HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - City Council - 05/04/2020AGENDA
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL
IMPORTANT:
This will be a fully electronic meeting, consistent with recently-passed legislation. Presenters and members
of the public are invited to participate either by interactive online meeting or by telephone. There will be
no physical site at which to attend the meeting.
Participation Options:
Interactive Online Meeting (audio & video): https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/685275869
By Telephone (audio only): Phone # (571) 317-3122, Meeting Access Code: 685-275-869
Regular Session 6:30 P.M. Monday, May 4, 2020
1.Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items. (6:30– 6:31 PM)
2.Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda. (6:31 – 6:41 PM)
3.Announcements and City Manager’s Report. (6:41 – 6:56 PM)
4.Consent Agenda: (6:56 – 7:00 PM)
A. *** Consider and Sign Disbursements
B.*** Approve FY 21 Unified Planning Work Program requests to Chittenden County RegionalPlanning Commission
C.***State Class 2 Paving Application – Dorset StreetD.*** Approve Highway Impact Fee Credit for 1068 Williston Road
E.*** Approve 2020 BUILD Grant application to fund the I-89 Exit 14 Pedestrian - Bicycle BridgeConnection
5. Update on School District draft FY 2021 budget - David Young, Superintendent (7:00 – 7:30 PM)
6.*** Update and review of timeline for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
Interstate-89 Corridor Study - Charlie Baker, Executive Director (7:30 – 8:00 PM)
7.*** Discuss and possibly appoint a South Burlington representative to the Chittenden CountyRegional Planning Commission Board of Commissioners. (8:00 – 8:10 PM)
8.***Council review and discussion of process to establish names on City buildings – Ilona Blanchard
(8:10 – 8:20 PM)
9.Update on City response to the COVID – 19 pandemic – Kevin Dorn (8:20 – 8:40 PM)
10. Council review and discussion of property tax payment guidelines and obligations of the City to payeducation taxes to the School District - Tom Hubbard (8:40 – 9:00 PM)
11.Update on the status of the City Employee Wellness Clinic – Coralee Holm (9:00 – 9:15 PM)
12.*** Consider convening as the South Burlington Liquor Control Commission to approve the following:
(9:15 – 9:20 PM)
•Hannaford Supermarket (Shelburne Road); Second Class License
13.Discuss the possible rescheduling of the May 18, public hearing on the proposed Inclusionary ZoningAmendments to the South Burlington Land Development Regulations – Paul Conner. (9:20 - 9:25PM)
14.Reports from Councilors on Committee assignments (9:25 – 9:35 PM)
15. Other business (9:35 – 9:40 PM)
16. Adjourn (9:40 PM)
Possible Executive Session to discuss real estate related matters where premature public disclosure would put the City at a competitive disadvantage.
Respectfully Submitted:
Kevin Dorn
Kevin Dorn, City Manager
*** Attachments Included
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Kevin Dorn, City Manager; South Burlington City Council
FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
SUBJECT: FY 21 Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Unified Planning Work
Program Requests
DATE: May 4, 2020 City Council meeting
Annually, Chittenden County communities are invited to submit proposals for work and/or projects to the
Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission for possible inclusion in their next year’s Unified Planning
Work Program. Communities submit these in January and are requested to the legislative bodies affirm the
submissions at a duly warned meeting.
The City submitted a series of project proposals for FY 21, following review and recommendation by the local
Planning Commission. The CCRPC has reviewed each community’s proposals and has warned a public hearing
for their proposed FY 21 UPWP for May 20th.
Several current and/or proposed South Burlington projects have been proposed to be funded. Two, however,
were not for reasons of scope and/or funding availability. CCRPC staff have reached out to City staff to explain
and describe these. Finally, in addition to the project listed below, the City is participating in several multi-
community projects (notably the I-89 corridor study) are regionally funded, and the City has submitted a series
of traffic count requests.
Local funding / match: Each project has a local funding and/or match requirement. All of these funds have been
accounted for in the City’s FY 21 approved budget, and were re-reviewed with Deputy Manager Tom Hubbard
this past week to ensure that we are in a position to proceed.
Recommendation:
City recommends the Council endorse the list of proposed UPWP FY 21 projects, with the understanding that
two of the projects will not likely be funded this year.
Project Est. Total Project Cost Est. Local Contribution In Proposed FY 21 UPWP?
CCRPC Staff Technical Assistance to
support South Burlington Local
Projects
$25,000 $25,000 Yes
Multi-Site Intersection Evaluation $20,000 $4,000 Yes
Bike/Ped Mapping Phase II $10,000 $2,000 Yes
Williston Road Utility Relocation
Evaluation $25,000 $5,000 No - Deemed not
applicable
Queen City Park Road Sidewalk $40,000 $4,000 Yes (funded in FY 20)
Climate Actin Plan TBD $0 (Proposed Regional Project)No - More guidance &
resources being developed
PROJECT APPLICATION FORM
FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitted by (Name, Title): Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
Municipality/Agency/Organization: City of South Burlington
Telephone: 846-4106
Email: pconner@sburl.com
2. PROJECT INFORMATION
a. Project Title: Planning Technical Assistance
b. Project Location (name of roadway, intersection, geographic area, etc.):
Citywide
c. Project Description (100 words max):
Summary: This project would reserve CCRPC staff time to provide support for selected
planning & land use projects. Specific projects will be drawn from the Department’s
and Planning Commission’ work plan, and may include direct technical assistance in
developing planning & GIS projects, and/or project management of consultant
projects identified by the City. May include working directly with City committees
under the overall direction of the Planning & Zoning Department
d. Budget, Scope of Work & Project Schedule:
Please describe the tasks and anticipated schedule to complete the project. If you
are able to estimate the budget for each task, please include that information.
CCRPC staff are available to assist you.
Task (add rows if needed)Month/Year Task Budget (if
known)
Project Support Throughout
Be sure to include robust public
engagement tasks:
$25,000
Will you accept a partial award? (Yes/
No)
Yes
!1
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, VT 05404-2109 802-846-4490www.ccrpcvt.org
For Transportation and Transportation-related Land Use/Water Quality Project
Requests:
Examples:
For Other Land Use Project Requests (this is a fee-for-service program, cost TBD
with Staff):
Please contact Regina Mahony (rmahony@ccrpcvt.org, 802-846-4490 ext. *28) to
discuss land use project and budget needs.
For Non-Transportation Water Quality Project Requests, please contact Dan
Albrecht (dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org, 802 846-4490 ext. *29) to discuss project and
budget needs.
NOTE: Requested amount is expected to be spent by June 30, 2021. Be sure to
account for any potential direct expenses in proposed budget. Please note if you are
requesting CCRPC staff assistance only. Contact us so we can help determine the
appropriate hours/cost and potential match requirement.
e. Expected Deliverables:This past year, the City examined ways in which it could complete a greater number of
planning projects. City and CCRPC staff discussed fee for service assistance in December 2019towards either (a) project management on behalf of the City or (b) direct project assistancewas discussed. The deliverables would depend on the project but would be the completion ofregulatory or planning projects, such as the Inclusionary Zoning support that the CCRPCprovided this past year. Projects would be determined this spring.
f. Other Project Participants (e.g., other municipalities, agencies, non-profits,
consultants, community groups): As determined by the project
Is Request for CCRPC Staff Assistance
Only? (Yes/No)
Yes
Total Project Cost (100%)
Local Match Required (20% of Total
Cost)
Example
1
Example 2 Example 3
Total Project (100%)$25,000 $50,000 $75,000
Local Match (20%)$5,000 $10,000 $15,000
CCRPC staff hours
requested:
$25000.000
!2
g. Project Match Requirement:
Please refer to the FY21 UPWP PROGRAM SUMMARY for a description of match
requirements and check below which applies to your proposal. If matching funds are
required, municipalities should attach a letter of support from your governing body to
document the availability of the local match and commitment of staff time. Non-
municipal partners should provide a letter from their Board or other governing body
demonstrating knowledge and support of project request, ability and intent to provide
matching funds, etc.
•Transportation, Land Use and Stormwater Planning
Transportation and transportation-related land use/water quality projects – 20%
non-federal cash match required.
XX Non-transportation projects (including plan and bylaws) – this is a fee-for-
service program, cost TBD. We encourage municipalities to also seek Municipal
Planning Grants.
•The CCRPC may waive the local match requirement for municipal projects
deemed to be regionally significant.
•Major or Minor Technical Assistance
•Transportation projects – no local match required.
•Non-transportation projects – there is no fee for projects requiring less than 12
hours of CCRPC staff time. Projects over 12 hours will be charged a rate of $50
per hour.
•Major Data Collection/Asset Management
•20% non-federal cash match required.
•Non-Municipal Partner Program Assistance
•20% match required.
h. Public Meeting Requirement:
This requirement will be met. The project has been reviewed by the South Burlington
Planning Commission, which has recommended approval by the City Council pursuant
to the requirements of this section.
3. BENEFITS TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANNING (please keep your responses
brief)
a. Identify at least one of the CCRPC’s top 10 actions or 8 ECOS strategies that this
project will primarily address (http://www.ecosproject.com/wp/wp-content/
uploads/2017/09/2018-ECOS-Plan-Summary_20180807_FINAL.pdf).
The project advances the following strategy and action:
!3
Strive for 80% of new development in areas planned for growth, which amounts to 15% of our
land area.
The City, through it Comprehensive Plan, is committed to employing projects that
support pedestrian-oriented development, resource conservation, affordability, and
compact economic development. The South Burlington Planning Commission maintains
an ongoing 3—year planning project list, from which candidate projects would be
selected for this program assistance. Each of the projects are consistent with the
ECOS plan.
b. Demonstrate where this project is identified in a local plan, or how it addresses
an existing, documented need. Or, is this a newly identified project for which
there is a sense of urgency?
As described above, each of the selected projects would be ones that are advanced by
the Planning Commission in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning
Commission’s last adopted workplan (June 2018, not updated in 2019 due to
prioritization for Interim Zoning projects) included a range of these projects. Below
are the principal goals of the Plan:
Affordable & Community Strong Creating a robust sense of place and opportunity for our residents and
visitors.
✦Be affordable, with housing for people of all incomes, lifestyles, and stages of life;
✦Keep unique features, and maintain or enhance the quality of life of existing neighborhoods;
✦Be a recognized leader in public education offerings and outcomes;
✦Provide quality public safety, infrastructure, health, wellness, and recreationservices;
✦Ensure transparent and accessible government.
Walkable. Bicycle and pedestrian friendly with safe transportation infrastructure.
✦Develop a safe and efficient transportation system that supports pedestrian, bicycle, and transit optionswhile accommodating the automobile;
✦Establish a city center with pedestrian-oriented design, mixed uses, and public buildings and civicspaces that act as a focal point to the community.
Green & Clean. Emphasizing sustainability for long-term viability of a clean and green South Burlington.
✦Promote conservation of identified important natural areas, open spaces, aquatic resources, air quality,arable land and other agricultural resources, historic sites and structures, and recreational assets;
✦Reduce energy consumption city-wide and increase renewable energy production where appropriate.
Opportunity Oriented. Being a supportive and engaged member of the larger regional and statewide community.
✦Prioritize development that occurs within the community into the higher intensity areas identified withinthis Plan;
✦Support a diverse and vibrant economy built on quality jobs, employment centers and a supportiveeducational and research system; support markets for local agricultural and food products.
c. For transportation and land use projects, how will the project benefit the
following:
•The safe, efficient operation of the transportation system?
!4
•Regional and/or local economic development?
•Multimodal travel options, connections, and/or reduce travel delays for
people and goods?
•Increase the livability of local communities?
•Complement other local/regional activities or initiatives?
See below
d. For other planning projects, please describe how the project benefits the local
community.
The City of South Burlington is in the process of undergoing a significant
transportation. It is now among the most populous communities in the State and
among the largest employment centers. With this growth have come the demands for
advance planning - for natural resources, affordable housing, transportation, land use
planning, interfaces between the airport and adjacent neighborhoods, City Center,
etc. The City is seeking to expand its ability tackle some additional priority projects
through this technical assistance support.
e. Consider the public engagement needs of your project:
(see the CCRPC’s 2014 Public Participation Plan for resources: http://
www.ccrpcvt.org/our-work/our-plans/public-participation-plan/)
•Are there traditionally underserved populations in the project study area and
will this project require more than routine public engagement to reach these
populations?
•How will this project help to achieve greater equity?
•How are disparities for disadvantaged communities improved through this
project?
•How will you evaluate the success of your public engagement efforts?
Depending on the project selected, additional outreach may be warranted. These will
be customized to each project.
f. How does the project demonstrate a cost-effective solution to a potential or
recognized problem?
The City and Planning Commission have developed a project list that considers needs,
short and long term goals, and cost/benefit of action in the shorter term versus long
term. Selected projects will be reviewed prior to initiation for cost-effectiveness.
g. How will this project be implemented after planning is complete?
Depending on the project, implementation may take the form of regulations, capital
expenditures, or policy adoption.
!5
1
PROJECT APPLICATION FORM
FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program
Applications should be no more than 4 pages (excluding any maps and letter of support from
your governing body to document the availability of the local match and commitment of staff
time). A Project Application Form must be submitted for each project request. If you are
submitting more than one request, please indicate projects in order of priority. There are
separate forms to request transportation counts and infrastructure inventories – please
submit one form per request. Deadline for receipt of completed submissions is Friday,
January 17, 2019. Please email completed forms in Word format to mdistel@ccrpcvt.org. All
forms are available on the CCRPC website: http://www.ccrpcvt.org/about‐
us/commission/annual‐work‐plan‐budget‐finances/.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitted by (Name, Title): Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
Municipality/Agency/Organization: City of South Burlington
Telephone: 846‐4106
Email: pconner@sburl.com
2. PROJECT INFORMATION
a. Project Title: Multi‐site Intersection Scoping
b. Project Location (name of roadway, intersection, geographic area, etc.):
Multiple locations in the City, see project description
c. Project Description (100 words max):
This project would scope alternatives for 2‐3 roadway intersections that the City has identified as being
likely candidates for upgrades in the coming years due to city objectives and/or new development.
Scoping would include examining options for signals vs roundabouts and examining how to
appropriately balance needs of trucks, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians based on land uses, site
conditions, and overall city transportation goals.
By scoping these intersections now, the City can be positioned to have a publicly‐vetted plan in place if
and when the upgraded intersection is warranted. This could take place through City investment or
developer‐requirement.
Candidate intersections would be determined at the start of the project, but could include locations
such as Old Farm Road / Kimball Ave; Spear Street / Quarry Hill Road; Hinesburg Road / Meadowland Dr
(in coordination with the Agency of Transportation); and Swift Street / Spear Street.
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, VT 05404‐2109
802‐846‐4490
www.ccrpcvt.org
2
d. Budget, Scope of Work & Project Schedule:
Please describe the tasks and anticipated schedule to complete the project. If you are able to
estimate the budget for each task, please include that information. CCRPC staff are available to
assist you.
Task (add rows if needed) Month/Year Task Budget (if known)
Existing conditions 7/20
Develop alternatives 9/20
Review & recommend preferred alternatives 11/20
Public meeting presentations 1/21
Be sure to include robust public engagement
tasks:
$20,000
Will you accept a partial award? (Yes/No) Yes
Is Request for CCRPC Staff Assistance
Only? (Yes/No)
No
For Transportation and Transportation‐related Land Use/Water Quality Project Requests:
Total Project Cost (100%) $20,000
Local Match Required (20% of Total Cost) $4,000
Examples:
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Total Project (100%) $25,000 $50,000 $75,000
Local Match (20%) $5,000 $10,000 $15,000
For Other Land Use Project Requests (this is a fee‐for‐service program, cost TBD with Staff):
CCRPC staff hours requested:
Please contact Regina Mahony (rmahony@ccrpcvt.org, 802‐846‐4490 ext. *28) to discuss
land use project and budget needs.
For Non‐Transportation Water Quality Project Requests, please contact Dan Albrecht
(dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org, 802 846‐4490 ext. *29) to discuss project and budget needs.
NOTE: Requested amount is expected to be spent by June 30, 2021. Be sure to account for any
potential direct expenses in proposed budget. Please note if you are requesting CCRPC staff
assistance only. Contact us so we can help determine the appropriate hours/cost and potential
match requirement.
e. Expected Deliverables:
3
Scoping final report of findings, assessed alternatives (eg, roundabout & signal), estimated property
impacts, estimated land acquisition & construction costs, warrants met, and any requirements that
would be needed for the intersection improvements to be completed. Working with project team,
recommending a preferred alternative.
f. Other Project Participants (e.g., other municipalities, agencies, non‐profits, consultants,
community groups): City Committees, Agency of Transportation (if involving state roads),
private property owner outreach (if impacted)
g. Project Match Requirement:
Please refer to the FY21 UPWP PROGRAM SUMMARY for a description of match requirements
and check below which applies to your proposal. If matching funds are required, municipalities
should attach a letter of support from your governing body to document the availability of the
local match and commitment of staff time. Non‐municipal partners should provide a letter from
their Board or other governing body demonstrating knowledge and support of project request,
ability and intent to provide matching funds, etc.
Transportation, Land Use and Stormwater Planning
XX Transportation and transportation‐related land use/water quality projects – 20% non‐
federal cash match required.
Non‐transportation projects (including plan and bylaws) – this is a fee‐for‐service
program, cost TBD. We encourage municipalities to also seek Municipal Planning Grants.
The CCRPC may waive the local match requirement for municipal projects deemed to be
regionally significant.
Major or Minor Technical Assistance
Transportation projects – no local match required.
Non‐transportation projects – there is no fee for projects requiring less than 12 hours of
CCRPC staff time. Projects over 12 hours will be charged a rate of $50 per hour.
Major Data Collection/Asset Management
20% non‐federal cash match required.
