FINAL 2022 RAISE NOFO.pdf

G4910-9X

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary of Transportation

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Department of Transportation’s National

Infrastructure Investments (i.e., the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with

Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program) under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“Bipartisan Infrastructure Law”)

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Transportation, DOT

ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity

SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for Rebuilding American

Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants. Funds for the FY 2022 RAISE grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis for surface transportation infrastructure projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. This program is referred to as the

Local and Regional Project Assistance Program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

(“Bipartisan Infrastructure Law”).

DATES: Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern on April 14, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information concerning this notice, please contact the RAISE grant program staff via e-mail at RAISEgrants@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 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/RAISEgrants.

mailto:BUILDgrants@dot.gov http://www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each section of this notice contains information and instructions relevant to the application process for these RAISE 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.

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

A. Program Description

1. Overview

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021, “Bipartisan

Infrastructure Law,” or “BIL”) authorized and appropriated $1.5 billion to be awarded by the

Department of Transportation (“DOT”) for FY 2022 for Local and Regional Project Assistance

Program Grants under National Infrastructure Investments. This Notice of Funding Opportunity

(NOFO) solicits applications for projects to be funded under the Local and Regional Project

Assistance Program, known as the RAISE Grants program, including any additional funding appropriated for the RAISE Grants program under the FY 2022 Appropriations Act. If the FY

2022 Appropriations Act significantly alters requirements for the RAISE Grant program, the

Department will amend this Notice with guidance on additional requirements.

RAISE Grants are for capital investments in surface transportation that will have a significant local or regional impact. Per the BIL, in addition to capital awards, DOT will award at least $75 million for eligible planning, preparation or design of projects eligible for RAISE Grants that do not result in construction with FY2022 RAISE funding. In addition, DOT will award at least $15 million for projects located in areas of persistent poverty or historically disadvantaged communities. If either of these amounts are changed by the FY 2022 Appropriations Act, DOT will amend this Notice.

Since 2009, $9.9 billion has been awarded under National Infrastructure Investments for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure over 13 rounds of competitive grants.

Throughout the program, these discretionary grant awards have supported projects that improve safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, and climate and sustainability consistent with DOT’s strategic goals.1 FY 2022 RAISE grants continue to align with these strategic goals. The FY 2022 RAISE round will be implemented, as appropriate and consistent with law, in alignment with the priorities in Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the

Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (86 FR 64355), which are to invest efficiently and equitably, promote the competitiveness of the U.S. economy, improve job opportunities by focusing on high labor standards, strengthen infrastructure resilience to all hazards including climate change, and to effectively coordinate with State, local, Tribal, and territorial government partners.

The Department seeks to fund projects under the RAISE Program that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are designed with specific elements to address climate change impacts.

Specifically, the Department is looking to award projects that align with the President’s

1 See U.S. Department of Transportation Strategic Framework FY 2022–2026 (Dec. 2021) at https://www.transportation.gov/administrations/office-policy/fy2022-2026-strategic-framework greenhouse gas reduction goals, promote energy efficiency, support fiscally responsible land use and transportation efficient design, increase use of lower-carbon travel modes such as transit and active transportation, incorporate electrification or zero emission vehicle infrastructure, increase climate resilience, support domestic manufacturing, incorporate lower-carbon pavement and construction materials, reduce pollution, and recycle or redevelop brownfield sites.

The Department also seeks to award projects under the RAISE Program that address environmental justice, particularly for communities that disproportionally experience climate change-related consequences. Environmental justice, as defined by the Environmental

Protection Agency, is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. As part of the Department’s implementation of Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (86

FR 7619), the Department seeks to fund projects that, to the extent possible, target at least 40 percent of resources and benefits towards low-income communities, disadvantaged communities, communities underserved by affordable transportation, or overburdened2 communities. Projects that have not sufficiently considered climate change and environmental justice in their planning, as determined by the Department, will be required to before receiving funds for construction. See

Section F.2 of this NOFO for program requirements.

