The TAP Application Workshops have now concluded, and revisions proposed will be forwarded to the 3PC for their recommendation to NIRPC’s Transportation Policy Committee in January. Four workshops were conducted, with over seven hours of discussion afforded towards the revamping of the old TE application. Here are the highlights:
I. NEW CATEGORIES, FUNDING SPLIT & MAX REQUESTS:
1) Pedestrian & Bicycle Projects (80%)
Max request: 1/3 of 80% of funding
Trails/Sidewalks/traffic calming/safety/ADA
2) Historic Projects/Environment (10%)
Max Request: 1/2 of 10% of funding
Historic Preservation/Rehab of Historic Trans Buildings
Environmental mitigation/Wildlife habitat
3) Safe Routes to School (10%)
Max Request: 70% for Infra / 30% for Non-Infra
Infrastructure: Sidewalks/bike parking/safety
Non-Infrastructure: Awareness campaigns/education
It is expected that nearly $1.1 million will be available for TAP on a yearly basis.
II. Removal of all INDOT-application related requirements – rewrite for NIRPC purposes
III. Elimination of safety bonus for ped-countdown signals and/or audible crossing signals
IV. Elimination of bonus for detailed maintenance plan – will be requirement
V. NIRPC Environmental Management Policy Committee to prepare ranking methodology for Environmentally-based projects
VI. All phases of project development are allowed & minimum match is kept at 20%
VII. Safe Routes to School surveys will qualify for applications up to four years after completion
VIII. Bonus points to be allowed for projects partially funded by previous TAP cycles – NOT TE projects (no grandfathering)
IX. Several minor changes were made to the Priority Corridors Map which will be unveiled at the December 13th 3PC meeting
X. No consideration of billboard removal or boulevard development projects
Thank you to ALL who took part in helping to review and revise this application process!
Mitch
Mitch Barloga, AICP Non-Motorized Transportation & Greenways Planner Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) 6100 Southport Road – Portage, Indiana 46368 P: (219) 763-6060 x.133 F: (219) 762-1653