Non‐Municipal Partner Program Assistance
20% match required.
h. Public Meeting Requirement:
This requirement will be met. The project has been reviewed by the South Burlington Planning
Commission, which has recommended approval by the City Council pursuant to the
requirements of this section.
3. BENEFITS TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANNING (please keep your responses brief)
a. Identify at least one of the CCRPC’s top 10 actions or 8 ECOS strategies that this project will
4
primarily address (http://www.ecosproject.com/wp/wp‐content/uploads/2017/09/2018‐ECOS‐
Plan‐Summary_20180807_FINAL.pdf).
The project advances the following action:
Invest in our transportation system by maintaining our existing transportation system, addressing
safety and localized congestion issues on our roadways and investing in Intelligent Transportation
Systems to facilitate traffic flows on our arterials and minimize the need for major roadway
expansion projects; and supporting our areas planned for growth by expanding bike and
pedestrian infrastructure, improving transit services, investing in and supporting Transportation
Demand Management partners and programs such as Green Mountain Transit, Chittenden Area
Transportation Management Association, CarShare, Local Motion and NeighborRides.
This project focuses on identifying the preferred improvements to existing unsignalized
intersections when the need for upgrades is met. The project will focus on making
improvements that meet complete streets objectives and focus on safety and efficient use of
the existing transportation network.
b. Demonstrate where this project is identified in a local plan, or how it addresses an existing,
documented need. Or, is this a newly identified project for which there is a sense of urgency?
The 2016 Comprehensive Plan includes several specific references to these improvements.
Below please find two strategies, one which highlights individual projects and the other which
discusses future roadways and access management. Also enclosed are the Comprehensive
Plan’s transportation improvement map and related project discussions.
Strategy 40. Implement the proposed street and intersection improvements included on the City’s Official Map and/or Capital Budget and
Program either as a public project or by private developers as warranted by the scope of new development, and continue to require developers to
make any necessary improvements to intersection geometry, signalization, and streetscapes as a condition of approval. (p. 2-66)
Strategy 41. Implement access management techniques when planning new roads or improving existing roads. Require the provision of access
management techniques (e.g. limit curb cuts, service roads, etc.) along high volume arterial and collector roadways as a condition of approval for
new development and redevelopment. (p. 2-66)
c. For transportation and land use projects, how will the project benefit the following:
The safe, efficient operation of the transportation system?
By scoping these intersections in advance of the need being generated by private
development, or in advance of design, alternatives can be examined for maximizing
safe, efficient operation of the transportation system.
Regional and/or local economic development?
The City is anticipating that additional development will require certain intersections to
be upgraded by unsignalized to either roundabouts or signals. Scoping in advance will
allow for more smooth, thought‐out transportation planning prior to the receipt of an
application. It will also provide estimated costs that can be used in implementing the
5
City’s new traffic impact fee system, being developed through a CCRPC UPWP project.
Multimodal travel options, connections, and/or reduce travel delays for people and
goods?
Scoping of these intersections will allow the city to develop conceptual designs that
meet the various modes’ needs and anticipate future traffic congestion.
Increase the livability of local communities?
As parts of the City develop, the need for upgraded intersections will continue. Having a
safe and functional transportation system, and one that has been scoped through a
public process, will support an inclusive decision‐making process.
Complement other local/regional activities or initiatives?
This project will complement the Traffic Impact Fees / Transportation Overlay District
overhaul currently underway (new system seeks to have project costs for anticipated
future projects), as well as providing scoping for candidate intersection upgrades
identified in the currently Tilley Drive Network Study.
d. For other planning projects, please describe how the project benefits the local community.
e. Consider the public engagement needs of your project:
(see the CCRPC’s 2014 Public Participation Plan for resources: http://www.ccrpcvt.org/our‐
work/our‐plans/public‐participation‐plan/)
Are there traditionally underserved populations in the project study area and will this
project require more than routine public engagement to reach these populations?
How will this project help to achieve greater equity?
How are disparities for disadvantaged communities improved through this project?
How will you evaluate the success of your public engagement efforts?
As an intersection scoping study, engagement will be principally routine in nature, but the City
is in the process of installing a more robust public involvement process from start to finish, to
include a “host” committee, committee liaison to the project team, public meeting &
recommendation by the committee, and receipt by the City Council.
f. How does the project demonstrate a cost‐effective solution to a potential or recognized
problem?
This project focuses on maintenance of existing intersections through identifying the type of
needed upgrades for safe and efficient travel.
g. How will this project be implemented after planning is complete?
Either through Impact Fees or another CIP project, or by the private sector.
BURLINGTON BURLINGTONESSEX
JUNCTION
Shelburne
Bay
COLCHESTER
WINOOSKI
SHEL
B
U
R
N
E
ESSEX
WILLISTON3
S H E L B U R N E R DDORSETSTSWIFT ST
WILLISTON RD
SPEARSTHIN
E
SB
U
R
G
R
D
89
189
5
7
20
11
15
12
13
14
17
18
19
23
2
16
22
4 18
9
10
6
2121
Map 10
Planned Infrastructure Improvements
Comprehensive Plan
City of South Burlington, VT
February 1, 2016
Document Path: P:\Planning&Zoning\Planning\ComprehensivePlanMaps\ComprehensivePlan_2015\Map10_PlannedInfrastructure.mxd
0 0.5 10.25
Miles
Maps and GPS data (“material”) made available by the City of South
Burlington are for reference purposes only. The City does not
guarantee accuracy. Users release the City from all liability related
to the material and its use. The City shall not be liable for any direct,
indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
Contact GIS@sburl.com with questions
Reserved for Future Use
Proposed Roadways
Proposed Park and Rides
Schools
Parks
Future Public Improvements
Intersection
Road
Transport Site
Recreation
city of south burlington comprehensive plan
2-67
Strategy 44. Work with neighboring communities and transportation partners on cooperative strategies
for managing the impacts of travel to and from South Burlington, including park and rides
and capture/intercept lots, along with appropriate and direct public transit serving them, and
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure connecting to adjacent municipalities.
Strategy 45. Develop and build a City-wide sidewalk and recreation path plan that identifi es and prioritizes
gaps to link various neighborhood and community focal points.
Strategy 46. Support enhanced commuter rail service on the Vermont Railway and Central Vermont Railway
tracks and amend the City’s Land Development Regulations to provide opportunities and
mitigate against impacts of rail connections in the community.
Strategy 47. Prioritize transportation planning eff orts to provide safe and effi cient access to the Burlington
International Airport in a manner that does not adversely aff ect adjacent neighborhoods.
Strategy 48. Improve traffi c fl ow through the City by exploring new technologies, synchronizing traffi c
lights and adjusting traffi c light timing based on time of day and traffi c volume while retaining
balance with pedestrian needs.
Strategy 49. Seek opportunities to install a park and ride lot along the Shelburne Road corridor.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS (MAP 10)
1. Williston Road / Hinesburg Road Intersection Improvements
Summary This intersecƟ on would be improved to provide greater traffi c
movement in various direcƟ ons related to future City Center
traffi c fl ows.
Purpose This is proposed in order to ensure safe and effi cient traffi c
movement on Market Street and throughout City Center.
Potential Impacts The Hinesburg Road intersecƟ on presently funcƟ ons as one
of few signaled pedestrian crossings of Williston Road. Any
improvements to this intersecƟ on will need to be balanced
with pedestrian needs and scale.
Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment
(2010), Garden Street Project Defi niƟ on Report (2015)
2. City Center Road Network
Summary This project includes a reconstrucƟ on of Market Street,
Garden Street, and addiƟ onal connected streets within
the City Center area with on-street parking, sidewalks,
landscaping, and uƟ liƟ es. Bicycles are envisioned to share the
street as it approaches the core of City Center. Market Street
would be crossed by new roads: one connecƟ ng Midas Drive
to Healthy Living, a second (later phase) to connect San Remo
Drive to a realigned Mary Street, and one or more others
linking the street to the MarcoƩ e Central School Property to
the north and properƟ es to the south.
Purpose To provide safe and effi cient access from Hinesburg Road to
Dorset Street, and to create a downtown-style network of
roadways in conjuncƟ on with City Center
2-68
city of south burlington comprehensive plan
Potential Impacts Market Street is already in existence. The impacts of the road
network are fully assessed in the Market Street Environmental
Assessment.
Completed Eff orts Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment
(2010); Market Street ReconstrucƟ on (2015 and nearing
compleƟ on); Garden Street Project Defi niƟ on (2015)
3. City Center Parking Garage
Summary One or more parking garages to serve the City Center area, as
envisioned in the Conceptual Master Plan.
Purpose In order to foster a downtown-style of development, it will be
necessary for parking to be provided in a format other than
tradiƟ onal surface parking. The City has 450 spaces approved
as eligible for TIF District Financing.
Potential Impacts Cost and use of land for parking are two important
consideraƟ ons. Public parking that is highly accessible
may be constructed in private buildings. Some opƟ ons and
alternaƟ ves exist to miƟ gate some of the need for on-site
structured parking, including potenƟ al parƟ cipaƟ on in a
TransportaƟ on Management AssociaƟ on and/or nearby off -
site opƟ on.
Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment
(2010)
4. I-89 Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge
Summary Analysis and potenƟ al construcƟ on of a bicycle and pedestrian
bridge over I-89 in the vicinity of Exit 14.
Purpose To provide safe and effi cient connecƟ vity for walkers and
cyclists between the City Center area and housing, University
of Vermont, and City of Burlington on the west side of the
Interstate.
Potential Impacts Present bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure over the
Interstate has limited funcƟ onality. While sidewalks and
bicycle lanes do exist, they are crossed by mulƟ ple on- and
off -ramps on both sides.
Completed Studies Not yet studied in depth.
5. Airport Drive Extension
Summary A new connector road to link Airport Drive directly to
Airport Parkway. This proposal has been included in several
Comprehensive Plans of the City.
Purpose To provide a more direct connecƟ on for travelers between
Route 15 and Williston Road / the Burlington InternaƟ onal
Airport. At present, all traffi c must use White Street, a
predominantly residenƟ al street.
Potential Impacts This new road would relieve traffi c from White Street and
other local streets. Care will need to be taken to ensure traffi c
does not increase on Kirby Road.
city of south burlington comprehensive plan
2-69
Additional Info The design of this new roadway is under review as the
Burlington InternaƟ onal Airport undertakes its noise
miƟ gaƟ on and reuse plan. Final designs of the roadway will
need to consider both impacts on the adjacent neighborhood
as well as effi cient use of limited land adjacent to the Airport.
Completed Studies Airport Drive / Airport Parkway Improvements Scoping Study
(2005)
6. Exit 12B Interchange
Summary Analysis and possible construcƟ on of a new interchange in
the vicinity of Hinesburg Road / I-89.
Purpose To provide relief from the exisƟ ng local road network east
of Exit 14, to serve anƟ cipated growth in enplanements
at the Burlington InternaƟ onal Airport, to serve business
development in the eastern porƟ on of the City, to relieve
congesƟ on from Exists 14 and 12, and to serve the future City
Center.
Potential Impacts This interchange would have a substanƟ al impact on general
traffi c fl ows and pedestrian and bicycle traffi c in the area
(increasing in some areas, decreasing in others). It will also
likely support business development in the area on areas that
are presently parƟ ally developed. A full Environmental Impact
Statement and idenƟ fi caƟ on of potenƟ al funding sources will
be required before a interchange is constructed.
Completed Studies Interstate Access Analysis (2010)
I-89 Exit 12B Financing OpƟ ons Study (2009)
I-89 Exit 12B Alignment Study (2009)
I-89 Urban TransportaƟ on Improvements (2003)
Ground Access Study of the Burlington InternaƟ onal Airport
(2002)
I-89 Exit 13 Access Improvements (1999)
ChiƩ enden County 1-89 Corridor Study (1997)
I-89 / Hinesburg Road Northbound Off -Ramp (1996)
Interchange Feasibility Studies at Four LocaƟ ons in the CC-
MPO Area (1987)
7. Swift Street Extension to Hinesburg Road
Summary A new connector road to link SwiŌ Street Extension to
Hinesburg Road. This connector has long been idenƟ fi ed as
an important east-west connector, and has been listed in
several Comprehensive Plans of the City and on the Offi cial
Map since its fi rst adopƟ on.
Purpose The approval of the substanƟ al number of homes at the
Village at Dorset Park was qualifi ed on having a safely designed
second access; to provide greater east-west connecƟ vity for
City residents; to provide beƩ er emergency vehicle access
for the City, and to reduce congesƟ on on exisƟ ng and
overburdened intersecƟ ons.
2-70
city of south burlington comprehensive plan
Potential Impacts This new connector road could increase traffi c on SwiŌ Street
and create an addiƟ onal crossing challenge for wildlife. Care
will need to be taken to develop a road connecƟ on that meets
the stated purposes while protecƟ ng neighborhood character
and limiƟ ng impact on wildlife.
Completed Studies Dorset Street Corridor Plan (2007)
South Burlington Planned East-West Roads Analysis (2001)
8. White Street / Midas Drive Intersection Improvements
Summary Create a proper four-way intersecƟ on at this important link
between Williston Road, City Center and the Chamberlin
neighborhood. The project would involve acquisiƟ on of the
property presently occupied by Accent Travel.
Purpose To improve pedestrian and vehicular safety and fl ow at this
important intersecƟ on, and to provide a safe entrance to the
future City Center road network.
Potential Impacts The project will involve acquisiƟ on of a privately-held
property. In addiƟ on, care will need to be taken to ensure that
pedestrian and bicycle needs are met at this site.
Completed Studies Market Street Improvements Environmental Assessment
(2010). US 2 Corridor TransportaƟ on Management Plan
(2007) . Garden Street Project Defi niƟ on Report (2015)
9. Spear Street / Swift Street Intersection Improvements
Summary Complete improvements to the SwiŌ -Spear intersecƟ on.
Purpose To improve pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular safety at this
intersecƟ on.
Potential Impacts Some realignment of this off set intersecƟ on would be
needed. Possible acquisiƟ on of private land may be needed
for some alternaƟ ves.
Completed Studies Spear Street Corridor Study (2004)
10. Airport Parkway / Lime Kiln Road Intersection Improvements
Summary Complete improvements to the Airport Parkway / Lime Kiln
Road / Shamrock Road / Ethan Allen Drive intersecƟ on.
Purpose To improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at this
intersecƟ on.
Potential Impacts Some realignment of this off set intersecƟ on would be
needed. Possible acquisiƟ on of private land may be needed
for some alternaƟ ves.
Completed Studies Road Safety Audit Review- Airport Parkway/Lime Kiln
IntersecƟ on (2006)
11. Vale Drive Extension
Summary Extend Vale Drive to SwiŌ Street commensurate with future
development.
city of south burlington comprehensive plan
2-71
Purpose To provide a neighborhood-scale street network to serve
exisƟ ng and future development and to allow for proper
transportaƟ on land use planning by off ering route choices
to drivers while reducing congesƟ on at exisƟ ng intersecƟ ons.
Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken to minimize impacts on wetlands
in the area, and to ensure that this road does not become a
short cut for automobiles travelling on Spear Street and/or
Nowland Farm Road.
12. Fayette Drive Extension
Summary Extend FayeƩ e Drive from Queen City Park Road to BartleƩ
Bay Road.
Purpose To provide a secondary route parallel to US Route 7, service
local businesses and homes, and providing a more pedestrian
and bicycle-friendly environment for travel.
Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken in the design of the road system
to limit speed through this wide roadway, unƟ l such Ɵ me as
more development and on-road parking become present.
13. Tilley Drive Extension
Summary Extend Tilley Drive to Community Drive.
Purpose To provide a connecƟ on between Hinesburg Road and
Community Drive / Kimball Ave. This road would allow
drivers to avoid residenƟ al areas and provide much more
direct access for travelers between those two locaƟ ons. A
recreaƟ on path connecƟ on was completed along the same
connecƟ on in 2009.
Potential Impacts The proposed crossing area contains wetlands and potenƟ al
archeological resources. In addiƟ on, addiƟ onal traffi c control
may be needed at the intersecƟ ons of Tilley Drive / Hinesburg
Road and Community Drive / Kimball Avenue.
14. Generation Drive
Summary A new road that would connect Tilley Drive to Kimball
Avenue.
Purpose To provide a connecƟ on between Hinesburg Road and
Kimball Avenue. This road would avoid residenƟ al areas and
provide much more direct access for travelers between those
two locaƟ ons. It would serve a future Exit 12B. It would also
provide opportuniƟ es for development along this new road.
Potential Impacts Traffi c control may be needed at the intersecƟ ons of Tilley
Drive / Hinesburg Road and Community Drive / Kimball
Avenue.
15. North Jeff erson Road Extension
Summary Extend North Jeff erson Road to Nowland Farm Road
alongside future development.
Purpose To provide a neighborhood-scale street network to serve
exisƟ ng and future development.
2-72
city of south burlington comprehensive plan
Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken to minimize impacts on wetlands
in the area, and to ensure that this road does not become a
short cut for automobiles travelling on Spear Street and/or
Nowland Farm Road.
16. New Roadway North of Williston Road, and connections to US 2
Summary Plan for future roadway to parallel Williston Road from
Patchen Road to the vicinity of the Dorset Street intersecƟ on
and roadway connecƟ ons at regular intervals to Williston
Road.
Purpose To provide a secondary access to the mixed use development
along the north side of Williston Road, provide greater
pedestrian and vehicular access for local residents, reducing
congesƟ on while improving safety along Williston Road, and
potenƟ ally providing addiƟ onal development opportunity.
Potential Impacts The development of this road should be done in conjuncƟ on
with improvements to Williston Road (such as eliminaƟ ng
curb cuts and improving pedestrian crossings) and any
private development projects.