The Department also seeks to award projects under the RAISE Program that proactively address racial equity and barriers to opportunity, including automobile dependence as a form of

2 Overburdened Community: Minority, low-income, tribal, or indigenous populations or geographic locations in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks. This disproportionality can be as a result of greater vulnerability to environmental hazards, lack of opportunity for public participation, or other factors. Increased vulnerability may be attributable to an accumulation of negative or lack of positive environmental, health, economic, or social conditions within these populations or places. The term describes situations where multiple factors, including both environmental and socio-economic stressors, may act cumulatively to affect health and the environment and contribute to persistent environmental health disparities.

barrier, or redress prior inequities and barriers to opportunity. Section E describes racial equity considerations that an applicant can undertake and the Department will consider during the review of applications. Projects that have not sufficiently considered racial equity in their planning, as determined by the Department, will be required to do so before receiving funds for construction. See Section F.2 of this NOFO for program requirements.

In addition to prioritizing projects that address climate change, proactively address racial equity, and reduce barriers to opportunity, the Department intends to use the RAISE program to support the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union and the incorporation of strong labor standards and training and placement programs, especially registered apprenticeships and Local Hire agreements, in project planning stages. Projects that incorporate such planning considerations are expected to support a strong economy and labor market. Section E describes job creation and labor considerations an applicant can undertake and the Department will consider during the review of applications. Projects that have not sufficiently considered job creation and labor considerations in their planning, as determined by the Department, will be required to do so to the full extent possible under the law before receiving funds for construction. See Section F.2 of this NOFO for program requirements

Section E of this NOFO, which outlines FY 2022 RAISE grant selection criteria, describes the process for selecting projects that further these goals. Section F.3 describes progress and performance reporting requirements for selected projects, including the relationship between that reporting and the program’s selection criteria.

2. Additional Information

The RAISE grant program is described in the Federal Assistance Listings under the assistance listing program title “National Infrastructure Investments” and assistance listing number 20.933.

3. Changes from the FY 2021 NOFO

The Local and Regional Project Assistance Program was authorized in the BIL and is known as the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants program (formerly TIGER and BUILD Transportation Grants).3 This FY 2022 RAISE Notice updates the FY 2021 RAISE NOFO based on provisions specified in the BIL. For example, the

BIL revised the list of eligible applicants to specify that the District of Columbia, Tribal governments, US Territories, units of local government, and public agencies or publicly chartered authorities established by one or more States are eligible applicants (Section C.1 of this

NOFO). The BIL also expanded the eligible project list to include the surface transportation components of an airport project eligible for assistance under part B of subtitle VII title 49, United States Code, and projects to replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species while advancing the goals of the RAISE program (Section C.3 of this NOFO).

DOT will evaluate applications based on statutory primary selection criteria: safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, economic competitiveness and opportunity, state of good repair, and mobility and community connectivity. Statutory additional considerations include partnership and collaboration, innovation, demonstrated project readiness, and cost effectiveness. The Department evaluates safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, innovation as “merit criteria.” The Department evaluates “project readiness” in three areas: technical assessment, environmental risk, and

3 Section 21202 of the BIL codified this program at 49 U.S.C. 6702 as the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program, referred to in this NOFO as RAISE.

financial completeness. The Department evaluates “cost effectiveness” through the economic benefit-cost analysis.

The RAISE FY 2022 review and selection process has been revised from prior rounds and is described in detail in Section E. The merit criteria review will now include ratings for each merit criterion that, in the aggregate, will determine which projects are reviewed by the Senior Review

Team and advance to the Secretary for potential selection. Please see the merit criteria rating rubric in Section E.1.i. for more details. The safety, environmental sustainability, mobility and community connectivity, and quality of life merit criteria have greater priority in the process to advance projects for further analysis. Section E.2 of this Notice also provides more detail on the way selection criteria ratings will be used in the decision-making process to advance projects to the Secretary for potential selection.

The BIL directs that at least 5 percent of available funding, or $75 million, to be awarded for the planning, preparation or design of projects eligible for RAISE Grants. The BIL also directs that at least 1 percent of available funding, or $15 million, be awarded to projects located in historically disadvantaged communities or areas of persistent poverty. Areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities are defined in Section C.3.iii.

Unlike FY 2021, all projects, including planning projects, have minimum award amounts;

the minimum award for urban projects is $5 million and the minimum award for rural projects is

$1 million (see Section B.2).

The BIL prohibits more than 15 percent of the available funds, or $225 million, from being awarded to eligible projects in a single State in FY 2022.

Applicants who are planning to re-apply using materials prepared for prior competitions should ensure that their FY 2022 application fully addresses the criteria and considerations described in this Notice and that all relevant information is up to date.

