2
counties, which may use the value of right-of-way
toward their match). |
|
Q: Can I reapply for a previously fully funded
project during another Call Period, if sufficient
funds are not currently available to complete the
project?
A: It has been the practice of the Enhancement Unit
not to reconsider previous fully funded projects for
additional funds. An applicant may want to consider
breaking large projects into phases and applying
separately to complete each phase of a large project.
You may submit an application for funding for other
un-funded phases related to a large project during
another call-for-projects period; however future
funding is not guaranteed.
Note: When future funds are needed to supplement
previously fully funded projects, those funds are then
not available for other worthy projects due to the
funding of past inadequate budgets. Sponsors have a
fiduciary responsibility to submit an adequate budget
to help maintain the integrity of the Enhancement
Program. |
|
Q: Would the receipt of previous Enhancement funds
prevent future funding awards?
A: No (See previous Q&A for exception) |
|
Q: What happens if additional funds are needed to
complete an approved project?
A: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that
budget information submitted with their application is
accurate and that it reflects the true and accurate
costs of project completion. Several previous
applicants have had to decline funding because of
insufficient budget submittals. Applicants are
STRONGLY encouraged to get professional assistance in
preparing their budgets, especially for large projects
and/or historic projects which may have associated
cost not readily apparent to the applicant, and to
complete these projects in phases, where appropriate. |
|
Q: Do Enhancement Projects have to comply with the
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)?
A: Yes |
|
Q: What are some of the most common factors
affecting the funding or completion of TE Project?
A: The answer of course varies greatly based on the
category, but some things that applicant’s should be
aware of include:
-
Potential ROW issues especially on property
near railroads.
-
Overlooking the need to relocate utilities (not
municipally owned) especially for sidewalks, and
not including those items in the budget.
Using the term "trail" when
"sidewalk" is what you mean and vise
versa. They have different design and construction
standards.
Not getting early input from the State Historic
Preservation Office on projects involving historic
property.
Not seeking early and adequate public involvement
on projects, especially in historic area.
Seeking funds for projects that do not have a
clear surface transportation link.
Inadequate budget submissions.
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NCDOT