Everyone –
The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has received guidance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) concerning interpretation of MAP-21 that affects the on-going application cycle for FY 2013.
FHWA has informed the WVDOH that non-profit organizations are eligible to apply to the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The WVDOH will immediately begin accepting ITAs from non-profits for the RTP.
Note, however, that non-profits have never been eligible for the old Transportation Enhancement Program (TE), nor are they eligible for the new Transportation Alternatives program (TA).
FHWA also clarified that TA funding awarded in the TA category “safe routes for non-drivers”, or any version of TA funding resembling the older Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS), will be funded at the 80/20 ratio similar to the TE/TA projects. To re-state: any organization applying for TA funds involving any variation of the SRTS deemed eligible by FHWA will be responsible for a 20% local match.
Because of the inclusion of the non-profits into the FY 2013 application cycle after the initial start date, the WVDOH has moved the end date for submission of the ITAs for all applications to December 15, 2012. The WVDOH feels this date change from November 15, 2012 to December 15, 2012 will assist potential applicants among the non-profit community and general applicants that have experienced problems with the application system.
As with last year, Rhonda Banks will be assisting applicants with all aspects of the application process. You may contact her at (304) 558-9606, or email her at Rhonda.C.Banks@wv.gov.
William C. Robinson
Grant Administration Unit Leader
State Trail Coordinator
Chairman, West Virginia Recreational Trails Advisory Board
Grant Administration Unit
Planning Section
Program Planning and Administration Division
Division of Highways
West Virginia Department of Transportation
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Building 5, Room 863
Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0430
(304)558-9615 (304) 558-3783 (fax)