B. Federal Award Information

1. Amount Available

The BIL authorized and appropriated $1.5 billion to be awarded by DOT for RAISE grants under the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program for FY 2022. This Notice will be amended if additional amounts become available for this program under the FY 2022

Appropriations Act. FY 2022 RAISE grants are for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and are to be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact and improve transportation infrastructure. DOT will award at least 5 percent of available funds, or $75 million (of the $1.5 billion) for the planning, preparation or design of eligible projects. DOT refers to awards for the planning, preparation or design of eligible projects that do not result in construction with RAISE FY 2022 funding as planning grants. DOT will award at least 1 percent of available funds, or $15 million, for projects located in historically disadvantaged communities or areas of persistent poverty. The BIL allows

DOT to retain up to 2 percent, or $30 million, of the $1.5 billion for oversight and administration of grants and credit assistance made under the program.

The Department does not anticipate awarding additional funding from prior rounds; however, if unobligated program funds are made available from prior rounds, they may be awarded under this solicitation to projects that can be obligated before the obligation deadline associated with the respective prior year funds. If this solicitation does not result in the award and obligation of all available funds, DOT may publish additional solicitations.

The BIL allows up to 20 percent of available funds (or $300 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.

2. Award Size

The BIL specifies that the minimum RAISE grant award is $5 million, except that for projects located in rural areas (as defined in Section C.3.ii) the minimum award size is $1 million. Grants may not be greater than $25 million. Under the RAISE FY 2022 program, minimum and maximum award sizes are the same for capital and planning projects. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications only for eligible award amounts.

3. Restrictions on Funding

Pursuant to the BIL, no more than 15 percent of the funds made available for RAISE grants

(or $225 million) may be awarded to projects in a single State. The BIL also directs that not more than 50 percent of the funds provided for RAISE grants (or $750 million) shall be awarded to rural projects (as defined in section C.3.ii) and directs that not more than 50 percent of the funds provided for RAISE grants (or $750 million) shall be awarded to urban projects (as defined in section C.3.ii). If these amounts are changed by the FY 2022 Appropriations Act, DOT will amend this Notice. Further, DOT must consider geographical and modal diversity.

4. Availability of Funds

The BIL requires that FY 2022 RAISE grant funds are available for obligation only through

September 30, 2026. 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 2022 RAISE awards, any costs incurred prior to DOT’s obligation of funds for a project (“pre-award costs”) are ineligible for reimbursement.4

4 Pre-award costs are only costs incurred directly pursuant to the negotiation and anticipation of the RAISE 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 the DOT announces that a project is selected for a FY 2022 RAISE award cannot be charged to FY 2022 RAISE funds. Likewise, costs

All FY 2022 RAISE funds must be expended (the grant obligation must be liquidated or paid out to the grant recipient) by September 30, 2031. 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 RAISE grant funds within the statutory timeline. No waiver is possible for these deadlines.

5. Previous RAISE/BUILD/TIGER Awards

Recipients of RAISE/BUILD/TIGER grants may apply for funding to support additional phases of a project previously awarded funds in the RAISE/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. A previous RAISE/BUILD/TIGER award, or application, does not affect competitiveness under the FY 2022 RAISE competition.

C. Eligibility Information

To be selected for a RAISE grant, an applicant must be an Eligible Applicant and the project must be an Eligible Project.

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants for RAISE grants are: States and the District of Columbia; any territory or possession of the United States; a unit of local government; a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by one or more States; a special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority; a federally recognized Indian

Tribe or a consortium of such Indian Tribes; a transit agency; and a multi-State or 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 2022 RAISE award, cannot be charged to FY 2022 RAISE funds.

multijurisdictional group of entities that are separately eligible. Federal agencies are not eligible applicants for the RAISE FY 2022 program.

Multiple States or jurisdictions may submit a joint application and should identify a lead applicant as the primary point of contact and also identify the primary recipient of the award.

Joint applications should include a description of the roles and responsibilities of 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, that intention should be made clear in the application and a letter of support from the otherwise eligible, designated entity should be included in the application.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Per the BIL, the Federal share of project costs for which an expenditure is made under the

RAISE grant program may not exceed 80 percent unless the project is located in a rural area, a historically disadvantaged community, or an area of persistent poverty.5 Urban area and rural area are defined in Section C.3.ii of this notice. Historically Disadvantaged Communities and

Areas of persistent poverty are defined in Section C.3.iii.