Completed Studies US 2 Corridor TransportaƟ on Management Plan (2007); Wil-
liston Road Network Study (2015 and ongoing)
17. Sadie Lane Extension
Summary Create a new road parallel to Dorset Street south of Cider
Mill Road.
Purpose To provide a neighborhood-scale street network to serve
exisƟ ng and future development.
Potential Impacts Care will need to be taken to minimize impacts on wetlands
in the area, and to ensure that this road is compaƟ ble with
exisƟ ng development in the area.
18. US 2 / Williston Road Corridor Improvements
Summary Implement a series of recommended improvements to US
2 (Williston Road) throughout the City of South Burlington,
including capacity, access management, safety, transit ser-
vice, intersecƟ on improvements, turning lanes, streetscape,
pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure, signalizaƟ on adjust-
ments.
Purpose To enhance the carrying capacity for all users along Williston
Road and improve the appearance and funcƟ onality of the
gateway to City Center and the regional for all users.
Potential Impacts The scale of the potenƟ al improvements vary and will need
to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Completed Studies US 2 Corridor TransportaƟ on Management Plan (2007);
Williston Road Network Study (2015 and ongoing), Garden
Street Project Defi niƟ on (2015)
19. New City Park/Eldridge Street Connector
city of south burlington comprehensive plan
2-73
Summary Acquire land for a new City park and create a road connecƟ on
between Eldridge Street and Old Farm Road.
Purpose The new road would serve to create a link between the
historic Old Farm Road and new neighborhoods to the
southwest.
Potential Impacts Steep slopes will need to be miƟ gated for in the construcƟ on
of this road. No road is likely needed unƟ l and unless
addiƟ onal development takes place along Old Farm Road.
20. Old Cross Road / Cider Mill Drive Extension to Hinesburg Road
Summary Reserve land for a possible future street connecƟ on, with
no plan for immediate construcƟ on from Old Cross Road;
consider new roadway from Cider Mill Drive to intersecƟ on
of Van Sicklen Road.
Purpose To reserve land for the possible connecƟ on from the end of
Old Cross Road to Hinesburg Road and to connect Cider Mill
Drive to Van Sicklen Road.
Potential Impacts Wildlife crossings and not having this connecƟ on serving as a
cut-through should be carefully examined.
21. Community Drive / Kimball Avenue Intersections
Summary Enhancements to the two intersecƟ ons of Community Drive
/ Kimball Avenue through signals and/or roundabouts.
Purpose To accommodate the anƟ cipated future mulƟ modal
transportaƟ on needs associated with planned development
in the area and road network connecƟ vity in the area.
Potential Impacts These intersecƟ ons should be considered in the context of
development and transportaƟ on needs in the surrounding
area.
22. Kimball Ave to Williston Road Connection
Summary Plan for future roadway between Kimball Avenue and
Williston Road, west of Shunpike Road
Purpose To provide addiƟ onal non-residenƟ al connecƟ vity between
the two parallel streets of Kimball Avenue and Williston Road
Potential Impacts Future impacts of traffi c condiƟ ons should be carefully
examined.
Completed Studies US 2 Corridor TransportaƟ on Management Plan (2007)
23. Quarry Hill Road to Williston Road Connection
Summary Plan for future connecƟ on between Quarry Hill Road and
Williston Road.
Purpose To provide secondary access between Quarry Hill Road and
the housing and other faciliƟ es located there and Williston
Road.
Potential Impacts Future impacts of traffi c condiƟ ons at Quarry Hill Road and
Spear Street should be carefully examined.
Completed Studies US 2 Corridor TransportaƟ on Management Plan (2007);
Williston Road Network Study (2015 and ongoing)
PROJECT APPLICATION FORM
FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitted by (Name, Title): Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
Municipality/Agency/Organization: City of South Burlington
Telephone: 846-4106
Email: pconner@sburl.com
2. PROJECT INFORMATION
a. Project Title: Scoping of Williston Road Utility Relocation (south side)
b. Project Location (name of roadway, intersection, geographic area, etc.):
South side of Williston side between Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road
c. Project Description (100 words max):
This project would perform a scoping-level assessment of the opportunities,
obstacles, and alternatives for relocating the overhead utilities along Williston Road
between Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road.
This project would perform a scoping-level assessment of relocating overhead utilities
along the south side of Williston Road underground or to the rear of properties.
Utilities along Dorset Street, Market Street, and Garden Street all are or will be
underground. This project would be complementary to the above-ground
improvements under design along this same segment – improvements to pedestrian &
bicycles, landscaping, and lighting. The project also complements the narrow build-
to-zones along this corridor in the City Center Form Based Code T4 District
d. Budget, Scope of Work & Project Schedule:
Please describe the tasks and anticipated schedule to complete the project. If you
are able to estimate the budget for each task, please include that information.
CCRPC staff are available to assist you.
Task (add rows if needed)Month/Year Task Budget (if
known)
Existing conditions 7/20
Develop alternatives 9/20
Review & recommend preferred
alternatives
11/20
!1
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, VT 05404-2109 802-846-4490www.ccrpcvt.org
For Transportation and Transportation-related Land Use/Water Quality Project
Requests:
Examples:
For Other Land Use Project Requests (this is a fee-for-service program, cost TBD
with Staff):
Please contact Regina Mahony (rmahony@ccrpcvt.org, 802-846-4490 ext. *28) to
discuss land use project and budget needs.
For Non-Transportation Water Quality Project Requests, please contact Dan
Albrecht (dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org, 802 846-4490 ext. *29) to discuss project and
budget needs.
NOTE: Requested amount is expected to be spent by June 30, 2021. Be sure to
account for any potential direct expenses in proposed budget. Please note if you are
requesting CCRPC staff assistance only. Contact us so we can help determine the
appropriate hours/cost and potential match requirement.
Property owner, utility, and public
outreach
throughout
Be sure to include robust public
engagement tasks:
$25,000
Will you accept a partial award? (Yes/
No)
Yes
Is Request for CCRPC Staff Assistance
Only? (Yes/No)
No
Total Project Cost (100%)$25,000
Local Match Required (20% of Total
Cost)
$5,000
Example
1
Example 2 Example 3
Total Project (100%)$25,000 $50,000 $75,000
Local Match (20%)$5,000 $10,000 $15,000
CCRPC staff hours
requested:
!2
e. Expected Deliverables:
Scoping final report of findings, assessed alternatives (eg, under grounding within ROW,
relocating to rear of properties, etc), estimated property impacts, estimated land acquisition& construction costs, warrants met, and any requirements that would be needed for theimprovements to be completed. Working with project team, recommending a preferredalternative.
f. Other Project Participants (e.g., other municipalities, agencies, non-profits,
consultants, community groups): Utility companies, property owners, City Committees
g. Project Match Requirement:
Please refer to the FY21 UPWP PROGRAM SUMMARY for a description of match
requirements and check below which applies to your proposal. If matching funds are
required, municipalities should attach a letter of support from your governing body to
document the availability of the local match and commitment of staff time. Non-
municipal partners should provide a letter from their Board or other governing body
demonstrating knowledge and support of project request, ability and intent to provide
matching funds, etc.
•Transportation, Land Use and Stormwater Planning
XX Transportation and transportation-related land use/water quality projects – 20%
non-federal cash match required.
•Non-transportation projects (including plan and bylaws) – this is a fee-for-
service program, cost TBD. We encourage municipalities to also seek Municipal
Planning Grants.
•The CCRPC may waive the local match requirement for municipal projects
deemed to be regionally significant.
•Major or Minor Technical Assistance
•Transportation projects – no local match required.
•Non-transportation projects – there is no fee for projects requiring less than 12
hours of CCRPC staff time. Projects over 12 hours will be charged a rate of $50
per hour.
•Major Data Collection/Asset Management
•20% non-federal cash match required.
•Non-Municipal Partner Program Assistance
•20% match required.
h. Public Meeting Requirement:
This requirement will be met. The project has been reviewed by the South Burlington
Planning Commission, which has recommended approval by the City Council pursuant
to the requirements of this section.
3. BENEFITS TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANNING (please keep your responses
!3
brief)
a. Identify at least one of the CCRPC’s top 10 actions or 8 ECOS strategies that this
project will primarily address (http://www.ecosproject.com/wp/wp-content/
uploads/2017/09/2018-ECOS-Plan-Summary_20180807_FINAL.pdf).
The project advances the following strategy and action:
Strive for 80% of new development in areas planned for growth, which amounts to 15% of our
land area.
Support and inform municipalities on setting the stage for smart, multi-modal development in our areas planned for growth, and protection of our rural planning area, through plan and bylaw assistance, participation in the Act 250 Next 50 Years Committee, brownfields assessments, etc.
This project is intended to support the continued buildout of a vibrant core in the
center of South Burlington. The implementation of a streetscape that is pedestrian
oriented and complementary to the urban (Form Based Code T4) redevelopment
proposed for this area is critical to the overall success of this area.
The City has received an $800,000 grant to support the design and construction of a
multi-modal streetscape in this area. Feedback received to date, from property
owners, businesses, users, and residents has encouraged the City to examine the
relocation of overhead utilities.
Furthermore, using the new Larkin Terrace building on Shelburne Road as a case study
(where the private landowner elected to underground utilities along this State
highway in order to complement the urban design being sought for the site), the need
for this along Williston Road has become apparent.
b. Demonstrate where this project is identified in a local plan, or how it addresses
an existing, documented need. Or, is this a newly identified project for which
there is a sense of urgency?
The 2016 Comprehensive Plan includes several specific references to these
improvements. Below please find two objectives related to the built environment
being planned for in City Center:
Objective 41. Create a cohesive, diverse, dynamic and people-oriented City Center with a strong
identity and “sense of place” that incorporates harmonious design, an appropriate mix of residential and non-residential uses and public amenities that complement adjoining neighborhoods.
Objective 42. Establish vibrant streetscapes, civic spaces, public art and public facilities in the Central District and City Center.
The Plan also makes reference to the importance of undergrounding of utilities to reduce likelihood of power outages.
c. For transportation and land use projects, how will the project benefit the
!4
following:
•The safe, efficient operation of the transportation system?
Initial designs to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians has identified the overhead
utilities as a significant obstacle to creating an environment that presents a safe andcomfortable environment for all users. The presence of full size street trees, forinstance, helps to provide a visual and physical separation between motorists andcyclists / pedestrians, and supports a human-scale environment in an area thatappears today to be chaotic to many users.
•Regional and/or local economic development?
The relocation of utilities would allow new buildings to be located, as planned,
within a narrow build-to zone along Williston Road. Without the relocation of
utilities, buildings will be forced to have significant overhead utilities right in
front of the buildings. Furthermore, as part of the overall City Center plan,
having a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented environment will help support one of the
most significant development/redevelopment projects in the State over the
next decade.
•Multimodal travel options, connections, and/or reduce travel delays for
people and goods?
As noted above, humanizing the Williston Road environment will be an
important element of promoting a shift to bicycle and pedestrian modes of
transportation in this area and throughout City Center.
•Increase the livability of local communities?
The very first City Center project, in the late 1980s, involved the undergrounding of
utilities along Dorset Street. The need to create urban environments - especially oneswith building proposed to be very close to the street- with street furniture thatsupports a vibrant and human scale has been proven successful repeatedly throughoutthe country.
•Complement other local/regional activities or initiatives?
As noted above, the City has received funding to begin the design and
construction of a new Williston Road Streetscape in this area. Scoping the
possible relocation of utilities is a directly complementary - and timely -
project. It is also complementary to the other ongoing work - construction of
Garden Street, which will connect directly to Williston Road, and continued
efforts to improve the bicycle/pedestrian crossing over I-89.
d. For other planning projects, please describe how the project benefits the local
community.
e. Consider the public engagement needs of your project:
(see the CCRPC’s 2014 Public Participation Plan for resources: http://
!5
www.ccrpcvt.org/our-work/our-plans/public-participation-plan/)
•Are there traditionally underserved populations in the project study area and
will this project require more than routine public engagement to reach these
populations?
•How will this project help to achieve greater equity?
•How are disparities for disadvantaged communities improved through this
project?
•How will you evaluate the success of your public engagement efforts?
This project will require outreach and coordination with the various utility providers,
property owners, businesses, and the community. Users of this area are diverse and
include residents, employees, and visitors. Public outreach plans will endeavor to
reach out to all of these groups including traditionally underserved populations.
f. How does the project demonstrate a cost-effective solution to a potential or
recognized problem?
This project focuses on maintenance and enhancement of the existing road network
and supporting redevelopment in the New Town Center & Neighborhood Development
Area designated by the State..
g. How will this project be implemented after planning is complete?
Options will include TIF financing, a special assessment district, grant funding, and/or
City reserve funds.
!6
PROJECT APPLICATION FORM
FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitted by (Name, Title): Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
Municipality/Agency/Organization: City of South Burlington
Telephone: 846-4106
Email: pconner@sburl.com
2. PROJECT INFORMATION
a. Project Title: Bike/Ped Mapping Phase II - field assessment and data retrieval
b. Project Location (name of roadway, intersection, geographic area, etc.):
Citywide
c. Project Description (100 words max):
The City & CCRPC recently completed a mapping inventory of the city’s bicycle path
segments, including type, side of the street, and location of existing & anticipated
connections.
Phase II of this project would add data fields and catalogue existing conditions in
preparation for future infrastructure improvement projects.
Specifically, data fields and field assessment of bridge condition, recreation path
width and condition, and street/path integration would be collected.
d. Budget, Scope of Work & Project Schedule:
Please describe the tasks and anticipated schedule to complete the project. If you
are able to estimate the budget for each task, please include that information.
CCRPC staff are available to assist you.
Task (add rows if needed)Month/Year Task Budget (if
known)
Establish data to be collected 7/20
Field Assessment of bridge & path
condition
9/20
Data input in GIS format 11/20
!1
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, VT 05404-2109 802-846-4490www.ccrpcvt.org
For Transportation and Transportation-related Land Use/Water Quality Project
Requests:
Examples:
For Other Land Use Project Requests (this is a fee-for-service program, cost TBD
with Staff):
Please contact Regina Mahony (rmahony@ccrpcvt.org, 802-846-4490 ext. *28) to
discuss land use project and budget needs.
For Non-Transportation Water Quality Project Requests, please contact Dan
Albrecht (dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org, 802 846-4490 ext. *29) to discuss project and
budget needs.
NOTE: Requested amount is expected to be spent by June 30, 2021. Be sure to
account for any potential direct expenses in proposed budget. Please note if you are
requesting CCRPC staff assistance only. Contact us so we can help determine the
appropriate hours/cost and potential match requirement.
e. Expected Deliverables:
The deliverables for this project would be as follows:
Be sure to include robust public
engagement tasks:
$10,000
Will you accept a partial award? (Yes/
No)
Yes
Is Request for CCRPC Staff Assistance
Only? (Yes/No)
No
Total Project Cost (100%)$10,000
Local Match Required (20% of Total
Cost)
$2,000
Example
1
Example 2 Example 3
Total Project (100%)$25,000 $50,000 $75,000
Local Match (20%)$5,000 $10,000 $15,000
CCRPC staff hours
requested:
!2
*Addition of data fields to the GIS mapping completed this past year based on analysis ofneeds and best practices*Field assessment of condition of recreation path bridges and recreation path segments,including width of paths and wooden bridge condition
f. Other Project Participants (e.g., other municipalities, agencies, non-profits,
consultants, community groups): City Committees
g. Project Match Requirement:
Please refer to the FY21 UPWP PROGRAM SUMMARY for a description of match
requirements and check below which applies to your proposal. If matching funds are
required, municipalities should attach a letter of support from your governing body to
document the availability of the local match and commitment of staff time. Non-
municipal partners should provide a letter from their Board or other governing body
demonstrating knowledge and support of project request, ability and intent to provide
matching funds, etc.
•Transportation, Land Use and Stormwater Planning
Transportation and transportation-related land use/water quality projects – 20%
non-federal cash match required.
•Non-transportation projects (including plan and bylaws) – this is a fee-for-
service program, cost TBD. We encourage municipalities to also seek Municipal
Planning Grants.
•The CCRPC may waive the local match requirement for municipal projects
deemed to be regionally significant.
•Major or Minor Technical Assistance
•Transportation projects – no local match required.
•Non-transportation projects – there is no fee for projects requiring less than 12
hours of CCRPC staff time. Projects over 12 hours will be charged a rate of $50
per hour.
•Major Data Collection/Asset Management
•XX 20% non-federal cash match required.
•Non-Municipal Partner Program Assistance
•20% match required.
h. Public Meeting Requirement:
This requirement will be met. The project has been reviewed by the South Burlington
Planning Commission, which has recommended approval by the City Council pursuant
to the requirements of this section.
3. BENEFITS TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANNING (please keep your responses
brief)
a. Identify at least one of the CCRPC’s top 10 actions or 8 ECOS strategies that this
!3
project will primarily address (http://www.ecosproject.com/wp/wp-content/
uploads/2017/09/2018-ECOS-Plan-Summary_20180807_FINAL.pdf).
The project advances the following strategy and action:
Invest in our transportation system by maintaining our existing transportation system,
addressing safety and localized congestion issues on our roadways and investing in Intelligent
Transportation Systems to facilitate traffic flows on our arterials and minimize the need for
major roadway expansion projects; and supporting our areas planned for growth by expanding
bike and pedestrian infrastructure, improving transit services, investing in and supporting
Transportation Demand Management partners and programs such as Green Mountain Transit,
Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association, CarShare, Local Motion and
NeighborRides.
This past year, the CCRPC supported the development of a detailed mapping of
pedestrian & bicycle infrastructure in the City, bringing together multiple datasets
into a single, coordinated GIS format.
This project would continue to maintain and enhance this infrastructure by applying
the next level of data collection to this work. In doing so, the City would be in the
position to implement improvement projects more quickly than previously, with the
knowledge of deficiencies in the system.
b. Demonstrate where this project is identified in a local plan, or how it addresses
an existing, documented need. Or, is this a newly identified project for which
there is a sense of urgency?
