Participation opportunity: Regional Application for the U.S. DOT EV Charging Station Grant

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has made $700mm of grant dollars available to state and municipal entities to fund the construction of new alternative energy charging stations for vehicles powered by electricity, propane, and hydrogen. Region 3A is ready to help individual counties, towns, and cities apply for this new grant through a regional application for multiple communities.  We would like to pursue a regional application due to the minimum project size requirements and because many of the communities that we serve could benefit from this program.  

The program, part of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program), will give half its funding to Community Charging and Fueling Program Grants (CFP) and half to Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (FCG). CFP grants will focus on charging stations near residential developments, businesses, parks, and similar areas. They have a $500,000.00 minimum award amount, $15mm maximum award amount, and require a 20% local match. 

FCG grants focus on building alternative energy vehicle charging infrastructure near areas already designated “alternative fuel corridors” by the Department of Energy. FCG grants will cover facilities that serve light, medium, and heavy vehicles. They have no maximum award amount and a $1mm minimum. 

Region 3-A to apply for federal funds bringing more EV stations to NE Indiana Communities

Region 3A sees this as an opportunity for northeast Indiana to bolster its already strong passenger and commercial travel arteries. Even if Hoosier businesses and citizens don’t widely adopt alternative energy vehicles, having robust charging infrastructure will encourage vehicles moving interstate to continue traveling, delivering, and spending in Indiana. 

If you want to learn more about this program and/or participate in the regional application, please contact Matt Brinkman at mbrinkman@region3a.org or (260) 402-8834.

Region 3A Assists in Securing Grants for Lifesaving Roadway Projects

Ten Indiana communities have received funding through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to complete new roadway projects aimed at eliminating dangerous intersections and roads. With grant-writing assistance from Region 3A, Huntington County was awarded $200,000. Per the USDOT, the funds will be used “to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.” Neighboring Whitley County also secured $60,000 in funds through SS4A. In the state of Indiana, all SS4A funding went to safety action plan development. For more information, check out this article from the Journal Gazette: Federal grants will help communities make roads safer

Map of awards
Map of awards

Region 3A is proud to empower lifesaving programs through successful grant writing. We work with Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash and Whitley counties to streamline the process of securing state and federal funding, bringing the expertise necessary to ensure maximum awards. 

For serious traffic engineering projects that depend on state or federal funding, successful grant awards can mean life or death for motorists. Huntington had 26 traffic-related fatalities between 2016 and 2020, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The county’s average annual fatality rate per capita is 14. On Valentine’s Day of this year, two drivers were seriously injured in a crash on US-24 in Roanoke. A comprehensive plan and new roadway projects will make crashes like this less likely. With the help of Region 3A, Huntington County is evolving into a safer county. We hope this is just the beginning. 

2/14 crash in Roanoke
2/14 crash in Roanoke
2/14 crash in Roanoke
2/14 crash in Roanoke

DOT Funding Opportunity Announcement: Safe Streets and Roads for All

The Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $1 Billion in funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grants (SS4A). The program will award grants for projects which support the National Roadway Safety Strategy local initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets. 

The Notice of Funding Opportunity is now open, and applications will be accepted until September 15, 2022.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Activities

Applies to those interested in grant funding in order to:

  • Develop or update a comprehensive safety action plan (Action Plan);
  • Conduct planning, design, and development activities in support of an Action Plan; or carry out projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan
  • Have affiliation with an eligible applicant or interested in partnering with an eligible applicant

Available Funding Overview

Eligible Recipients

  • Metropolitan planning organization (MPOs) 
  • Political subdivision of a State
  • Federally recognized Tribal government Multijurisdictional groups comprised of the entities above
  • A unit of government under the authority of State law, including cities, towns, counties, special districts, and similar units of local government.
  • A transit district, authority, or public benefit corporation if it was created under State law, including transit authorities operated by political subdivisions of a State.

We encourage those interested in applying to contact us for assistance. Region 3A will be putting together an application, and we plan to include any projects that our communities see as a good fit for the program. Please reach out to us at region3a@region3a.org for more information.

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Availability of $1.5 Billion in RAISE Grants

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. The program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact.

RAISE Discretionary Grant Program funds increased by approximately $500 million over last year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help meet overwhelming demand. 

About RAISE Discretionary Grants

RAISE discretionary grants, which were originally created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as TIGER grants, can be used for a wide variety of projects.

The $1.5 billion in available funding for 2022 represents a 50 percent increase in available funds compared to last year, when applicants requested $10 in funding for every $1 available. In 2021, RAISE funded 90 projects in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.

aerial view of vehicles at stop light

Selection Criteria

RAISE projects are rigorously reviewed and selected based on merit. Projects will be evaluated on statutory criteria of:

  • Safety
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Quality of Life
  • Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity
  • State of Good Repair
  • Partnership 
  • Innovation

Additionally, starting this year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 2022 RAISE applications will also be evaluated on the criteria of mobility and community connectivity. The Department will assess projects for universal design and accessibility for travelers, as well as consider how proposals increase mobility for freight and supply chain efficiency.