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. The BIL also allows for the following Federal funds to be considered “non-Federal” for the purpose of the

RAISE program: (A) tribal transportation program funds under section 202 of title 23; (B)

Federal lands transportation program funds under section 203 of title 23; (C) TIFIA program funds (as defined in section 601(a) of title 23); and (D) Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement

Financing Program under chapter 224. Toll credits under 23 U.S.C. 120(i) are considered a

5 To meet match requirements, the minimum total project cost for a project located in an urban area must be $6.25 million.

Federal source under the RAISE program and, therefore, cannot be used to satisfy the statutory cost sharing requirement of a RAISE award. Unless otherwise authorized by statute, non-Federal cost-share may not be counted as the non-Federal share for both the RAISE grant and another

Federal grant program. DOT will not consider 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.

See Section D.2.iii for information about documenting cost sharing in the application.

For each project that receives a RAISE 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 RAISE grants are surface transportation capital projects within the

United States or any territory or possession of the United States that are: (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) the surface transportation components of an airport project eligible for assistance under part B of subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code;6 (6) intermodal projects; (7) projects to replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species while advancing the goals of the RAISE program; (8) 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; and (9) any other surface transportation infrastructure project that the Secretary considers to be necessary to advance the goals of the program.7

The Secretary considers the following projects necessary to advance the goals of the program, and therefore eligible: public road and non-motorized projects that are not otherwise eligible under title 23, United States Code, and intermodal projects. 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.3.iv. The following projects are not considered necessary to advance the goals of the program, and, therefore, they are ineligible:

school bus electrification and broadband deployment as a standalone project. Improvements to

Federally owned facilities are ineligible under the FY 2022 RAISE program, unless they are 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. If a project type is not described as explicitly eligible or ineligible above, then applicants should explain in their application why the project is necessary to advance the goals of the program, and the Department will determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

6 Eligible surface transportation components of eligible airport projects are those projects listed in “Appendix P:

Road and Surface Transportation Projects” of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) handbook, available at https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/aip_handbook/?Chapter=Appendix#PP00. For more details on airport project eligibility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants.

7 Please note that DOT may award a RAISE 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 RAISE grants to pay for the surface transportation components of these projects.

https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/aip_handbook/?Chapter=Appendix#PP00 https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants

(b) Planning Projects

Activities eligible for funding under RAISE planning grants are related to the planning, preparation, or design— for example environmental analysis, equity analysis, community engagement, feasibility studies, and other pre-construction activities—of eligible surface transportation capital projects described in Section C.3.i.(a) and may not result in construction with RAISE FY 2022 funding.

Under the RAISE FY 2022 program, if an application includes right-of-way acquisition, the project will be considered a capital project. Projects that include right-of-way acquisition should include a timeline for construction.

In addition, activities eligible for RAISE planning grants include those related to multidisciplinary projects or regional planning, such as: (1) development of master plans, comprehensive plans, integrated land use and transportation 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; or (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 area8 that had a population greater than 200,000 in

8 Lists of 2010 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.

the 2010 Census.9 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 RAISE 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 50 percent (or $750 million) of the funds provided for RAISE grants are to be used for projects in rural areas; (2) not more than 50 percent (or $750 million) of the funds provided for RAISE grants are to be used for projects in urban areas; (3) for a project in a rural area, the minimum award is $1 million, while the minimum award for urban areas is $5 million; and (4) the Secretary may increase the Federal share above 80 percent to pay for the eligible costs of a project in a rural area.

iii. Areas of Persistent Poverty and Historically Disadvantaged Communities

The Secretary may increase the Federal cost share above 80 percent for projects located in an Area of Persistent Poverty or a Historically Disadvantaged Community. Additionally, DOT must award at least one percent of available funds, or $15 million, for projects located in historically disadvantaged communities or areas of persistent poverty.