The 2016 Comprehensive Plan addresses transportation, and the goals to promote
increased bicycle and pedestrian activity throughout. Among the four key goals of the
Plan:
In the Future, the City of South Burlington will be:
Walkable. Bicycle and pedestrian friendly with safe transportation infrastructure.
✦Develop a safe and efficient transportation system that supports pedestrian, bicycle, andtransit options while accommodating the automobile;
In addition, the City has embraced the Complete Streets approach to transportation
design:
Objective 17. Provide a transportation network that complies with Complete Street mandates and
maximizes efficiency and safety for all types of users (pedestrians, cyclists, transit, automobiles,
trucks, rail, and air).
c. For transportation and land use projects, how will the project benefit the
following:
!4
•The safe, efficient operation of the transportation system?
This project would catalogue important data fields such as width and condition of
recreation paths and construction and status of bridges in the system.
•Regional and/or local economic development?
Maintenance and improvements to the recreation path system in South Burlington will
continue to support the vibrant, diverse economy of the community.
•Multimodal travel options, connections, and/or reduce travel delays for
people and goods?
As noted above, maintenance and enhancements to the recreation path system
in South Burlington will support ongoing connectivity and travel opportunities.
•Increase the livability of local communities?
The recreation path system has areas where width or conditions are deficient or may
be aging. Cataloguing these will support the ongoing use of the system and vibrancy ofthe community.
•Complement other local/regional activities or initiatives?
This project is a follow-up to the mapping completed in 2019. It is also a
complement to the Penny for Paths initiative that the City’s voters approved in
2018 to invest in new infrastructure and connectivity of the system.
d. For other planning projects, please describe how the project benefits the local
community.
e. Consider the public engagement needs of your project:
(see the CCRPC’s 2014 Public Participation Plan for resources: http://
www.ccrpcvt.org/our-work/our-plans/public-participation-plan/)
•Are there traditionally underserved populations in the project study area and
will this project require more than routine public engagement to reach these
populations?
•How will this project help to achieve greater equity?
•How are disparities for disadvantaged communities improved through this
project?
•How will you evaluate the success of your public engagement efforts?
This project is largely focused on developing datasets and reviewing conditions of the
recreation path system. Outreach through work with the Bicycle & Pedestrian
Committee is anticipated.
f. How does the project demonstrate a cost-effective solution to a potential or
recognized problem?
!5
This project focuses on maintenance and enhancement of the existing recreation
network and its connectivity to new segments being completed through other
projects.
g. How will this project be implemented after planning is complete?
Options will include grant funding, impact fees, and/or City funds.
!6
PROJECT APPLICATION FORM
FY2021 Unified Planning Work Program
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitted by (Name, Title): Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
Municipality/Agency/Organization: City of South Burlington
Telephone: 846-4106
Email: pconner@sburl.com
2. PROJECT INFORMATION
a. Project Title: Climate Action Plan Impact Evaluation Program
b. Project Location (name of roadway, intersection, geographic area, etc.):
Region-wide
c. Project Description (100 words max):
Summary: The South Burlington Energy Committee has provided a memo
(enclosed) proposing a climate action plan impact evaluation program, to
update methodologies used for prior tracking efforts and to bring consistency
to measures used across municipalities.
We are recommending that the proposal provided by the Energy Committee be
considered as a candidate to qualify as a Regional project, meaning that its
application would extend to multiple municipalities.
d. Budget, Scope of Work & Project Schedule:
Please describe the tasks and anticipated schedule to complete the project. If you
are able to estimate the budget for each task, please include that information.
CCRPC staff are available to assist you.
Task (add rows if needed)Month/Year Task Budget (if
known)
TBD in working with the CCRPC
Be sure to include robust public
engagement tasks:
!1
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, VT 05404-2109 802-846-4490www.ccrpcvt.org
For Transportation and Transportation-related Land Use/Water Quality Project
Requests:
Examples:
For Other Land Use Project Requests (this is a fee-for-service program, cost TBD
with Staff):
Please contact Regina Mahony (rmahony@ccrpcvt.org, 802-846-4490 ext. *28) to
discuss land use project and budget needs.
For Non-Transportation Water Quality Project Requests, please contact Dan
Albrecht (dalbrecht@ccrpcvt.org, 802 846-4490 ext. *29) to discuss project and
budget needs.
NOTE: Requested amount is expected to be spent by June 30, 2021. Be sure to
account for any potential direct expenses in proposed budget. Please note if you are
requesting CCRPC staff assistance only. Contact us so we can help determine the
appropriate hours/cost and potential match requirement.
e. Expected Deliverables:
See attached letter
f. Other Project Participants (e.g., other municipalities, agencies, non-profits,
consultants, community groups): City Committees
Will you accept a partial award? (Yes/
No)
Yes
Is Request for CCRPC Staff Assistance
Only? (Yes/No)
No
Total Project Cost (100%)TBD
Local Match Required (20% of Total
Cost)
Example
1
Example 2 Example 3
Total Project (100%)$25,000 $50,000 $75,000
Local Match (20%)$5,000 $10,000 $15,000
CCRPC staff hours
requested:
!2
g. Project Match Requirement:
Please refer to the FY21 UPWP PROGRAM SUMMARY for a description of match
requirements and check below which applies to your proposal. If matching funds are
required, municipalities should attach a letter of support from your governing body to
document the availability of the local match and commitment of staff time. Non-
municipal partners should provide a letter from their Board or other governing body
demonstrating knowledge and support of project request, ability and intent to provide
matching funds, etc.
Proposal to be a Regional Project
h. Public Meeting Requirement:
This requirement will be met. The project has been reviewed by the South Burlington
Planning Commission, which has recommended approval by the City Council pursuant
to the requirements of this section.
3. BENEFITS TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANNING (please keep your responses
brief)
a. Identify at least one of the CCRPC’s top 10 actions or 8 ECOS strategies that this
project will primarily address (http://www.ecosproject.com/wp/wp-content/
uploads/2017/09/2018-ECOS-Plan-Summary_20180807_FINAL.pdf).
The project advances the following strategy:
Assist and inform municipalities on enhanced energy planning for the heating, electricity and
transportation sectors including a shift away from gas/diesel vehicles to electric or other
nonfossil fuel transportation options.
The CCRPC and member municipalities have been undertaking significant work on
energy conservation, renewable energy production, and addressing climate change.
This proposal would develop common evaluation metrics to be used.
b. Demonstrate where this project is identified in a local plan, or how it addresses
an existing, documented need. Or, is this a newly identified project for which
there is a sense of urgency?
The 2016 Comprehensive Plan addresses transportation, and the goals to promote
increased bicycle and pedestrian activity throughout. Among the four key goals of the
Plan:
In August 2017, the City Council adopted a resolution joining the Vermont Climate
Pledge Coalition and pledging to meet or exceed the United States’ obligation under
the Paris Agreement.
!3
c. For transportation and land use projects, how will the project benefit the
following:
•The safe, efficient operation of the transportation system?
•Regional and/or local economic development?
•Multimodal travel options, connections, and/or reduce travel delays for
people and goods?
•Increase the livability of local communities?
•Complement other local/regional activities or initiatives?
See below
d. For other planning projects, please describe how the project benefits the local
community.
The State of Vermont, the City of South Burlington, and many other member
municipalities have taken great stride to address climate change. The Energy
Committee’ proposal to develop a common evaluation matrix is the next logical step
in this work.
e. Consider the public engagement needs of your project:
(see the CCRPC’s 2014 Public Participation Plan for resources: http://
www.ccrpcvt.org/our-work/our-plans/public-participation-plan/)
•Are there traditionally underserved populations in the project study area and
will this project require more than routine public engagement to reach these
populations?
•How will this project help to achieve greater equity?
•How are disparities for disadvantaged communities improved through this
project?
•How will you evaluate the success of your public engagement efforts?
Public outreach in developing and later inputting relevant data will be critical to the
success of this program.
f. How does the project demonstrate a cost-effective solution to a potential or
recognized problem?
Tracking and measuring progress is a key, cost-effective manner of evaluating the
effect of policies.
g. How will this project be implemented after planning is complete?
CCRPC and member municipality participation.
!4
19 Gregory Drive, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
1
TO: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning, City of South Burlington
FROM: South Burlington Energy Committee
SUBJECT: Developing a carbon emissions tracking framework to support climate action planning
DATE: November 21, 2019
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Energy Committee requests that the City of South Burlington request assistance from the
Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) to develop a carbon emission
tracking program to support the City’s effort to achieve its climate action goals.
In August 2017 the City adopted a resolution committing the City to achieving climate emission
reductions called for by the Paris Accord. The resolution also committed the City to developing
a Climate Action Plan to achieve these goals. An effective plan requires that we have reliable
estimates of past and current climate emissions and the capacity to measure the City’s progress
toward reducing the carbon emissions. The City also needs such a tracking program to
evaluate the relative climate impacts of alternative action proposals. The Energy Committee
assigns a high priority to developing an effective climate emission tracking program.
In 2009 the Energy Committee commissioned a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report for South
Burlington that provided an initial assessment of the scale and sources of the City’s contribution
to climate emissions. Similarly, the CCRPC has developed county-wide estimates for 2011 and
2016, estimates which provide some information on individual municipality emissions. These
studies produced valuable information on the scale and major sources of climate emission.
Unfortunately, the 2009 South Burlington study and the more recent CCRPC studies use
estimating procedures and methodologies for many important sources of climate emissions
that are different from the procedures used by the current CCRPC data sets. Because the
methodologies differ, it is not possible to develop a view on how the City’s GHG emissions have
changed over time.
New metrics are needed that provide effective measures of changes in emissions from
important energy uses. Good information is available on electricity and natural gas use but the
methods for estimating transportation impacts and the impacts of building heating and
operations that use light oil and propane are lacking. We do not have satisfactory measures for
tracking South Burlington emissions from existing transportation activities and from building
heating activities that use oil and propane. We note that the City of Burlington has developed
metrics to support the implementation of its Net Zero Energy Plan that may help.
19 Gregory Drive, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
2
We propose that the City request the assistance of the CCRPC with developing a climate action
plan impact evaluation program that will take advantage of existing effective methods but will
develop new impact measurement tools that address weaknesses in current climate emission
estimates. We suggest that CCRPC help is needed so that we develop a tracking program that is
adequate to the task and that is compatible with efforts of neighboring Chittenden County
municipalities to implement similar climate action programs. In developing these tools, the key
will be to ensure that the methodology remains consistent year-over-year so that the rate of
change in GHG emissions can be measured.
We suggest that effective collaboration with the CCRPC will produce a tracking program that
many Chittenden County municipalities will find useful and that will enable the CCRPC to
monitor climate action progress county-wide.
We request that you request technical assistance from the CCRPC to help South Burlington
establish a climate action tracking program.
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Kevin Dorn, City Manager
South Burlington City Council
FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning and Zoning
SUBJECT: 1068 Williston Road Highway Impact Fee Credit Request
DATE: May 4, 2020 City Council meeting
Joe Larkin, on behalf of Champlain School Apartment Partnership (property owner for Holiday Inn at 1068
Williston Road) has requested that the City Council authorize issuance of credit against Highway Impact
Fees for the approved project at the site. This memo outlines the standard practices and current
regulations related to such connections and identifies key considerations for Council in making a
determination on the request. For ease of reading, Staff has reviewed each separately.
Eligibility:
Road Impact Fee Ordinance Section 8 - Credits for “In-Kind” Contributions
A. "In-Kind" contribution shall mean provision, by a person subject to payment of an impact fee, of land or
equipment or construction of facilities that are included in the impact fee analyses and computations, and
which are included in or consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
B.Upon recommendation of the Development Review Board or Administrative Officer, the City Council may
approve a credit against any impact fee levied under this ordinance for the value of "In-Kind" contributions.
The amount of credit for an "In-Kind" contribution shall be based on the actual cost to the person requesting
the credit of providing or creating the facilities. The Development Review Board or Administrative Officer
shall indicate the basis on which the amount of credit is determined. The amount of credit for an "In-Kind"
contribution shall not exceed the total amount of the impact fee for that type of facility which would
otherwise be levied on the proposed development.
Details of request:
Champlain School Apartments Partnership received site plan approval #SP-19-50A to undertake
substantial renovations to the Holiday Inn and to construct a new five-story Hampton Inn hotel on the
same site. The approved plans include construction of a new roadway segment that is shown on the
City’s Official Map. The segment would begin at the Dorset Street / Williston Road intersection, head
north, and then east to the property line. Per the Official Map, this roadway segment would eventually
link to Patchen Road. Project & Impact Fee details:
•The applicant is seeking permissible credit for Highway Impact Fees that would be owed for
the increase in p.m. peak hour vehicle trips generated by the new development. Site plan
approval #SP-19-50A estimates 30 additional p.m. peak hour trips.
2
•The site also anticipates a possible additional building or use in the future, which would
require its own approval and could modify the estimated pm peak trips upwards.
•The applicant has estimated the roadway construction cost for their segment at $394,000.
•Highway Impact Fees are levied at a rate of $999 per p.m. peak hour trip generated, less credit
for past taxes paid and future taxes to be paid via property tax.
•The estimated impact fee for the approved project including credits for past and future taxes
is in the neighborhood of $3,000-$4,000. This figure is an estimate as the formula for
measuring fees adjusts year to year.
Recommendation:
1.Pursuant to the Impact Fee Ordinance, the Administrative Officer recommended the issuance of
the credit for these 30 trips in SP-19-50A. As this figure is significantly less than the total estimated
construction costs for the roadway, a full credit is warranted
2.Staff further recommends that should a future phase of work on the property increase p.m. peak
hour trips, that the construction costs for the roadway segment be considered for possible future
credits at the time of application.
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
BACKGROUND:
Background, Continued, Page 2
ATTACHMENTS: •
•
•
•
RECOMMENDATION:
ADDITIONAL
CONSIDERATION:
City of South Burlington Grant Request Form
Prior to applying for a grant please complete this form and submit to Deputy City Manager.
Please submit at least two weeks prior to City Council approval meeting. Extenuating circumstances which do not permit two
weeks notice should be brought to the attention of the Deputy City Manager as soon as possible.
Please attach actual grant application form – either blank or completed
Ilona Blanchard, Project Director 5/1/2020
Name and title of person completing this form (Project Manager) Date
1.Name/title of grant and submittal deadline date: 2020 BUILD Grant, Deadline: May 18, 2020
2.What specifically is the grant’s purpose? To connect the pedestrian and bicycle transportation system
between the west and east sides if I-89 just south of I-89 by funding the design and construction costs of a
bridge and connecting infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists to pass over I-89 just south of Exit 14
(from and just south of Williston Road/US Route 2) including shared use paths and a bridge structure.
3.What does the grant fund and not fund (be specific)? It will fund up to 100% of design and construction
costs. Staff recommends seeking 80% of costs and pledging a 20% match but will continue evaluate the
best course. See also 4c.
4.Total Project Cost:
a.Amount of grant request: At 80% of cost, the grant request would be for $11,200,000.
b.Is there a City match required, how much and in what fiscal year(s)? Yes, at 20%, it would be
$2,800,000, beginning in second half of FY2021 for design costs and into FY2023-2024 for
construction costs.
c.Are there other grants “tied into” or being used as a match for this grant of which are matching
funds for this grant? Yes, this project was in the CCRPC Unified Work Program for FY2018 and
FY2019 to complete the second phase of scoping. This project is also eligible for 30% of cost to be
financed through TIF District Financing which will be used as a match and for non-federally
eligible project costs.
5.From what budget line will match be paid, and is there unencumbered money to pay it? The match will be
tracked through TIF District Financing accounts and carried as a receivable pending a successful TIF
District vote. The City may explore the use of a local option tax for this project due to the regional benefit
should such an option become viable.
6.Is there a cost to the city upon grant conclusion, and if yes, please describe? The City will be required to
own and maintain the bridge and the shared use paths to access the facility.
7.Is grant for a stand alone project, and if no, how does grant fit into another project (describe in some
detail)? This grant is for a stand-alone construction project. This infrastructure is a continuation of a
larger bicycle and sidewalk system closing the gap between existing infrastructure on Dorset Street and in
the Quarry Hill/East Terrace neighborhoods and connecting to existing and planned infrastructure on
Williston Road and in City Center.
8.Length of grant - will the grant cross fiscal year(s)? It is likely to cross into FY 2024.
9.Who will apply for grant (name/title)? Ilona Blanchard, Community Development Director
10.How much time will it take to complete grant application form? 40 hours plus review input by other staff.
11.How likely is it that we will receive grant? Unclear, as the grant is very competitive.
12.Who will manage (project manager) grant and grant paperwork if approved (if different person than who is
filling out this form), what are any grant compliance requirements, how much time will this take and how is
that time available? Are there funds available in the grant to pay for our administrative costs? Can in-kind
service be used as part of the City match? Ilona Blanchard, Justin Rabidoux and Martha Machar will
manage the grant and the involved paperwork, project design and construction.
13.Describe grant payment process – method of cash flow: Funds are released to the City for each stage of
the project upon provision of proof of payment that funds have been expended appropriately.
14.Should a Council-appointed Committee, Board, or Commission review this request?
If yes, please update status: The Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee provided a letter of support for this
project in 2018 and 2019 and a letter will be sought for this year’s grant application also.
15.In terms of priority, with 5 being highest and 1 being lowest, please rate this grant in terms of how it fits
into your primary mission as approved by City Council and current projects to complete that mission: 5
___________________________________ _______________________________
Reviewed by Deputy City Manager, Date If approved, grant money will be in this fund
____________________________________ _______________________________
Approved by City Manager, Date Not Approved By City Manager, Date
___________________________________________ ______________________________________
Approved By City Council, Date Not Approved By City Council, Date
2/17/11
Procedure Regarding Grant Request Form
1)No City of South Burlington staff member or volunteer shall apply for a grant without completing
and receiving approval of the attached Form.
