ADOT Multimodal Planning Division
Planning Assistance for Rural Areas (PARA)
Program Overview
December 4, 2013
Program Overview
• PARA program is competitive and covers 100%
of study costs with no local match required;
• $250,000 budget cap, 10-15% typically allocated
for public involvement consultant;
• Addresses issues related to roadway, transit and
non-motorized transportation modes;
2
Overview Continued
• Next PARA cycle will begin January 2014
(Funding Applications Distributed)
• Funding available to local communities, cities,
towns, and counties located outside
Transportation Management Areas (Phoenix and
Tucson urbanized boundaries); and
• Tribal governments and their sub-units are
eligible including: chapters, districts and
villages.
3
Application Preparation
• Applications must be prepared by local agency
staff:
• Consultants assisting with application preparation
will be disqualified from bidding on projects; and
• Partnerships between communities are
encouraged, and lead agency must be identified.
4
Eligible Activities
Planning activities eligible for funding include:
• Roadway operations and facilities planning;
• Transit operations and facilities planning;
• Feasibility review of public transit with intent
of seeking FTA or other funding assistance;
• General Plan Circulation Element
development / update;
5
Eligible Activities Continued
• Scenario Planning
• Bike / Ped Planning including General Plan
Bicycle elements; and
• Trails Planning as part of a multimodal
roadway, pedestrian and transit system.
6
Ineligible Activities
• Design documents;
• Environmental clearances (NEPA documents);
• Engineering documents including pre-design and
DCRs; and
• Construction of facilities or capital expenses
including: staff salaries, and purchasing
computer hardware.
7
PARA Study Examples / FAQ
Examples of previous studies and a FAQ page can
be accessed through the PARA website at:
http://www.azdot.gov/planning/CurrentStudie
s/PARAStudies
8
ADOT Project Management
ADOT Planner Responsibilities:
• Overall project management;
• Consultant selection oversight;
• Scheduling TAC meetings;
• Deliverables review and acceptance; and
• Payment for consultant services.
9
Local Public Agency Role
• Assist ADOT PM as part of study team:
• Assist with development of public involvement
materials used in related activities (e.g. public
meetings, forums and stakeholder meetings);
• Provide guidance and local perspective,
including timely review and final approval of all
deliverables; and
• Assist with securing meeting rooms for project
meetings (e.g. public meetings, TAC meetings,
PMT meetings).
10
Application Submittal Requirements
• Ten hard copies and electronic submittal;
• Application period closes 45 days after distribution to local
governments;
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered; and
• Send all required items to:
E-mail: jfeek@azdot.gov
ADOT Multimodal Planning Division
Attention: Justin Feek
206 South 17th Avenue., Mail Drop: 310B
Phoenix, AZ 85007
11
Application Content
• Application located on Pages 4 and 5 of
packet;
• Map of the Study Area (11x17 if necessary)
with planning area boundary;
• Background, Purpose, Need and Goals
Statement (max 5 pages, 12 point font);
12
Application Content: Background,
Purpose, Need and Goals Statement
This section will carry the most weight in the
scoring process.
Primary elements:
• Overall project considerations;
• Demonstration of the need for study;
• Demonstration of planning element
incorporation;
• Demonstration of Community Support;
13
Application Content Continued
• Demonstration of how study will benefit the
state, region, and / or community;
• A list of Technical Advisory committee
members (public agency staff excluding elected
officials);
• Estimated timeline for completion (maximum
12-months) including target dates and
constraints (i.e. Council – Board meetings)
Schedules may be shorter than 12- months when
possible;
14
Application Content Continued
• A minimum of three letters of support from
appropriate (COG, MPO, ADOT District
Engineer, Council, Stakeholders, etc.);
• Studies including State routes must include
support from ADOT District Engineer(s); and
• If applicable, provide a list of previous
relevant studies and a list of projects based on
associated recommendations made by
previous ADOT and Non-ADOT
transportation studies.
15
Scoring Criteria
(Application Page 10, Appendix C)
•
•
•
•
•
Overall Project Considerations: 0-20 Points
Demonstrates Need for Study: 0-25 Points
Incorporates Planning Elements: 0-15 Points
Demonstrates Community Support: 0-15 Points
Benefits the State, Region, and/or Community: 025 Points
16
Study Content Guidelines
The Study may consider a few or as many of the
following potential elements:
• System Performance and Preservation;
• Mobility and Access for People and Goods;
• Public Transportation;
• Environment and Quality of Life;
• Planning Coordination;
• Mobility and Economic Competitiveness;
• Safety;
• Accessibility; or
• Resource Conservation.
17
Questions?
All questions and application submittals should
be directed to:
Justin Feek
PARA Program Manager
Arizona Department of Transportation
Multimodal Planning Division
206 South 17th Avenue, Mail Drop 310B
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-712-6196
Fax: 602-712-3046
18