(a) Areas of Persistent Poverty means: (1) any county that has consistently had greater than or equal to 20 percent of the population living in poverty during the 30-year period

9 For the purpose of this NOFO, the definition of urban and rural is based on the 2010 Census-designated urbanized areas. The Department is required by the BIL to use the most recent decennial census information; however urbanized areas have not been designated for the 2020 Census at the time of this NOFO publication. See www.transportation.gov/RAISEBUILDgrants for a list of 2010 Census-designated UAs.

http://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants preceding November 15, 2021, as measured by the 1990 and 200010 decennial census and the most recent annual Small Area Income Poverty Estimates as estimated by the Bureau of the census11; (2) any census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent as measured by the 2014-

2018 5-year data series available from the American Community Survey of the Bureau of the

Census12; or (3) any territory or possession of the United States. A county satisfies this definition only if 20 percent of its population was living in poverty in all three of the listed datasets: (a) the

1990 decennial census; (b) the 2000 decennial census; and (c) the 2020 Small Area Income

Poverty Estimates. DOT will list all counties and census tracts that meet this definition for Areas of Persistent Poverty on the RAISE website at www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-app-hdc.

(b) Historically Disadvantaged Communities – DOT has been developing a definition of

Historically Disadvantaged Communities as part of its implementation of the Justice40 Initiative and will use that definition for the purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Consistent with OMB’s Interim Guidance for the Justice40 Initiative13, Historically Disadvantaged

Communities include (a) certain qualifying census tracts, (b) any Tribal land, or (c) any territory or possession of the United States. DOT is providing a list of census tracts that meet the definition of Historically Disadvantaged Communities, as well as a mapping tool to assist applicants in identifying whether a project is located in a Historically Disadvantaged

Community, available at www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-app-hdc.

10 See https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/census-poverty.html for county dataset.

11 See https://www.census.gov/data/datasets/2020/demo/saipe/2020-state-and-county.html for December 2020 Small Area Income Poverty Dataset 12 See https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=ACSST1Y2018.S1701&tid=ACSST5Y2018.S1701&hidePreview=false for 2014-2018 five year data series from the American Community Survey 13 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-app-hdc https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-app-hdc http://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-app-hdc https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/census-poverty.html https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdata.census.gov%2Fcedsci%2Ftable%3Fq%3DACSST1Y2018.S1701%26tid%3DACSST5Y2018.S1701%26hidePreview%3Dfalse&data=04%7C01%7Ckim.bathrick%40dot.gov%7C596452e5274e4da5eab308d8ee042260%7Cc4cd245b44f04395a1aa3848d258f78b%7C0%7C0%7C637521048857210852%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=4JSzu%2BbHGqSNnf8jB1LjZM6dvqgXmktppYyIQ2ONrUc%3D&reserved=0

iv. 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 RAISE project, regardless of whether a component includes Federal funding. The status of each component should be clearly described (for example, in the project schedule). DOT may award funds for a component, instead of the larger project, if that component: (1) independently meets 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 RAISE 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.

v. 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 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 to Request Application Package

Instructions for submitting applications can be found at www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants 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 complete the SF-424C and attach to their application the “RAISE 2022 Project Information Form” available at www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-info

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 Project

Funding See D.2.iii

IV. Merit Criteria See D.2. iv. and E.1 V. Project Readiness: Environmental Risk 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 verifiable by DOT. DOT expects applications to be complete upon submission and will evaluate the application based on information submitted. DOT may ask any applicant to supplement data in its application but is not required to do so. Lack of supporting information provided with the application negatively affects competitiveness of the application, as described in Section E.2.

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, but evaluators are not required to review supporting documents as part of the merit review described in Section E. 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 reference these in the respective section of the project narrative. DOT recommends using appropriately descriptive file names (e.g., “Project Narrative,” “Maps,” “Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of

Support,”) 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 pursued by the project sponsor.

Applicants should include a detailed statement of work that focuses on the technical and engineering aspects of the project, the current design status 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 description of connections to existing transportation infrastructure. The application should also identify:

(a) whether the project is located in an Area of Persistent Poverty, including the relevant

County and/or census tract(s);

(b) whether the project is located in a historically disadvantaged community, including the relevant census tract(s);

(c) the Census-designated urbanized area in which the project is located, if relevant; and

(d) whether the project is located in one of four Federally designated community development zones (Opportunity Zones, Empowerment Zones, Promise Zones, or

Choice Neighborhoods)

Information under (d) may be used for internal data tracking.

iii. Grant Funds, Sources and Uses of Project Funds

This section of the application should describe the budget for the RAISE project (i.e. the project scope that includes RAISE funding) including information about the degree of design completion on which the cost was estimated. This budget should not include any previously incurred expenses. The budget should show how each source of funds will be spent. The budget should also show how each funding source will share in each major construction activity, and present that data in dollars and percentages. If applicable, the budget should identify Federal funds that have been previously authorized by a Federal agency. Funding sources should be grouped into three categories: non-Federal, RAISE, and other Federal with specific amounts from each funding source. 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 should clearly identify any expenses expected to be incurred between time of award and obligation because these expenses are not eligible for reimbursement, as described in Section B.4, or for cost sharing, as described in

