Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) Q&A
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI).
How many applications were received?
Sixteen.
How many applications were selected?
The TLCI task force recommended 12 planning studies for awards, and the NOACA Governing Board accepted them at its August 10 Board meeting. The selected planning studies can be viewed on our Web site.
How much money is available?
NOACA’s Governing Board made $1 million available for 2007 applications and awarded almost $750,000.
Will the selected planning studies receive all the money they requested?
Yes. But in accordance with the program guidelines, NOACA staff and the TLCI task force can make recommendations on the amount of funding the selected planning studies will receive, up to a maximum of $75,000 per planning study, so it is possible that future planning studies may not receive the total amount requested. For all planning studies, actual funding may change based on the contracts worked out between NOACA and the sponsors of the final planning studies, but will not exceed $75,000 per planning study.
How were applications scored?
The applications were reviewed first by NOACA staff members, who screened them for completeness and then distributed them to the TLCI task force. The TLCI task force then reviewed and scored each application. The final scoring and funding recommendations adopted by the task force were forwarded to the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) and approved at its July 20 meeting. The TAC’s recommendations were then sent to the NOACA Governing Board, which made the final determination regarding all funding and policy issues at its August 10 meeting.
What did the reviewers look for?
The reviewers looked at each application to see if it conformed to the initiative’s purpose and goals. The first requirement is that the application had to be for planning transportation projects. Engineering projects and projects that have already been planned and are ready to be implemented are not eligible for TLCI funding.
The reviewers also looked to see how well the applications met the goals of making the community more livable and award points in various categories, such as the scope of the planning study, the purpose and need for it and sponsor capacity. The applications were then ranked according to the number of points they received.
The goals of the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative include the following:
- Enhance the economic viability of existing communities within the region
- Enhance the region’s quality of life
- Enhance a community’s identity
- Foster compact land use development/redevelopment
- Facilitate accessibility by improving the range of transportation choices by adding or improving pedestrian, transit or bicycle facilities
- Preserve and enhance farmland, forests and open space
- Assist the redevelopment of urban core communities
- Result in projects that can compete at the regional level for capital funds through NOACA’s regional transportation investment process
- Enhance the historic, archaeological, scenic and environmental elements of the transportation system
- Improve the safety and efficiency of the existing transportation system
Why did some applications score higher than others?
Points were awarded for how well each application meets the goals of planning transportation projects that make the community more livable. Some applications more closely matched the program’s purpose and goals than others and as such, were scored higher. Although there was a wide range of applications, we are confident that the review process ensured funds were allocated in a fair and equitable manner.
What areas in my application were weak? How could they have been stronger?
NOACA staff members are available to discuss with sponsors the merits of their current applications to help them prepare stronger applications for next year.
Were any applications disqualified?
The TLCI awards funds and technical assistance for planning that will result in a transportation project. Requests that do not result in transportation projects, requests for engineering or preliminary engineering, and projects that have already been through the planning process and are ready to be implemented are not eligible for TLCI funding. Four applications were disqualified this year.
When were final decisions made?
The NOACA Governing Board made the final decisions at its meeting on August 10, 2007. The finalists are posted on the Web site.
When will funds be available?
The funds for reimbursement are available immediately upon execution of a contract.
What will happen to the $250,000 that didn’t get awarded this year?
Those funds will roll over into NOACA’s funds for FY 2009. The exact use of these funds has not been determined, but NOACA will not lose this money.
Will an application that didn’t make the list this year be considered next year? Do I have to fill out a new application?
NOACA is always interested in well-planned transportation projects that promote livable communities, so we encourage sponsors to fill out applications for projects that meet the initiative’s guidelines. We request a new application be submitted each year since the application process, instructions and/or program focus may change from year to year. NOACA staff members are willing to discuss current applications to help sponsors prepare a stronger application for next year.
| 