At least $15 million in funding is guaranteed to go towards projects located in Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, RAISE expands the number of communities eligible for 100 percent federal share of funding, specifically those in rural communities, Areas of Persistent Poverty and Historically Disadvantaged Communities. To help reach this goal, the Department has launched a tool that will allow applicants to determine if their project location is considered as a Historically Disadvantaged Community. 

As was the case last year, the Department is encouraging applicants to consider how their projects can address climate change, ensure racial equity, and remove barriers to opportunity.

Applications and Economic Development 

This year the Department is also encouraging applicants to consider how their projects can create workforce development opportunities. Applicants can be more competitive in the process if they are creating jobs with free and fair choice to join a union and good labor standards, creating jobs that underserved communities can access, or are supporting worker opportunities and training. Applicants are also encouraged to utilize registered apprenticeship and local and economic hire agreements. 

Also new this year, the evaluation process has been updated for 2022 to provide more explicit detail to applicants.

The NOFO is available here. Region 3A encourages communities to contact us if they would like to pursue funding under this program. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. EST on April 14, 2022, and selections will be announced no later than August 12, 2022.  

INDOT Planning and Environmental Linkages Study

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently announced that they will begin a study to improve the U.S. 30 corridor from Valparaiso to the Ohio state line. The U.S. 30 Coalition received support for the study from Governor Eric Holcomb, INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness, and the Northern Indiana legislative delegation. 

The Coalition cited a freeway as the best possible solution to improve U.S. 30 due to the safety and economic disadvantages associated with the current structure.

The Planning and Environment Linkages Study 

The study will allow INDOT to examine various options to improve the safety, traffic flow, freight movement and economic development potential of the corridor, including the construction of a freeway. INDOT cited that the study will recognize the importance of U.S. 30 remaining a consistent type of roadway and not a series of individual improvements. They also noted that it will not simply examine the quickest or least expensive solution.

The Planning and Environmental Linkage study will examine the route and consider community, economic and environmental goals they evaluate safety and mobility solutions on U.S. 30.

Community Impact and Development 

The Coalition credits the northern Indiana business community, who made it clear to Holcomb and his staff that business retention and expansion is at risk without improving U.S. 30 to a freeway. The Coalition will work with INDOT through the study process, making sure that communities’ interests are well represented.

The U.S. 30 Coalition is an advocacy group is leading the effort in upgrading the current roadway to a freeway to be sure that U.S. 30 works for community members, while providing safe travel for drivers.

Region 3-A fully supports the study to determine if the project is warranted based on the impact it could potentially have on improving safety and growing the regional economy.

2021 Opportunities for Northeast Indiana Community Planning

The start of a new year means that many communities are examining and prioritizing areas for improvement and expansion. While further information on COVID-19 related programs and funding is largely pending at this time, we would like to remind communities of the ongoing opportunities available and how we can assist.

Economic Development Administration

Grants are available for projects related to infrastructure or workforce development that lead to job creation.

  • Brownfields – Rehabilitation of a site where there are environmental concerns.
  • Shovel Ready – Assistance in obtaining a shovel ready designation on an industrial site.
  • EDA – Technical assistance with projects related to public works, economic adjustment,   and planning.
  • Tax Abatements – We can complete all required paperwork for a designating body.

Office of Community and Rural Affairs 

 Their current grant funding opportunities include projects related to wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater. Also, there are funding opportunities available for certain types of planning activities. We must be able to show a residential benefit to have a competitive grant application.

  • Wastewater/Drinking Water Program – Up to $700,000 available to improve a community’s wastewater or drinking water infrastructure.
  • Storm Water Improvement Program – Up to $600,000 to improve a storm water system.
  • Public Facilities Program – Up to $500,000 available for a project that benefits the community. Projects we have done under this program include community centers, fire stations, libraries, and council on aging facilities. (Temporarily suspended) 
  • Main Street Revitalization Program – Up to $600,000 available to improve a downtown area. Approved activities include streetscapes, façade improvements, and downtown infrastructure. Must be part of an Indiana Main Street organization to qualify. (Temporarily suspended)
  • Blight Clearance Program – Up to $500,000 available to rehabilitate deteriorated or abandoned downtown buildings, or vacant or unusable industrial sites. (Temporarily suspended)
  • Planning Grants – Funding that allows for a planning study to take place on any infrastructure projects. Comprehensive plans are also permitted.
  • COVID-19 Response Grants – Up to $250,000 available to address issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transportation 

Region 3-A can assist with traffic counts, road reclassification, accident studies, and traffic impact studies. We can also provide technical assistance with grant applications for Community Crossings funding.