2)All Form questions must be answered – if you need assistance on financial questions please
contact the Deputy City Manager (846-4112).
3)As a rule the Form needs to be submitted to the Deputy City Manager at least two (2) weeks
before the City Council Meeting where the application will be reviewed. Exceptions can be made
especially when the funding source(s) do not provide sufficient lead time
4)Attach any supporting documentation to the Form.
5)Deputy City Manager will review Form for accuracy and completeness – Deputy City Manager
does not approve or reject application.
6)After being reviewed if the Form is complete the Deputy City Manager will submit form to City
Manager for approval or rejection.
7)City Manager may request meeting with applicant for clarification.
8)City Manager will determine whether to approve or reject the application and have the project
manager informed of the decision. Project manager can request a meeting with City Manager
prior to Form being reviewed by Council.
9)Whether Form is approved or rejected by City Manager the Form will be reviewed by the City
Council. Project manager will be given the opportunity to discuss Form with Council.
10)Council will make final decision as to whether to approve or reject grant submission. Council
approval of grant submission also signifies approval and acceptance of the grant unless there is a
significant change in grant terms. If there is a significant change in grant terms the issue of
whether or not to accept the grant will be brought before Council for consideration.
11)If Council approves Form the project manager will be expected to use his/her Form responses to
guide the actual grant application.
12)Project manager will update Deputy City Manager in writing as to grant writing, submittal,
approval, and implementation progress.
13)If grant is accepted by granting authority project manager will submit to Deputy City Manager and
Finance Officer a monthly progress report on grant implementation and financials – upon request
of project manager report time frame can be modified by Deputy City Manager based on actual
grant conditions.
14)Finance Officer will maintain a spread sheet of all grants that tracks grant progress related to
financials.
15)Grant spread sheet will be included in yearly Budget Book.
4/4/11
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4107 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, V T 05403 tel 802.846.4107 fax 802.846.4101 www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov
G4910-9X DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary of Transportation
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Department of Transportation’s National
Infrastructure Investments under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Transportation, DOT
ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity
SUMMARY: The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. 116-94,
December 20, 2019) (“FY 2020 Appropriations Act”) appropriated $1 billion to be
awarded by the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) for National Infrastructure
Investments. This appropriation stems from the program funded and implemented
pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Recovery Act”)
and is known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or “BUILD
Transportation Grants,” program. Funds for the FY 2020 BUILD Transportation grants
program are to be awarded on a competitive basis for surface transportation infrastructure
projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. The purpose of this notice is
to solicit applications for BUILD Transportation grants.
DATES: Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM E.D.T. on May 18, 2020.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information concerning
this notice, please contact the BUILD Transportation grants program staff via e-mail at
BUILDgrants@dot.gov, or call Howard Hill at 202-366-0301. A TDD is available for
individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 202-366-3993. In addition, DOT will
PAGE 2
regularly post answers to questions and requests for clarifications as well as information
about webinars for further guidance on DOT’s website at
www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each section of this notice contains
information and instructions relevant to the application process for these BUILD
Transportation grants, and all applicants should read this notice in its entirety so that they
have the information they need to submit eligible and competitive applications. The
definitions of urban and rural areas are consistent with the FY 2019 BUILD
Transportation grant definitions, which differed from previous rounds. Additionally, not
more than 50 percent of funds will be awarded to projects located in urban and rural
areas, respectively. In addition to capital awards, DOT will award at least $15 million for
eligible planning and preconstruction activities that do not result in construction of a
capital project.
Table of Contents
A.Program Description
B.Federal Award Information
C.Eligibility Information
D.Application and Submission Information
E.Application Review Information
F.Federal Award Administration Information
G.Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
H.Other Information
PAGE 3
A.Program Description
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. 116-94, December 20,
2019) (“FY 2020 Appropriations Act”) appropriated $1 billion to be awarded by the
Department of Transportation (“DOT”) for National Infrastructure Investments. Since
this program was created, $8 billion has been awarded for capital investments in surface
transportation infrastructure over eleven rounds of competitive grants. Throughout the
program, these discretionary grant awards have supported projects that have a significant
local or regional impact.
Like the FY 2017 TIGER program, the FY 2020 BUILD program will also give
special consideration to projects which emphasize improved access to reliable, safe, and
affordable transportation for communities in rural areas, such as projects that improve
infrastructure condition, address public health and safety, promote regional connectivity
or facilitate economic growth or competitiveness. Consistent with DOT’s R.O.U.T.E.S.
initiative, DOT seeks rural projects that address deteriorating conditions and
disproportionately high fatality rates on rural transportation infrastructure. Such projects
may concurrently invest in broadband to better facilitate productivity and help rural
citizens access opportunities, or promote energy independence to help deliver significant
local or regional economic benefit.
B.Federal Award Information
1. Amount Available
The FY 2020 Appropriations Act appropriated $1 billion to be awarded by DOT for
the BUILD Transportation grants program. The FY 2020 BUILD Transportation grants
are for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and are to be awarded
PAGE 4
on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact.
Additionally, DOT will award no less than $15 million (of the $1 billion) for the
planning, preparation or design of eligible projects. DOT refers to such awards as
BUILD Transportation planning grants. The FY 2020 Appropriations Act also allows
DOT to retain up to $25 million of the $1 billion for award, oversight and administration
of grants and credit assistance made under the program. In addition to the FY 2020
BUILD funds, unobligated TIGER FY 2017 and FY 2018 BUILD funds may be made
available and awarded under this solicitation to projects that can be obligated before the
September 30, 2020 obligation deadline associated with those prior years’ funds. If this
solicitation does not result in the award and obligation of all available funds, DOT may
publish additional solicitations.
The FY 2020 Appropriations Act allows up to 20 percent of available funds (or $200
million) to be used by DOT to pay the subsidy and administrative costs of a project
receiving credit assistance under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Act of 1998 (“TIFIA”) or Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing
(RRIF) programs, if that use of the FY 2020 BUILD funds would further the purposes of
the BUILD Transportation grants program.
2. Award Size
The FY 2020 Appropriations Act specifies that BUILD Transportation grants may not
be less than $5 million and not greater than $25 million, except that for projects located
in rural areas (as defined in Section C.4.(a)) the minimum award size is $1 million.
There is no minimum award size, regardless of location, for BUILD Transportation
PAGE 5
planning grants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications only for
eligible award amounts.
3.Restrictions on Funding
Pursuant to the FY 2020 Appropriations Act, no more than 10 percent of the funds
made available for BUILD Transportation grants (or $100 million) may be awarded to
projects in a single State. The Act also directs that not more than 50 percent of the funds
provided for BUILD Transportation grants (or $500 million) shall be awarded to projects
located in rural areas (as defined in section C.4.(a)) and directs that not more than 50
percent of the funds provided for BUILD Transportation grants (or $500 million) shall be
awarded to projects located in urbanized areas (as defined in section C.4.(a)). Further,
DOT must take measures to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grant funds, an
appropriate balance in addressing the needs of urban and rural areas, and investment in a
variety of transportation modes.
4.Availability of Funds
The FY 2020 Appropriations Act requires that FY 2020 BUILD Transportation grants
funds are available for obligation only through September 30, 2022. Obligation occurs
when a selected applicant and DOT enter into a written grant agreement after the
applicant has satisfied applicable administrative requirements, including transportation
planning and environmental review requirements. Unless authorized by DOT in writing
after DOT’s announcement of FY 2020 BUILD awards, any costs incurred prior to
DOT’s obligation of funds for a project are ineligible for reimbursement.1 All FY 2020
1 Pre-award costs are only costs incurred directly pursuant to the negotiation and anticipation of the BUILD award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work, as determined by DOT. Costs incurred under an advance construction (23 U.S.C. 115) authorization before
PAGE 6
BUILD funds must be expended (the grant obligation must be liquidated or actually paid
out to the grantee) by September 30, 2027. After this date, unliquidated funds are no
longer available to the project. As part of the review and selection process described in
Section E.2., DOT will consider a project’s likelihood of being ready to proceed with an
obligation of BUILD Transportation grant funds and complete liquidation of these
obligations, within the statutory timelines. No waiver is possible for these deadlines.
5.Previous BUILD/TIGER Awards
Recipients of BUILD/TIGER grants may apply for funding to support additional
phases of a project previously awarded funds in the BUILD/TIGER program. However,
to be competitive, the applicant should demonstrate the extent to which the previously
funded project phase has met estimated project schedules and budget, as well as the
ability to realize the benefits expected for the project.
C.Eligibility Information
To be selected for a BUILD Transportation grant, an applicant must be an Eligible
Applicant and the project must be an Eligible Project.
1.Eligible Applicants
Eligible Applicants for BUILD Transportation grants are State, local and tribal
governments, including U.S. territories, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan
planning organizations (MPOs), and other political subdivisions of State or local
governments.
the DOT announces that a project is selected for a FY 2020 BUILD award cannot be charged to FY 2020 BUILD funds. Likewise, costs incurred under an FTA Letter of No Prejudice under Chapter 53 of title 49 U.S.C. before the DOT announces that a project is selected for a FY 2020 BUILD award cannot be charged to FY 2020
BUILD funds.
PAGE 7
Multiple States or jurisdictions may submit a joint application and must identify a
lead applicant as the primary point of contact and also identify the primary recipient of
the award. Each applicant in a joint application must be an Eligible Applicant. Joint
applications must include a description of the roles and responsibilities of each applicant
and must be signed by each applicant.
DOT expects that the eligible applicant that submits the application will administer
and deliver the project. If the applicant seeks a transfer of the award to another agency, a
letter of support from the designated entity must be included in the application.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Per the FY 2020 Appropriations Act, the Federal share of project costs for which an
expenditure is made under the BUILD Transportation grant program may not exceed 80
percent for a project located in an urban area.2 The Secretary may increase the Federal
share of costs above 80 percent for a project located in a rural area. Urban area and rural
area are defined in Section C.4.(a) of this notice. DOT shall give priority to projects that
require a contribution of Federal funds in order to complete an overall financing package.
Non-Federal sources include State funds originating from programs funded by State
revenue, local funds originating from State or local revenue-funded programs, or private
funds. Toll credits under 23 U.S.C. 120(i) are considered a Federal source under the
BUILD program and, therefore, cannot be used to satisfy the statutory cost sharing
requirement of a BUILD award. Unless otherwise authorized by statute, non-Federal
cost-share may not be counted as the non-Federal share for both the BUILD
Transportation grant and another Federal grant program. DOT will not consider
2 To meet match requirements, the minimum total project cost for a project located in an urban area must be
$6.25 million.
PAGE 8
previously incurred costs or previously expended or encumbered funds towards the
matching requirement for any project. Matching funds are subject to the same Federal
requirements described in Section F.2. as awarded funds. If repaid from non-Federal
sources, Federal credit assistance is considered non-Federal share.
For each project that receives a BUILD Transportation grant award, the terms of the
award will require the recipient to complete the project using at least the level of non-
Federal funding that was specified in the application. If the actual costs of the project are
greater than the costs estimated in the application, the recipient will be responsible for
increasing the non-Federal contribution. If the actual costs of the project are less than the
costs estimated in the application, DOT will generally reduce the Federal contribution.
3.Other
i.Eligible Projects
(a)Capital Projects
Eligible projects for BUILD Transportation grants are surface transportation capital
projects that include, but are not limited to: (1) highway, bridge, or other road projects
eligible under title 23, United States Code; (2) public transportation projects eligible
under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code; (3) passenger and freight rail
transportation projects; (4) port infrastructure investments (including inland port
infrastructure and land ports of entry); (5) intermodal projects; and (6) projects investing
in surface transportation facilities that are located on tribal land and for which title or
maintenance responsibility is vested in the Federal Government.3
3 Please note that DOT may award a BUILD Transportation grant to pay for the surface transportation components of a broader project that has non-surface transportation components, and applicants are encouraged to apply for BUILD Transportation grants to pay for the surface transportation components of
these projects.
PAGE 9
Other than projects described in this section, improvements to Federally owned
facilities are ineligible under the FY 2020 BUILD program. Research, demonstration, or
pilot projects are eligible only if they will result in long-term, permanent surface
transportation infrastructure that has independent utility as defined in Section C.4. (b).
(b)Planning Projects
Activities eligible for funding under BUILD Transportation planning grants are
related to the planning, preparation, or design—including environmental analysis,
feasibility studies, and other pre-construction activities—of eligible surface transportation
capital projects described in Section C.3. (a).
In addition, eligible activities related to multidisciplinary projects or regional
planning may include: (1) Development of master plans, comprehensive plans, or
corridor plans; (2) Planning activities related to the development of a multimodal freight
corridor, including those that seek to reduce conflicts with residential areas and with
passenger and non-motorized traffic; (3) Development of port and regional port planning
grants, including State-wide or multi-port planning within a single jurisdiction or region;
(4) Risk assessments and planning to identify vulnerabilities and address the
transportation system’s ability to withstand probable occurrence or recurrence of an
emergency or major disaster.
ii. Rural/Urban Definition
For purposes of this notice, a project is designated as urban if it is located within (or
on the boundary of) a Census-designated urbanized area4 that had a population greater
4 Updated lists of UAs as defined by the Census Bureau are available on the Census Bureau website at https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-maps/2010/geo/2010-census-urban-areas.html.
PAGE 10
than 200,000 in the 2010 Census.5 If a project is located outside a Census-designated
urbanized area with a population greater than 200,000, it is designated as a rural project.
Rural and urban definitions differ in some other DOT programs, including TIFIA.
A project located in both an urban and a rural area will be designated as urban if the
majority of the project’s costs will be spent in urban areas. Conversely, a project located
in both an urban area and a rural area will be designated as rural if the majority of the
project’s costs will be spent in rural areas. For BUILD Transportation planning grants,
the location of the project being planned, prepared, or designed will be used for the urban
or rural designation.
This definition affects four aspects of the program: (1) not more than $500 million of
the funds provided for BUILD Transportation grants are to be used for projects in rural
areas; (2) not more than $500 million of the funds provided for BUILD Transportation
grants are to be used for projects in urban areas; (3) for a project in a rural area the
minimum award is $1 million; and (4) the Secretary may increase the Federal share above
80 percent to pay for the costs of a project in a rural area.
iii.Project Components
An application may describe a project that contains more than one component,
and may describe components that may be carried out by parties other than the applicant.
DOT expects, and will impose requirements on fund recipients to ensure, that all
components included in an application will be delivered as part of the BUILD project,
regardless of whether a component includes Federal funding. DOT may award funds for
a component, instead of the larger project, if that component (1) independently meets
5 See www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants for a list of UAs.
PAGE 11
minimum award amounts described in Section B and all eligibility requirements
described in Section C; (2) independently aligns well with the selection criteria specified
in Section E.1; and (3) meets National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements
with respect to independent utility. Independent utility means that the component will
represent a transportation improvement that is usable and represents a reasonable
expenditure of DOT funds even if no other improvements are made in the area, and will
be ready for intended use upon completion of that component's construction. All project
components that are presented together in a single application must demonstrate a
relationship or connection between them. (See Section D.2. for Required Approvals).
Applicants should be aware that, depending upon the relationship between project
components and applicable Federal law, DOT funding of only some project components
may make other project components subject to Federal requirements as described in
Section F.2.
DOT strongly encourages applicants to identify in their applications the project
components that have independent utility and separately detail costs and requested
BUILD Transportation grant funding for those components. If the application identifies
one or more independent project components, the application should clearly identify how
each independent component addresses selection criteria and produces benefits on its
own, in addition to describing how the full proposal of which the independent component
is a part addresses selection criteria.
iv. Application Limit
Each lead applicant may submit no more than three applications. Unrelated project
components should not be bundled in a single application for the purpose of adhering to
PAGE 12
the limit. If a lead applicant submits more than three applications as the lead applicant,
only the first three received will be considered.
D.Application and Submission Information
1.Address
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov. Instructions for submitting
applications can be found at www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants along with specific
instructions for the forms and attachments required for submission.
2.Content and Form of Application Submission
The application must include the Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal
Assistance), cover page, and the Project Narrative. Applicants are encouraged to also
complete SF-424C and attach to their application the “BUILD 2020 Project Information”
form available at www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants.
DOT recommends that the project narrative follow the basic outline below to
address the program requirements and assist evaluators in locating relevant information.
I. Project Description See D.2.i
II. Project Location See D.2.ii
III. Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of all ProjectFunding See D.2.iii
IV. Selection Criteria See D.2. iv. and E.1
V. Environmental Risk Review See D.2. v. and E.1.ii
VI. Benefit Cost Analysis See D.2.vi. and E.1. iii.
The project narrative should include the information necessary for DOT to
determine that the project satisfies project requirements described in Sections B and C
and to assess the selection criteria specified in Section E.1. To the extent practicable,
applicants should provide supporting data and documentation in a form that is directly
PAGE 13
verifiable by DOT. DOT may ask any applicant to supplement data in its application but
expects applications to be complete upon submission.