Section C.2. The budget details should sufficiently demonstrate that the project satisfies the statutory cost-sharing requirements described in Section C.2. At a minimum, the project budget should include:

(a) Costs for the FY 2022 RAISE project;

(b) For all funds to be used for eligible project costs, the source and amount of 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 the applicant is not a State DOT and matching contributions from a State DOT are included as non-Federal match, a supporting letter from the

State indicating the source of the funds; and

(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.

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 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. Merit 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 address each criterion.

Insufficient information to assess any criterion will negatively impact the project rating.

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.

(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 will target known, documented safety problems within the project area or wider transportation network, and demonstrate how the project will protect motorized and non-motorized travelers or communities from health and safety risks. The application should provide evidence to support the claimed level of effectiveness of the project in protecting motorized and non-motorized travelers from health and safety risks, such as the number or rate of reduced crashes, serious injuries, and/or fatalities.

(b) Environmental Sustainability

This section of the application should describe how the project addresses the Environmental

Sustainability criterion (described in Section E.1.i.(b) of this notice). Applicants are encouraged to include information demonstrating how the project will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, increase use of lower-carbon travel modes such as transit active transportation, improve resiliency of at-risk infrastructure,14 be constructed consistent with the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, to the extent consistent with current low, incorporate lower-carbon pavement and construction materials, or address the disproportionate negative environmental impacts of transportation on disadvantaged communities. Additional information for how this criterion will be evaluated is in Section E.1.i. of this notice.

(c) Quality of Life

14 For the RAISE program, at-risk infrastructure is defined as infrastructure that is subject to, or faces increased long-term future risks of, a weather event, a natural disaster, or changing conditions, such as coastal flooding, coastal erosion, wave action, storm surge, or sea level rise, in order to improve transportation and public safety and to reduce costs by avoiding larger future maintenance or rebuilding costs.

This section should describe how the project improves quality of life by increasing equity and accessibility for travelers, reducing transportation and housing cost burdens, including by facilitating greater public and private investments in commercial and mixed-income residential development near public transportation, along rural main streets or other walkable neighborhoods, removing physical barriers for individuals and communities; proactively addressing racial equity and barriers to opportunity, including automobile dependence as a form of barrier, or redress prior inequities and barriers to opportunity; or enhancing the unique characteristics of the community (described in Section E.1.i.(c) of this notice).

(d) Improves Mobility and Community Connectivity

This section of the application should describe how the project will increase mobility and expand connectivity for all users of a project, particularly non-motorized travelers (those walking, cycling, rolling, or using transit). The application should include details on how the project encourages individuals and communities to move around freely with or without a car, and create neighborhoods where people can live, work, and play. If applicable, this section should describe how the project will meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and be accessible to people with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs. Projects that increase mobility for freight movement and improve supply chains should describe the details and impacts of those outcomes. Additional information for how this criterion will be evaluated is in Section E.1.i. of this notice.

(e) Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity

This section of the application should describe how the project will support the Economic

Competitiveness and Opportunity criterion (described in Section E.1.i.(d) of this notice). The applicant should include information about expected improvements to system operations to increase travel time reliability and manage travel demand for goods movement, especially for supply chain bottle necks, thereby increasing velocity and improving local and regional freight connectivity to the national and global economy. The application should include information on how the project increases affordable transportation options and system connectivity to revitalize communities, increase access to location-efficient affordable housing, reduces burdens of commuting, increases tourism opportunities, or improves overall well-being. Applicants should also describe whether and how project delivery and implementation create good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union to the greatest extent possible, the use of demonstrated strong labor standards, practices and policies (including for direct employees, contractors, and sub-contractors); use of project labor agreements, and distribution of workplace rights notices;

the use of Local Hire provisions;15 registered apprenticeships; or other similar standards or practices. Applicants should describe how planned methods of project delivery and implementation (for example, use of Project Labor Agreements and/or Local Hire provisions,16 training and placement programs for underrepresented workers) provides opportunities for all workers, including workers underrepresented in construction jobs to be trained and placed in good-paying jobs directly related to the project.