  • Community Crossing Application Preparation – Preparation and staff trained in PASER. Small communities have only a 25% match requirement.
  • FA3-FA4 Grant Application Preparation – Preparation for submittal by local employees in responsible in charge (ERC).
  • Road Reclassification Application – Traffic counts and submittal, prerequisite for some FA3-FA4 applications. 
  • Traffic Counts – Functional Class, Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) railroad safety.
  • Accident Studies – Review accident data and review for possible roadway remediation. 
  • Traffic Impact Reports – Analyze and report on new business impact on existing roadways.
  • Member Road Safety Audit Review team for Northeast Indiana – Review accident locations and suggest possible remediation.

Region III-A serves an area including Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, and Whitley counties in Northeast Indiana. If you are interested in securing funding for opportunities in the above categories contact us today. We look forward to a productive 2021 for our area.

Community Crossings Call for Projects Update

The call for the second round of Community Crossings was paused in July in order to monitor the financial outlook due to COVID. However, on Wednesday, Indiana Governor Holcomb and INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness announced that the next call for projects in the Community Crossings grant program will open Friday, September 25, 2020. 

Information from INDOT 

Community Crossings is part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Roads program, a 20-year, fully funded plan to enhance Indiana’s highways and local roads by awarding communities grants for shovel-ready local road construction projects.

Projects eligible for funding through Community Crossings:

  • Road resurfacing
  • Bridge rehabilitation
  • Road reconstruction 
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance in connection with road projects 
  • Material costs for chip sealing and crack filling operations 

Projects submitted to the Indiana Department of Transportation for funding will be evaluated based on need, traffic volume, local support, the impact on connectivity and mobility within the community, and regional economic significance.

Details

Community Crossings is open to all local government units in the State of Indiana.

  • Cities and towns with a population of fewer than 10,000 will receive funds using a 75/25 match.
  • Cities and towns with a population of greater than 10,000 will receive funds using a 50/50 match.
  • Counties with a population of fewer than 50,000 will receive funds using a 75/25 match.
  • Counties with a population of greater than 50,000 will receive funds using a 50/50 match.

Over the last four years, the state has awarded more than $730 million in matching funds to support local road and bridge projects around Indiana. 

All application materials must be submitted by Friday, October 23, 2020, at 5 p.m. ET. Communities receiving funding for projects will be notified by INDOT later this fall. 

If you need technical assistance in applying for Community Crossings funding, please contact us at (260)347-4714.

For more information on the assistance we provide with Community Crossings application preparation, visit our service page

Transportation Activities – Spring 2020

Traffic count activities for 2020 started on March 9. The Region collects traffic count data on a three-year rotation basis with collection taking place in two counties each year.

Traffic Count Counties 2020

This year’s traffic counts will take place in Wabash and Huntington Counties. We started this year with railroad crossing counts. There are 54 rail crossings in Wabash County, and 31 in Huntington County to be collected. This data is given to INDOT which then distributes it to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The data is used by our planning partners to improve safety at railroad crossings.

Region 3-A also does local traffic counts on non-state and federal highways.  Staff will collect data at 40 locations in both Wabash and Huntington Counties.  The data is submitted to the State’s statistical group and is then attached to a webmap. This information is combined with traffic counts submitted by the INDOT District and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) to complete all the counts that INDOT requires for a given year.  This website is available to the public.

If you have questions about this information or the data presented, please contact Dave Gee at 260-347-4714, or at dgee@region3a.org.   

The County Engineers or Highway Superintendents are given 15 discretionary traffic counts to help with their planning efforts. This traffic count data allows for tracking of trends, and possible development in areas of the respective county.

Accident Studies

This year we will also complete two accident studies. Accident studies involve a review of high accident locations.  A meeting is requested with the County Sheriff and County Engineers or Highway Superintendents to evaluate the areas in question. From there, one area is determined to be problematic; traffic counts are conducted, and a report is produced. These reports can then be advanced to a Safety Audit for possible remediation.

Region 3-A staff is also available for technical help with Community Crossing Applications, and Corridor and Traffic Impact Studies.  

Transportation Grant Programs

Our transportation department works to improve local road conditions and offers the resources needed for transportation grant planning.

We’ve added information on some available grants. Find all of the details on these programs under the Transportation Grant Opportunities section of the website.

Community Crossing Matching Grant

A partnership between INDOT and Hoosier communities, both urban and rural, to invest in infrastructure projects that catalyze economic development, create jobs, and strengthen local transportation networks.

Local Public Agency Programs Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) issues a project call for local rural projects. Funding is available for PLA’s interested in any type of new project including: bridge, road, safety, sidewalk or any type of project that is eligible under the federal transportation highway bill  (FAST Act). 

Local Tax Matching Grant

The rail overpass program provides grants to cities, towns and counties bodies for grade separation, crossing closure and other safety enhancement projects at rail-highway intersections on local roads.

Funding for this program is provided through changes in HEA 1002 effective July, 2017.

Highway Safety Improvement Program

The program provides remediation for six types of accidents.  The countermeasures are detailed in the Indiana Strategic Highway Plan (SHSP). This program applies to areas that display a higher than normal rate of fatal and incapacitating injury accidents.

Safe Routes to School

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) administers the Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS).  This program provides for the construction and/or improvement of sidewalks that lead to schools.  program has been combined with the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).