In addition to a detailed statement of work, detailed project schedule, and detailed
project budget, the project narrative should include a table of contents, maps and
graphics, as appropriate, to make the information easier to review. DOT recommends
that the project narrative be prepared with standard formatting preferences (a single-
spaced document, using a standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman, with 1-inch
margins). The project narrative may not exceed 30 pages in length, excluding cover
pages and table of contents. The only substantive portions that may exceed the 30-page
limit are documents supporting assertions or conclusions made in the 30-page project
narrative. If possible, website links to supporting documentation should be provided
rather than copies of these supporting materials. If supporting documents are submitted,
applicants should clearly identify within the project narrative the relevant portion of the
project narrative that each supporting document supports. DOT recommends using
appropriately descriptive file names (e.g., “Project Narrative,” “Maps,” “Memoranda of
Understanding and Letters of Support,” etc.) for all attachments. DOT recommends
applications include the following sections:
i. Project Description
The first section of the application should provide a description of the project, the
transportation challenges that it is intended to address, and how it will address those
challenges. This section should discuss the project’s history, including a description of
any previously completed components. The applicant may use this section to place the
project into a broader context of other transportation infrastructure investments being
PAGE 14
pursued by the project sponsor, and, if applicable, how it will benefit communities in
rural areas. Applicants may also include a detailed statement of work that focuses on the
technical and engineering aspects of the project and describes in detail the project to be
constructed.
ii.Project Location
This section of the application should describe the project location, including a
detailed geographical description of the proposed project, a map of the project’s location
and connections to existing transportation infrastructure, and geospatial data describing
the project location. The application should also identify whether the project is located in
an Opportunity Zone.6 The Department intends to collect Opportunity Zone information
to advance other Department activities related to Opportunity Zones, but the Department
does not consider projects located in an Opportunity Zone to be more competitive for a
BUILD 2020 award than projects located outside an Opportunity Zone7. If the project is
located within the boundary of a Census-designated urbanized area, the application
should identify that urbanized area.
iii.Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of Project Funds
This section of the application should describe the budget for the BUILD project
(i.e. the project scope that includes BUILD funding). This budget should not include any
previously incurred expenses. At a minimum, it should include:
(a)Costs for the BUILD 2020 project;
(b)For all funds to be used for eligible project costs, the source and amount of
6 See https://www.cdfifund.gov/Pages/Opportunity-Zones.aspx for more information on Opportunity Zones 7 See https://www.transportation.gov/opportunity-zones for more information about the Department’s
activities related to Opportunity Zones.
PAGE 15
those funds;
(c)For non-Federal funds to be used for eligible project costs, documentation
of funding commitments. Documentation should also be included as an
appendix to the application. If matching contributions from a State DOT
are included as non-Federal match, a supporting letter from the State
indicating the source of the funds;
(d)For Federal funds to be used for eligible project costs, the amount, nature,
and source of any required non-Federal match for those funds; and
(e)A budget showing how each source of funds will be spent. The budget
should show how each funding source will share in each major
construction activity, and present that data in dollars and percentages.
Funding sources should be grouped into three categories: non-Federal,
BUILD, and other Federal. If the project contains individual components,
the budget should separate the costs of each project component. If the
project will be completed in phases, the budget should separate the costs
of each phase. The budget detail should sufficiently demonstrate that the
project satisfies the statutory cost-sharing requirements described in
Section C.2.
In addition to the information enumerated above, this section should provide
complete information on how all project funds may be used. For example, if a particular
source of funds is available only after a condition is satisfied, the application should
identify that condition and describe the applicant’s control over whether it is satisfied.
Similarly, if a particular source of funds is available for expenditure only during a fixed
PAGE 16
time period, the application should describe that restriction. Complete information about
project funds will ensure that DOT’s expectations for award execution align with any
funding restrictions unrelated to DOT, even if an award differs from the applicant’s
request.
iv.Selection Criteria
This section of the application should demonstrate how the project aligns with the
criteria described in Section E.1 of this notice. DOT encourages applicants to either
address each criterion or expressly state that the project does not address the criterion.
Applicants are not required to follow a specific format, but the outline suggested
addresses each criterion separately and promotes a clear discussion that assists project
evaluators. To minimize redundant information in the application, DOT encourages
applicants to cross-reference from this section of their application to relevant substantive
information in other sections of the application. The guidance in this section is about how
the applicant should organize their application. Guidance describing how DOT will
evaluate projects against the Selection Criteria is in Section E.1 of this notice. Applicants
also should review that section before considering how to organize their application.
(1) Primary Selection Criteria
(a) Safety
This section of the application should describe the anticipated outcomes of the project
that support the Safety criterion (described in Section E.1.i.(a) of this notice). The
applicant should include information on, and to the extent possible, quantify, how the
project would improve safety outcomes within the project area or wider transportation
network, to include how the project will reduce the number, rate, and consequences of
PAGE 17
transportation-related accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities. If applicable, the
applicant should also include information on how the project will eliminate unsafe grade
crossings or contribute to preventing unintended releases of hazardous materials.
(b) State of Good Repair
This section of the application should describe how the project will contribute to a
state of good repair by improving the condition or resilience of existing transportation
facilities and systems (described in Section E.1.i.(b) of this notice), including the
project’s current condition and how the proposed project will improve it, and any
estimates of impacts on long-term cost structures or overall life-cycle costs. If the project
will contribute to a state of good repair of transportation infrastructure that supports
border security, the applicant should describe how.
(c) Economic Competitiveness
This section of the application should describe how the project will support the
Economic Competitiveness criterion (described in Section E.1.i.(c) of this notice). The
applicant should include information about expected impacts of the project on the
movement of goods and people, including how the project increases the efficiency of
movement and thereby reduces costs of doing business, improves local and regional
freight connectivity to the national and global economy, reduces burdens of commuting,
and improves overall well-being. The applicant should describe the extent to which the
project contributes to the functioning and growth of the economy, including the extent to
which the project addresses congestion or freight connectivity, bridges service gaps in
rural areas, or promotes the expansion of private economic development.
(d) Environmental Sustainability
PAGE 18
This section of the application should describe how the project addresses the
environmental sustainability criterion (described in Section E.1.i.(d) of this notice).
Applicants are encouraged to provide quantitative information, including baseline
information that demonstrates how the project will reduce energy consumption, reduce
stormwater runoff, or achieve other benefits for the environment such as brownfield
redevelopment.
(e) Quality of Life
This section should describe how the project increases transportation choices for
individuals, expands access to essential services for people in communities across the
United States, improves connectivity for citizens to jobs, health care, and other critical
destinations, particularly for rural communities, or otherwise addresses the quality of life
criterion (described in Section E.1.i.(e) of this notice). If construction of the
transportation project will allow concurrent installation of fiber or other broadband
deployment as an essential service, the applicant should describe those activities and how
they support quality of life. Unless the concurrent activities support transportation, they
will not be eligible for reimbursement.
(2) Secondary Selection Criteria
(a) Innovation
This section of the application should describe innovative strategies used and the
anticipated benefits of using those strategies, including those corresponding to three
categories (described in Section E.1.i.(f) of this notice): (i) Innovative Technologies, (ii)
Innovative Project Delivery, or (iii) Innovative Financing.
(i) Innovative Technologies
PAGE 19
If an applicant is proposing to adopt innovative safety approaches or technology,
the application should demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to implement those
innovations, the applicant’s understanding of applicable Federal requirements and
whether the innovations may require extraordinary permitting, approvals, exemptions,
waivers, or other procedural actions, and the effects of those innovations on the project
delivery timeline.
If an applicant is proposing to deploy innovative traveler information systems or
technologies as part of the surface transportation capital project, including work zone
data exchanges or related data exchanges, the application should demonstrate the
applicant’s capacity to implement these innovations, the applicant’s understanding of
applicable data standards, and whether the proposed innovations will advance safety or
other benefits during and after project completion.
If an applicant is proposing to deploy autonomous vehicles or other innovative
motor vehicle technology, the application should demonstrate that all vehicles will
comply with applicable safety requirements, including those administered by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA). Specifically, the application should show that vehicles
acquired for the proposed project will comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). If
the vehicles may not comply, the application should either (1) show that the vehicles and
their proposed operations are within the scope of an exemption or waiver that has already
been granted by NHTSA, FMCSA, or both agencies or (2) directly address whether the
project will require exemptions or waivers from the FMVSS, FMCSR, or any other
PAGE 20
regulation and, if the project will require exemptions or waivers, present a plan for
obtaining them.
(ii)Innovative Project Delivery
If an applicant plans to use innovative approaches to project delivery or is located
in a State with NEPA delegation authority, applicants should describe those project
delivery methods and how they are expected to improve the efficiency of the project
development or expedite project delivery.
If an applicant is proposing to use SEP–14 or SEP–15 (as described in section
E.1.i.(f) of this notice) the applicant should describe that proposal. The applicant should
also provide sufficient information for evaluators to confirm that the applicant’s proposal
would meet the requirements of the specific experimental authority program.8
(iii)Innovative Financing
If an applicant plans to incorporate innovative funding or financing, the applicant
should describe the funding or financing approach, including a description of all activities
undertaken to pursue private funding or financing for the project and the outcomes of
those activities.
(b) Partnership
This section of the application should include information to assess the partnership
criterion (described in Section E.1.i.(g) of this notice) including a list of all project parties
and details about the proposed grant recipient and other public and private parties who
8 SEP–14 information is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/contracts/sep_ a.cfm. SEP–15 information is available at
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ipd/p3/toolkit/usdot/sep15/implementation_procedure/
PAGE 21
are involved in delivering the project. This section should also describe efforts to
collaborate among stakeholders, including with the private sector.
Applications for projects involving other Federal agencies, or requiring action
from other Federal agencies, should demonstrate commitment and involvement of those
agencies. For example, projects involving border infrastructure should demonstrate
evidence of concurrent investment from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S.
Department of State, and other relevant Federal agencies; relevant port projects should
demonstrate alignment with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers investment strategies.
v. Environmental Risk
This section of the application should include sufficient information for DOT to
evaluate whether the project is reasonably expected to begin construction in a timely
manner. To assist DOT’s project environmental risk review, the applicant should provide
the information requested on project schedule, required approvals and permits, NEPA,
risk and mitigation strategies, each of which is described in greater detail in the following
sections. Applicants are not required to follow the specific format described here, but
this organization, which addresses each relevant aspect of environmental risk, promotes a
clear discussion that assists project evaluators. To minimize redundant information in the
application, DOT encourages applicants to cross-reference from this section of their
application to relevant substantive information in other sections of the application.
The guidance here is about what information applicants should provide and how
the applicant should organize their application. Guidance describing how DOT will
evaluate environmental risk is described in Section E.1.ii of this notice. Applicants
should review that section when considering how to organize their application.
PAGE 22
(a) Project Schedule
The applicant should include a detailed project schedule that identifies all
major project milestones. Examples of such milestones include State and
local planning approvals (e.g., programming on the Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program); start and completion of NEPA and other Federal
environmental reviews and approvals including permitting; design
completion; right of way acquisition; approval of plans, specifications and
estimates; procurement; State and local approvals; project partnership and
implementation agreements, including agreements with railroads; and
construction. The project schedule should be sufficiently detailed to
demonstrate that:
(1.) all necessary activities will be complete to allow BUILD Transportation
grant funds to be obligated sufficiently in advance of the statutory
deadline (September 30, 2022 for FY 2020 funds), and that any
unexpected delays will not put the funds at risk of expiring before they are
obligated;
(2.) the project can begin construction quickly upon obligation of grant funds
and that those funds will be spent expeditiously once construction starts,
with all funds expended by September 30, 2027; and
(3.) all real property and right-of-way acquisition will be completed in a
timely manner in accordance with 49 CFR part 24, 23 CFR part 710, and
other applicable legal requirements or a statement that no acquisition is
necessary.
PAGE 23
(b)Required Approvals
1. Environmental Permits and Reviews. The application should demonstrate
receipt (or reasonably anticipated receipt) of all environmental approvals
and permits necessary for the project to proceed to construction on the
timeline specified in the project schedule and necessary to meet the
statutory obligation deadline, including satisfaction of all Federal, State
and local requirements and completion of the NEPA process. Specifically,
the application should include:
i.Information about the NEPA status of the project. If the NEPA
process is complete, an applicant should indicate the date of
completion, and provide a website link or other reference to the final
Categorical Exclusion, Finding of No Significant Impact, Record of
Decision, and any other NEPA documents prepared. If the NEPA
process is underway, but not complete, the application should detail
the type of NEPA review underway, where the project is in the
process, and indicate the anticipated date of completion of all
milestones and of the final NEPA determination. If the last agency
action with respect to NEPA documents occurred more than three
years before the application date, the applicant should describe why
the project has been delayed and include a proposed approach for
verifying and, if necessary, updating this material in accordance with
applicable NEPA requirements.
ii.Information on reviews, approvals, and permits by other agencies.
PAGE 24
An application should indicate whether the proposed project requires
reviews or approval actions by other agencies,9 indicate the status of
such actions, and provide detailed information about the status of
those reviews or approvals and should demonstrate compliance with
any other applicable Federal, State or local requirements, and when
such approvals are expected. Applicants should provide a website
link or other reference to copies of any reviews, approvals, and
permits prepared.
iii.Environmental studies or other documents, preferably through a
website link, that describe in detail known project impacts, and
possible mitigation for those impacts.
iv.A description of discussions with the appropriate DOT operating
administration field or headquarters office regarding the project’s
compliance with NEPA and other applicable Federal environmental
reviews and approvals.
v.A description of public engagement about the project that has
occurred, including details on the degree to which public comments
and commitments have been integrated into project development and
design.
2. State and Local Approvals. The applicant should demonstrate receipt of
State and local approvals on which the project depends, such as State and
9 Projects that may impact protected resources such as wetlands, species habitat, cultural or historic
resources require review and approval by Federal and State agencies with jurisdiction over those resources.
PAGE 25
local environmental and planning approvals and Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) or (Transportation Improvement Program)
TIP funding. For projects acquiring State DOT-owned right of way,
applicants should demonstrate they have coordinated the project with the
State DOT or transportation facility owner. Additional support from
relevant State and local officials is not required; however, an applicant
should demonstrate that the project has broad public support.
3. Federal Transportation Requirements Affecting State and Local Planning.
The planning requirements applicable to the relevant operating
administration apply to all BUILD Transportation grant projects,10
including intermodal projects located at airport facilities.11 Applicants
should demonstrate that a project that is required to be included in the
10 Under 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135, all projects requiring an action by FHWA must be in the applicable plan
and programming documents (e.g., metropolitan transportation plan, transportation improvement program (TIP) and statewide transportation improvement program (STIP)). Further, in air quality non-attainment and maintenance areas, all regionally significant projects, regardless of the funding source, must be included in the conforming metropolitan transportation plan and TIP. Inclusion in the STIP is required
under certain circumstances. To the extent a project is required to be on a metropolitan transportation plan, TIP, and/or STIP, it will not receive a BUILD Transportation grant until it is included in such plans. Plans that do not currently include the awarded BUILD project can be amended by the State and MPO. Projects that are not required to be in long range transportation plans, STIPs, and TIPs will not need to be included in such plans in order to receive a BUILD Transportation grant. Port, freight rail, and intermodal projects are not required to be on the State Rail Plans called for in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement
Act of 2008, or in a State Freight Plan as described in the FAST Act. However, applicants seeking funding for freight projects are encouraged to demonstrate that they have done sufficient planning to ensure that projects fit into a prioritized list of capital needs and are consistent with long-range goals. Means of demonstrating this consistency would include whether the project is in a TIP or a State Freight Plan that conforms to the requirements 49 U.S.C. 70202 prior to the start of construction. Port planning guidelines are available at StrongPorts.gov.
11 Projects at grant obligated airports must be compatible with the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan, as well as aeronautical surfaces associated with the landing and takeoff of aircraft at the airport. Additionally, projects at an airport: must comply with established Sponsor Grant Assurances, including (but not limited to) requirements for non-exclusive use facilities, consultation with users, consistency with local plans including development of the area surrounding the airport, and consideration of the interest of nearby communities, among others; and must not adversely affect the continued and unhindered access of
passengers to the terminal.
PAGE 26
relevant State, metropolitan, and local planning documents has been or
will be included in such documents. If the project is not included in a
relevant planning document at the time the application is submitted, the
applicant should submit a statement from the appropriate planning agency
that actions are underway to include the project in the relevant planning
document. To the extent possible, freight projects should be included in a
State Freight Plan and supported by a State Freight Advisory Committee
(49 U.S.C. 70201, 70202), if these exist. Applicants should provide links
or other documentation supporting this consideration. Because projects
have different schedules, the construction start date for each BUILD
Transportation grant must be specified in the project-specific agreements
signed by relevant operating administration and the grant recipients, based
on critical path items that applicants identify in the application and will be
consistent with relevant State and local plans.
(c)Assessment of Project Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Project risks, such as procurement delays, environmental uncertainties,
increases in real estate acquisition costs, uncommitted local match,
unavailability of vehicles that either comply with Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards or are exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards in a manner that allows for their legal acquisition and
deployment, unavailability of domestically manufactured equipment, or
lack of legislative approval, affect the likelihood of successful project
start and completion. The applicant should identify all material risks to
PAGE 27
the project and the strategies that the lead applicant and any project
partners have undertaken or will undertake in order to mitigate those
risks. The applicant should assess the greatest risks to the project and
identify how the project parties will mitigate those risks.
If an applicant anticipates pursuing a waiver for relevant domestic
preference laws, the applicant should describe steps that have been or will
be taken to maximize the use of domestic goods, products, and materials
in constructing its project.
To the extent the applicant is unfamiliar with the Federal program, the
applicant should contact the appropriate DOT operating administration
field or headquarters offices, as found in contact information at
www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants, for information on the pre-
requisite steps to obligate Federal funds in order to ensure that their
project schedule is reasonable and that there are no risks of delays in
satisfying Federal requirements.
BUILD Transportation planning grant applicants should describe their
capacity to successfully implement the proposed activities in a timely
manner.
vi. Benefit Cost Analysis
This section describes the recommended approach for the completion and
submission of a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) as an appendix to the Project Narrative. The
results of the analysis should be summarized in the Project Narrative directly, as
described in Section D.2.
PAGE 28
The appendix should provide present value estimates of a project’s benefits and
costs relative to a no-build baseline. To calculate present values, applicants should apply
a real discount rate (i.e., the discount rate net of the inflation rate) of 7 percent per year to
the project’s streams of benefits and costs. The purpose of the BCA is to enable DOT to
evaluate the project’s cost-effectiveness by estimating a benefit-cost ratio and calculating
the magnitude of net benefits for the project.
The primary economic benefits from projects eligible for BUILD Transportation
grants are likely to include savings in travel time costs, vehicle or terminal operating
costs, and safety costs for both existing users of the improved facility and new users who
may be attracted to it as a result of the project. Reduced damages from vehicle emissions
and savings in maintenance costs to public agencies may also be quantified. Applicants
may describe other categories of benefits in the BCA that are more difficult to quantify
and value in economic terms, such as improving the reliability of travel times or
improvements to the existing human and natural environments (such as increased
connectivity, improved public health, storm water runoff mitigation, and noise reduction),
while also providing numerical estimates of the magnitude and timing of each of these
additional impacts wherever possible. Any benefits claimed for the project, both
quantified and unquantified, should be clearly tied to the expected outcomes of the
project.
The BCA should include the full costs of developing, constructing, operating, and
maintaining the proposed project, as well as the expected timing or schedule for costs in
each of these categories. The BCA may also consider the present discounted value of any
PAGE 29
remaining service life of the asset at the end of the analysis period. The costs and
benefits that are compared in the BCA should also cover the same project scope.
The BCA should carefully document the assumptions and methodology used to
produce the analysis, including a description of the baseline, the sources of data used to
project the outcomes of the project, and the values of key input parameters. Applicants
should provide all relevant files used for their BCA, including any spreadsheet files and
technical memos describing the analysis (whether created in-house or by a contractor).
The spreadsheets and technical memos should present the calculations in sufficient detail
and transparency to allow the analysis to be reproduced by DOT evaluators. Detailed
guidance for estimating some types of quantitative benefits and costs, together with
recommended economic values for converting them to dollar terms and discounting to
their present values, are available in DOT’s guidance for conducting BCAs for projects
seeking funding under the BUILD Transportation grant program (see
www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants/additional-guidance).
3.Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant must: 1) be registered in SAM before submitting its application; 2)
provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and 3) continue to maintain an
active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an
active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding
agency. DOT may not make a BUILD Transportation grant to an applicant until the
applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements
and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DOT is
ready to make a BUILD Transportation grant, DOT may determine that the applicant is
PAGE 30
not qualified to receive a BUILD Transportation grant and use that determination as a
basis for making a BUILD Transportation grant to another applicant.
4.Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov. Instructions for submitting
applications can be found at www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants along with specific
instructions for the forms and attachments required for submission.
(a) Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM E.D.T. on May 18, 2020. To submit an
application through Grants.gov, applicants must:
(1) Obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number;
(2) Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) at
www.SAM.gov;
(3) Create a Grants.gov username and password; and
(4) The E-Business Point of Contact (POC) at the applicant’s
organization must respond to the registration email from Grants.gov
and login at Grants.gov to authorize the applicant as the Authorized
Organization Representative (AOR). Please note that there can be
more than one AOR for an organization.
Please note that the Grants.gov registration process usually takes 2-4 weeks to
complete and that DOT will not consider late applications that are the result of failure to
register or comply with Grants.gov applicant requirements in a timely manner. For
information and instruction on each of these processes, please see instructions at
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html. If applicants
PAGE 31
experience difficulties at any point during the registration or application process, please
call the Grants.gov Customer Service Support Hotline at 1(800) 518-4726, Monday-
Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.
(b)Consideration of Applications:
Only applicants who comply with all submission deadlines described in this
notice and electronically submit valid applications through Grants.gov will be eligible for
award. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make submissions in advance of the
deadline.
(c) Late Applications
Applicants experiencing technical issues with Grants.gov that are beyond the
applicant’s control must contact BUILDgrants@dot.gov prior to the application deadline
with the user name of the registrant and details of the technical issue experienced. The
applicant must provide:
(1)Details of the technical issue experienced;
(2)Screen capture(s) of the technical issues experienced along with
corresponding Grants.gov “Grant tracking number;”
(3)The “Legal Business Name” for the applicant that was provided in
the SF-424;
(4)The AOR name submitted in the SF-424;
(5)The DUNS number associated with the application; and
(6)The Grants.gov Help Desk Tracking Number.
To ensure a fair competition of limited discretionary funds, the following
conditions are not valid reasons to permit late submissions: (1) failure to complete the
PAGE 32
registration process before the deadline; (2) failure to follow Grants.gov instructions on
how to register and apply as posted on its website; (3) failure to follow all instructions in
this notice of funding opportunity; and (4) technical issues experienced with the
applicant’s computer or information technology environment. After DOT reviews all
information submitted and contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to validate reported
technical issues, DOT staff will contact late applicants to approve or deny a request to
submit a late application through Grants.gov. If the reported technical issues cannot be
validated, late applications will be rejected as untimely.
E.Application Review Information
1.Criteria
(a)Capital Projects
This section specifies the criteria that DOT will use to evaluate and award applications
for BUILD Transportation grants. The criteria incorporate the statutory eligibility
requirements for this program, which are specified in this notice as relevant. For each
proposed project, DOT will review the potential long-term benefits for the primary and
secondary merit criteria described in this section. DOT does not consider any primary
merit criterion more important than the others. Applications that do not demonstrate a
potential for moderate long-term benefits based on these criteria will not proceed in the
evaluation process. In evaluating the primary and secondary merit criteria, DOT will
review the project’s local or regional impact as well the content and credibility of
information used to explain project benefits.
PAGE 33
i. Primary Merit Criteria
a. Safety
DOT will assess the project’s ability to foster a safe transportation system for the
movement of goods and people. DOT will consider the projected impacts on the number,
rate, and consequences of crashes, fatalities and injuries among transportation users; the
project’s contribution to the elimination of highway/rail grade crossings; or the project’s
contribution to preventing unintended releases of hazardous materials.
b. State of Good Repair
DOT will assess whether and to what extent: (1) the project is consistent with relevant
plans to maintain transportation facilities or systems in a state of good repair and address
current and projected vulnerabilities; (2) if left unimproved, the poor condition of the
asset will threaten future transportation network efficiency, mobility of goods or
accessibility and mobility of people, or economic growth; (3) the project is appropriately
capitalized up front and uses asset management approaches that optimize its long-term
cost structure; (4) a sustainable source of revenue is available for operations and
maintenance of the project and the project will reduce overall life-cycle costs; (5) the
project will maintain or improve transportation infrastructure that supports border
security functions; and (6) the project includes a plan to maintain the transportation
infrastructure in a state of good repair. DOT will prioritize projects that ensure the good
condition of transportation infrastructure, including rural transportation infrastructure,
that support commerce and economic growth.
PAGE 34
c.Economic Competitiveness
DOT will assess whether the project will (1) decrease transportation costs and
improve access, through reliable and timely access to employment centers and job
opportunities; (2) improve long-term efficiency, reliability or costs in the movement of
workers or goods; (3) increase the economic productivity of land, capital, or labor; (4)
result in long-term job creation and other economic opportunities; or (5) help the United
States compete in a global economy by facilitating efficient and reliable freight
movement.
Projects that address congestion in major urban areas, particularly those that do so
through the use of congestion pricing or the deployment of advanced technology, projects
that bridge gaps in service in rural areas, and projects that attract private economic
development, all support local or regional economic competitiveness.
d.Environmental Sustainability
DOT will consider the extent to which the project improves energy efficiency,
reduces dependence on oil, reduces congestion-related emissions, improves water quality,
avoids and mitigates environmental impacts and otherwise benefits the environment,
including through alternative right of way uses demonstrating innovative ways to
improve or streamline environmental reviews while maintaining the same outcomes.
DOT will assess the project’s ability to: (i) reduce energy use and air or water pollution
through congestion mitigation strategies; (ii) avoid adverse environmental impacts to air
or water quality, wetlands, and endangered species; or (iii) provide environmental
benefits, such as brownfield redevelopment, ground water recharge in areas of water
scarcity, wetlands creation or improved habitat connectivity, and stormwater mitigation.
PAGE 35
e.Quality of Life
DOT will consider the extent to which the project: (i) increases transportation
choices for individuals to provide more freedom on transportation decisions; (ii) expands
access to essential services for communities across the United States, particularly for
rural communities; or (iii) improves connectivity for citizens to jobs, health care, and
other critical destinations, particularly for rural communities. Americans living in rural
areas and on Tribal lands continue to disproportionately lack access and connectivity, and
DOT will consider whether and the extent to which the construction of the transportation
project will allow concurrent installation of fiber or other broadband deployment as an
essential service.
ii. Secondary Merit Criteria
a.Innovation
DOT will assess the extent to which the applicant uses innovative strategies,
including: (1) innovative technologies, (2) innovative project delivery, or (3) innovative
financing.
1. Innovative Technologies
DOT will assess innovative approaches to transportation safety, particularly in
relation to automated vehicles and the detection, mitigation, and documentation of safety
risks. When making BUILD Transportation grant award decisions, DOT will consider
any innovative safety approaches proposed by the applicant, particularly projects which
incorporate innovative design solutions, enhance the environment for automated vehicles,
or use technology to improve the detection, mitigation, and documentation of safety risks.
Innovative safety approaches may include, but are not limited to:
PAGE 36
•Conflict detection and mitigation technologies (e.g., intersection alerts
and signal prioritization);
•Dynamic signaling, smart traffic signals, or pricing systems to reduce
congestion;
•Traveler information systems, to include work zone data exchanges;
•Signage and design features that facilitate autonomous or semi-
autonomous vehicle technologies;
•Applications to automatically capture and report safety-related issues
(e.g., identifying and documenting near-miss incidents); and
•Cybersecurity elements to protect safety-critical systems.
For innovative safety proposals, DOT will evaluate safety benefits that those
approaches could produce and the broader applicability of the potential results. DOT will
also assess the extent to which the project uses innovative technology that supports
surface transportation to significantly enhance the operational performance of the
transportation system.
Innovative technologies include: broadband deployment and the installation of
high-speed networks concurrent with the project construction; connecting Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure; and providing direct fiber connections that
support surface transportation to public and private entities, which can provide a platform
and catalyst for growth of rural communities. DOT will consider whether and the extent
to which the construction of the transportation project will allow concurrent broadband
deployment and the installation of high-speed networks.
2. Innovative Project Delivery
PAGE 37
DOT will consider the extent to which the project utilizes innovative practices in
contracting (such as public-private partnerships), congestion management, asset
management, or long-term operations and maintenance.
DOT also seeks projects that employ innovative approaches to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of the environmental permitting and review to accelerate
project delivery and achieve improved outcomes for communities and the
environment. DOT’s objective is to achieve timely and consistent environmental review
and permit decisions. Accordingly, projects from States with NEPA assignment
authority under 23 U.S.C. 327 are considered to use an innovative approach to project
delivery. Participation in innovative project delivery approaches will not remove any
statutory requirements affecting project delivery.
While BUILD Transportation grant award recipients are not required to employ
innovative approaches, DOT encourages BUILD Transportation grant applicants to
describe innovative project delivery methods for proposed projects.
Additionally, DOT is interested in projects that apply innovative strategies to
improve the efficiency of project development or expedite project delivery by using
FHWA’s Special Experimental Project No. 14 (SEP-14) and Special Experimental
Project No. 15 (SEP-15). Under SEP-14 and SEP-15, FHWA may waive statutory and
regulatory requirements under title 23 on a project-by-project basis to explore innovative
processes that could be adopted through legislation. This experimental authority is
available to test changes that would improve the efficiency of project delivery in a
manner that is consistent with the purposes underlying existing requirements; it is not
available to frustrate the purposes of existing requirements.
PAGE 38
When making BUILD Transportation grant award decisions, DOT will consider
the applicant’s proposals to use SEP-14 or SEP-15, whether the proposals are consistent
with the objectives and requirements of those programs, the potential benefits that
experimental authorities or waivers might provide to the project, and the broader
applicability of potential results. DOT is not replacing the application processes for
SEP–14 or SEP–15 with this notice or the BUILD Transportation grant program
application. Instead, it seeks detailed expressions of interest in those programs. If selected
for an BUILD Transportation grant award, the applicant would need to satisfy the
relevant programs’ requirements and complete the appropriate application processes.
Selection for a BUILD Transportation grant award does not mean a project’s SEP-14 or
SEP-15 proposal has been approved. DOT will make a separate determination in
accordance with those programs’ processes on the appropriateness of a waiver.
3. Innovative Financing
DOT will assess the extent to which the project incorporates innovations in
transportation funding and finance through both traditional and innovative means,
including by using private sector funding or financing and recycled revenue from the
competitive sale or lease of publicly owned or operated assets.
b. Partnership
DOT will consider the extent to which projects demonstrate strong collaboration
among a broad range of stakeholders. Projects with strong partnership typically involve
multiple partners in project development and funding, such as State and local
governments, other public entities, and private or nonprofit entities. DOT will consider
applicants that partner with State, local, or private entities for the completion and
PAGE 39
operation of transportation infrastructure to have strong partnership. DOT will also
assess the extent to which the project application demonstrates collaboration among
neighboring or regional jurisdictions to achieve local or regional benefits. In the context
of public-private partnerships, DOT will assess the extent to which partners are
encouraged to ensure long-term asset performance, such as through pay-for-success
approaches.
DOT will also consider the extent to which projects include partnerships that
bring together diverse transportation agencies or are supported, financially or otherwise,
by other stakeholders that are pursuing similar objectives. For example, DOT will
consider the extent to which transportation projects are coordinated with economic
development, housing, water and waste infrastructure, power and electric infrastructure,
broadband and land use plans and policies or other public service efforts.
iii.Demonstrated Project Readiness
During application evaluation, DOT may consider project readiness to assess the
likelihood of a successful project. In that analysis, DOT will consider three evaluation
ratings: Environmental Risk, Technical Capacity, and Financial Capacity. Environmental
Risk assessment analyzes the project’s environmental approvals and likelihood of the
necessary approval affecting project obligation. The Technical Capacity will be reviewed
for all eligible applications and will assess the applicant’s capacity to successfully deliver
the project in compliance with applicable Federal requirements based on factors
including the recipient’s experience working with Federal agencies, previous experience
with BUILD or INFRA awards, and the technical experience and resources dedicated to
the project. The Financial Capacity assessment reviews the availability of matching funds
PAGE 40
and whether the applicant presented a complete funding package. Risks do not disqualify
projects from award, but competitive applications clearly and directly describe achievable
risk mitigation strategies. A project with mitigated risks or with a risk mitigation plan is
more competitive than a comparable project with unaddressed risks.
iv. Project Costs and Benefits
DOT may consider the costs and benefits of projects seeking BUILD
Transportation grant funding. To the extent possible, DOT will rely on quantitative, data-
supported analysis to assess how well a project addresses this criterion, including an
assessment of the project’s estimated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and net quantifiable
benefits based on the applicant-supplied BCA described in Section D.2.vi.
To evaluate the costs and benefits of a proposed project, DOT will assign the
project into ranges based on its estimated BCR and net present value (NPV), and DOT
will assign a level of confidence associated with the estimated BCR and NPV ranges.
DOT will use these ranges for BCR: Less than 1; 1–1.5; 1.5–3; and greater than 3. DOT
will use these ranges for NPV: Less than $0; $0– $50,000,000; $50,000,000–
$250,000,000; and greater than $250,000,000. The confidence levels are high, medium,
and low.
(b)Planning Grants
Planning grant applications will be evaluated against the same criteria as capital
grants. For project-level planning, this means considering how the project resulting from
the plan will ultimately further the primary and secondary merit criteria. For regional
transportation planning efforts, applications should demonstrate how the regional plan
will help lead to these outcomes. BUILD Transportation planning grant applicants will
PAGE 41
be evaluated for their capacity to successfully implement the proposed planning activities
in a timely manner. DOT will not evaluate the benefits and costs (as expressed in a
benefit-cost analysis) or environmental risks of projects that do not include construction.
(c)Additional Considerations
The FY 2020 Appropriations Act requires DOT to consider contributions to
geographic diversity among recipients, including the need for a balance between the
needs of rural and urban communities when selecting BUILD Transportation grant
awards.
2.Review and Selection Process
DOT reviews all eligible applications received by the deadline. The BUILD
Transportation grants review and selection process consists of at least Technical Review
and Senior Review. In the Technical Review, teams comprising staff from the Office of
the Secretary (OST) and operating administrations review all eligible applications and
rate projects as Highly Recommended, Recommended, Acceptable, or Unacceptable. To
receive a Highly Recommended rating, (1) the project must demonstrate that, more likely
than not, it will generate long-term benefits in one or more primary merit criteria and the
project does not appear to negatively affect any of the other merit criteria; (2) the project
must have a clear, direct, significant, and positive local or regional impact (i.e. the project
will, more likely than not, reduce the problem or use the opportunity that project proposes
to address); and (3) the application contains sufficient information to assess project
benefits and the benefits claimed by the applicant appear reasonable and justifiable. If the
project has not substantively changed from prior submissions to BUILD or other
Department programs, staff may rely on previous analysis. The Senior Review Team,
PAGE 42
which includes senior leadership from OST and the operating administrations, determines
which projects to advance to the Secretary as Highly Rated. The FY 2020
Appropriations Act mandated BUILD Transportation grant awards by September 15,
2020. The Secretary selects from the Highly Rated projects for final awards.
3. Additional Information
Prior to award, each selected applicant will be subject to a risk assessment as required
by 2 CFR § 200.205. DOT must review and consider any information about the applicant
that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM
(currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS). An applicant may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any
information about itself. DOT will consider comments by the applicant, in addition to the
other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity,
business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the
review of risk posed by applicants.
F.Federal Award Administration Information
1.Federal Award Notice
Following the evaluation outlined in Section E, the Secretary will announce awarded
projects by posting a list of selected projects at www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants.
Notice of selection is not authorization to begin performance or to incur costs for the
proposed project. Following that announcement, the relevant operating administration
will contact the point of contact listed in the SF 424 to initiate negotiation of the grant
agreement for authorization.
PAGE 43
Recipients of BUILD Transportation Grant awards will not receive lump-sum cash
disbursements at the time of award announcement or obligation of funds. Instead,
BUILD funds will reimburse recipients only after a grant agreement has been executed,
allowable expenses are incurred, and valid requests for reimbursement are submitted.
Unless authorized in writing by DOT, an expense incurred before a grant agreement is
executed will not be reimbursed
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Please visit https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives/build/grant-agreements
for the General Terms and Conditions for BUILD 2019 awards. The BUILD 2020 Terms
and Conditions will be similar to the BUILD 2019 Terms and Conditions, but may
include relevant updates.
All awards will be administered pursuant to the Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards found in 2
C.F.R part 200, as adopted by DOT at 2 C.F.R part 1201. Federal wage rate requirements
included in subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, U.S.C., apply to all projects receiving
funds under this program, and apply to all parts of the project, whether funded with
BUILD Transportation Grant funds, other Federal funds, or non-Federal funds.
In connection with any program or activity conducted with or benefiting from funds
awarded under this notice, recipients of funds must comply with all applicable
requirements of Federal law, including, without limitation, the Constitution of the United
States; the conditions of performance, non-discrimination requirements, and other
assurances made applicable to the award of funds in accordance with regulations of the
Department of Transportation; and applicable Federal financial assistance and contracting
PAGE 44
principles promulgated by the Office of Management and Budget. In complying with
these requirements, recipients, in particular, must ensure that no concession agreements
are denied or other contracting decisions made on the basis of speech or other activities
protected by the First Amendment. If DOT determines that a recipient has failed to
comply with applicable Federal requirements, DOT may terminate the award of funds
and disallow previously incurred costs, requiring the recipient to reimburse any expended
award funds.
Additionally, applicable Federal laws, rules and regulations of the relevant operating
administration administering the project will apply to the projects that receive BUILD
Transportation grant awards, including planning requirements, Service Outcome
Agreements, Stakeholder Agreements, Buy America compliance, and other requirements
under DOT’s other highway, transit, rail, and port grant programs. In particular,
Executive Order 13858 directs the Executive Branch Departments and agencies to
maximize the use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States through
the terms and conditions of Federal financial assistance awards. If selected for an award,
grantees must be prepared to demonstrate how they will maximize the use of domestic
goods, products, and materials in constructing their project. BUILD Transportation grant
projects involving vehicle acquisition must involve only vehicles that comply with
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Federal Motor Carriers Safety
Regulations, or vehicles that are exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in a manner that allows for the legal acquisition
and deployment of the vehicle or vehicles.
PAGE 45
For projects administered by FHWA, applicable Federal laws, rules, and regulations
set forth in Title 23 U.S.C. and Title 23 C.F.R apply, including the 23 U.S.C. 129
restrictions on the use of toll revenues, and Section 4(f) preservation of parklands and
historic properties requirements under 23 U.S.C. 138. For an illustrative list of the other
applicable laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, polices, guidelines, and
requirements as they relate to a BUILD Transportation grant project administered by the
FHWA, please see https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/Freight/infrastructure/tiger/#build18.
For BUILD Transportation projects administered by the Federal Transit
Administration and partially funded with Federal transit assistance, all relevant
requirements under chapter 53 of title 49 U.S.C. apply. For transit projects funded
exclusively with BUILD Transportation grant funds, some requirements of chapter 53 of
title 49 U.S.C. and chapter VI of title 49 C.F.R. apply.
For projects administered by the Federal Railroad Administration, FRA requirements
described in 49 U.S.C. Subtitle V, Part C apply.
3.Reporting
(a)Progress Reporting on Grant Activities
Each applicant selected for BUILD Transportation grant funding must submit
quarterly progress reports and Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) to monitor project
progress and ensure accountability and financial transparency in the BUILD
Transportation grant program.
(b)System Performance Reporting
Each applicant selected for BUILD Transportation grant funding must collect and
report to the DOT information on the project’s performance. The specific performance
PAGE 46
information and reporting time period will be determined on a project-by-project basis.
Performance indicators will not include formal goals or targets, but will include observed
measures under baseline (pre-project) as well as post-implementation outcomes, and will
be used to evaluate and compare projects and monitor the results that grant funds achieve
to the intended long-term outcomes of the BUILD Transportation grant program are
achieved. To the extent possible, performance indicators used in the reporting should
align with the measures included in the application and should relate to at least one of the
selection criteria defined in Section E.1. Performance reporting continues for several
years after project construction is completed, and DOT does not provide BUILD
Transportation grant funding specifically for performance reporting.
(c) Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance
If the total value of a selected applicant’s currently active grants, cooperative
agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds
$10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of this Federal
award, then the applicant during that period of time must maintain the currency of
information reported to the SAM that is made available in the designated integrity and
performance system (currently FAPIIS) about civil, criminal, or administrative
proceedings described in paragraph 2 of this award term and condition. This is a
statutory requirement under section 872 of Public Law 110-417, as amended (41 U.S.C.
2313). As required by section 3010 of Public Law 111-212, all information posted in the
designated integrity and performance system on or after April 15, 2011, except past
performance reviews required for Federal procurement contracts, will be publicly
available.
PAGE 47
G.Federal Awarding Agency Contacts
For further information concerning this notice please contact the BUILD
Transportation grant program staff via e-mail at BUILDgrants@dot.gov, or call Howard
Hill at 202-366-0301. A TDD is available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
at 202-366-3993. In addition, DOT will post answers to questions and requests for
clarifications on DOT’s website at www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants. To ensure
applicants receive accurate information about eligibility or the program, the applicant is
encouraged to contact DOT directly, rather than through intermediaries or third parties,
with questions. DOT staff may also conduct briefings on the BUILD Transportation
grant selection and award process upon request.
H.Other information
1. Protection of Confidential Business Information
All information submitted as part of or in support of any application shall use publicly
available data or data that can be made public and methodologies that are accepted by
industry practice and standards, to the extent possible. If the applicant submits
information that the applicant considers to be a trade secret or confidential commercial or
financial information, the applicant must provide that information in a separate
document, which the applicant may cross-reference from the application narrative or
other portions of the application. For the separate document containing confidential
information, the applicant must do the following: (1) state on the cover of that document
that it “Contains Confidential Business Information (CBI)”; (2) mark each page that
contains confidential information with “CBI”; (3) highlight or otherwise denote the
confidential content on each page; and (4) at the end of the document, explain how
PAGE 48
disclosure of the confidential information would cause substantial competitive harm.
DOT will protect confidential information complying with these requirements to the
extent required under applicable law. If DOT receives a Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) request for the information that the applicant has marked in accordance with this
section, DOT will follow the procedures described in its FOIA regulations at 49 C.F.R. §
7.29. Only information that is in the separate document, marked in accordance with this
section, and ultimately determined to be confidential under § 7.29 will be exempt from
disclosure under FOIA.
2.Publication/Sharing of Application Information
Following the completion of the selection process and announcement of awards,
DOT intends to publish a list of all applications received along with the names of the
applicant organizations and funding amounts requested. Except for the information
properly marked as described in Section H.1., DOT may make application narratives
publicly available or share application information within DOT or with other Federal
agencies if DOT determines that sharing is relevant to the respective program’s
objectives.
3.Department Feedback on Applications
DOT strives to provide as much information as possible to assist applicants with the
application process. DOT will not review applications in advance, but DOT staff are
available for technical questions and assistance. To efficiently use Department resources,
DOT will prioritize interactions with applicants who have not already received a debrief
on their FY 2019 BUILD Transportation grant application. Program staff will address
questions received at BUILDgrants@dot.gov throughout the application period. DOT
staffwill make reasonable efforts to schedule meetings on projects through April 1,2020.
After that date,DOT staff will schedule meetings only to the extent possible and
consistent with timely completion of other activities.
Issued On:2(16(2o2-O
Elaine L.ao
Secretary
PAGE 49
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4107 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
May 4, 2020 Secretary Elaine L. Chao Office of the Secretary US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: 2020 BUILD Grant application to fund the I-89 Exit 14 Pedestrian - Bicycle Bridge Connection Dear Secretary Chao, On behalf of the City of South Burlington, the City Council strongly supports and expresses the community’s great interest in a 2020 BUILD Grant to fund a bridge to connect regional bicycle and pedestrian transportation systems across Interstate 89 at the busiest interchange in Vermont. The project for which we are requesting funding, the I-89 Exit 14 Pedestrian Bicycle Bridge Connection is a critical missing link in our region’s pedestrian and bicycle network. Improving the connectivity between the west and east sides of Interstate 89 has long been a priority of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, Local Motion (a state-wide pedestrian and bicycle advocacy organization), and adjoining communities. This project is also supported by the adjoining property owners that will be impacted by this project; recognizing the long-term benefits to their properties. The Vermont Department of Health supports this project for its ability to enable active transportation, improve access to food and services, and prevent accidents and injuries. This project builds a bridge that avoids the interchange. This interchange features minimal pedestrian and bicycle facilities and bisects the City of South Burlington highway (US Route 2) between the City of Burlington and Town of Williston. At the interchange, users must cross four on- and off-ramps (there are eight total counting eastbound and westbound sides of US Route 2). These facilities are located beside six lanes of traffic in which vehicles are jockeying to move into the correct lane for their destination (on or off the interstate, into a turning lane, or into a through lane). Today’s facilities also have no space for snow storage, rendering them inaccessible for pedestrians and bicyclists alike during snowy periods. Six of the eight ramps are uncontrolled. The most heavily used ramp has traffic entering during all signal phases, providing limited and difficult to assess traffic gaps. This I-89 Exit 14 interchange section of US 2 is daunting to all but the most avid and experienced bicyclists and generally uncomfortable to pedestrians. A grade-separated facility will connect the City of South Burlington’s largest commercial district and mixed-use economic development project – City Center – and residential neighborhoods to both the University of Vermont Campus and the UVM Medical Center Campus, two of the State of Vermont’s
2019 BUILD Grant application to fund the I-89 Exit 14 Pedestrian Bicycle Crossing, Page 2
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4107 fax 802.846.4101 www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov
largest employers. It will provide a direct bicycle route to downtown Burlington (1.6 m) and a link to South Burlington neighborhoods west of the interstate. The project also supports the mobility of the guests and employees of the many hotels located adjacent to and within walking distance of both sides of the interchange, and the many essential retail, service and medical establishments along US Route 2 and Dorset Street in City Center. The City of South Burlington will fund 20% of the costs to complete design and construction (with construction funds obligated by September 2022) as a match to this BUILD grant request. The City will seek voter approval for a TIF District Financing bond using the approved City Center TIF District revenues to fund the match for this project. The City has experience in the design, construction and oversight of similar projects, including acquisition of right-of-way in compliance with the Uniform Act. In addition to those completed, two FHWA federal-aid projects are underway, one nearly at completion of construction and the second in preliminary engineering. This project has long been in the City’s and region’s adopted plans and is part of the TIF District Financing Plan. The project has been scoped by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission - the region’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO) - and has a preferred alignment. Maintenance of the shared-use path will become part of the City’s regular maintenance program for public facilities, including plowing in the winter similar to all the City’s shared-use paths and sidewalks. We are committed to maintaining quality public infrastructure and this will not impose any substantial additional burden on our maintenance resources. The South Burlington community has long requested this project be completed; this is one of the capital projects for which local politicians receive the most queries by the public. We appreciate your time and attention in considering the City’s application for funding to build this important bridge project. Sincerely,
Helen Riehle, Chair City Council
Memorandum
DATE: April 17, 2020
TO: South Burlington City Council
Kevin Dorn, City Manager
FROM: Charlie Baker, CCRPC Executive Director
RE: Proposed Engagement Timeline with South Burlington for the Hinesburg Rd (VT116)/Tilley Dr Study
and I-89 2050 Study
CCRPC would like to fully include City of South Burlington (Council, Planning Commission, Interested
Committees, and the public) in the process of developing livable solutions for the I-89 2050 Study and wrapping
up the Hinesburg Rd (VT116)/Tilley Dr Study over the coming months. All meetings are expected to be virtual
meetings via Zoom (and conducted at a public venue if, and when, that becomes an option).
Please review the draft schedule proposed below and provide feedback at your earliest convenience. Thank you
for your consideration and partnership.
May 2020
a.Hinesburg Rd (VT116)/Tilley Dr Study – review final draft report
i.Review at City Council (5/18?) and whichever commissions and committees the Council thinks
we should present to (Planning Commission? Economic Development Committee? Conservation
Commission? Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee? DRB? Other committees? Open public
workshop?)
June 2020
a.I-89 Study – review draft screening of seven potential interchange improvements throughout the County
to select up to two interchanges (in addition to Exit 14) to move forward for more detailed evaluation
and review draft metrics to be used to analyze proposed investments including discussion of the
approach to estimating induced demand for land development
i.Review at City Council (6/1?) and whichever commissions and committees the Council thinks we
should present to
b.I-89 Study – decide upon the two best interchange improvement options to analyze in more detail along
with Exit 14 improvements & review draft metrics to be used to analyze proposed investments
i.I-89 Advisory Committee (-June)
c.Hinesburg Rd (VT116)/Tilley Dr Study – accept final draft report
i.Vote at City Council (6/15?)
July 2020
a.I-89 Study – review of the I-89 Advisory Committee’s decision on which interchanges to move forward
for further evaluation and if needed, additional review of draft metrics to be used to analyze proposed
investments
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, VT 05404-2109
802-846-4490
www.ccrpcvt.org
i.Review at City Council (7/6?) and whichever commissions and committees the Council thinks we
should present to
Late August/Early September 2020
a.I-89 Study –review of induced demand for land development analysis results and review the metrics to
be used to analyze proposed investments
i.Review at City Council (8/17?) and whichever commissions and committees the Council thinks
we should present to
b.I-89 Study – decide upon the induced demand for land development analysis results to be used in the
analysis of potential interchange investments and decide upon the metrics to be used to analyze
proposed investments
i.I-89 Advisory Committee (early September)
September/October 2020
Consultant team conducting analysis – no meetings
November/December 2020
a.I-89 Study –review of potential interchange investment analysis results and recommendations as to
which, if any, interchange investments to move forward with into the larger study
i.Review at City Council (11/16 or 12/7?) and whichever commissions and committees the Council
thinks we should present to
a.I-89 Study – decide upon the interchange investment analysis results and recommendations as to which,
if any, interchange investments to move forward with into the larger study
i.I-89 Advisory Committee (late November/early December)
Kevin Dorn, City Manager, City of South Burlington, 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403 802.846.4107
To: City Council
From: Kevin Dorn, City Manager
Subject: Appointment of South Burlington Commissioner to the Chittenden County Regional
Planning Commission
Date: May 4, 2020
Background: Each member of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission may appoint
one representative to the Commission to represent the interests of the City in a
regional context. The terms of office are for two years. The term of current
Commissioner Chris Shaw expires on June 30, 2020.
Mr. Shaw has expressed his interest in continuing to represent South Burlington in this
capacity. Below is the test of his email to me to that affect;
Hi All,
I am willing to continue to serve if that's your choice. I've been on the Executive Committee this term representing towns > 5000 population.
The continuity has been good, I believe, as there are a lot of fingers to the CCRPC. We have been a funnel for federal transportation funding foremost, but lately we have been working with the slow-moving energy goals that are robust and now loom larger for 2050. (It's amazing how quickly transportation/cars can be removed from the roads, BTW, which would be a great step towards the
energy/climate goals).
The Lake Champlain and waterways clean-up is also becoming a much bigger piece since we are in the process of determining whether we want to act as a regional basin "manager" for the cleanup under an ongoing RFP from the Legislature. It's very fuzzy still as the Legislature is working on language and the CCRPC would be considering a role that is new insofar as it would put us into a more active and exposed role subject to the requirements of /monitoring/meeting standards of sub-contractors with all the potential penalties and additional administrative burdens. It would really expand CCRPC's role and
it doesn't appear at the moment that there is an organization better suited than us, but we are not necessarily jumping at it either due to the many unknowns and potential pitfalls.
Best Chris Shaw 864-1515363-0339
Kevin Dorn, City Manager, City of South Burlington, 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403 802.846.4107
The Council needs to decide if you want to reappoint Chris to this position or if you
want to advertise and interview candidates or identify another means of making the
appointment.
Recommendation: Staff has no recommendation
TO: Kevin Dorn, City Manager
FROM: Ilona Blanchard, Project Director
SUBJECT: Provide a name for the 180 Market Street building, a community
center housing a Library, City Hall, and Senior Center.
DATE: April 27, 2020
BACKGROUND: The 180 Market Street project is currently in the construction
phase.
The construction team has requested that the City select a name
for the building. The entry vestibule to the building is faced with
large granite pieces and is the location for the building signage.
It is strongly preferable to have all perforations in the granite
completed prior to assembly of the granite face.
This location is one of the first phases to be completed. The first
set of steel beams to be erected faces Market Street and the new
street to the east. Once the steel crew has moved to the second
phase of steel, masons will move in to begin cladding the exterior
walls, including the granite that faces the entrance.
The building signage will be backlit or front lit metal letters.
The building address, 180 Market Street, will also appear on the
front of the building.
Once a name is selected, the signage will be designed, and the
granite prepared to receive the sign.
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS: •Images showing the front entry signage area
ADDITIONAL
CONSIDERATION
The library is officially the South Burlington Public Library.
The senior center and auditorium are both unnamed and may be
considered naming opportunities by donors.
The two doors on the rear of the building may carry the name for
the building and/or the senior center and auditorium.