 | FAQs
What is the Federal Safe Routes to School Program?
The Federal Safe Routes to School (FSRTS) program was established in the Federal Transportation Bill – Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The new program seeks to enable and encourage children in kindergarten through eighth grades (K-8) to walk or bicycle to school, thereby promoting increased physical activity. The FSRTS program is multi-faceted and requires that applicants address non-infrastructure activities before, during and after infrastructure improvements have been made.
What is a Federal Cost Reimbursement Program?
Unlike a true “grant” program, the FSRTS projects are funded on a cost reimbursement basis only. This means that no funds are provided upfront; sponsors are reimbursed for eligible project costs incurred. A reimbursement agreement will be required for every project. The agreement details the specific project requirements, reimbursement procedures and available project funding. Project costs incurred before official approval from PennDOT and FHWA are not eligible for reimbursement.
What is the difference between infrastructure and non-infrastructure?
Infrastructure projects are physical improvements to the walking and/or bicycling facilities. Infrastructure projects include “traditional” items such as sidewalks, signs, signals, crossing improvements, etc. Smaller items such as bike racks or lockers are also considered infrastructure.
Non-infrastructure activities would include education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation – the first four Es of Safe Routes to School.
What are the “Five Es of Safe Routes to School”?
The Five Es of SRTS are education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, and engineering. Projects that incorporate all five Es are likely to be more effective and sustainable. Additionally, projects utilizing this comprehensive approach are more likely to receive FSRTS infrastructure funding. All five Es are further defined in the Program Guidance (available May 5th) and in the NCSRTS Safe Routes To School Guide.
How much infrastructure funding is available?
For the opening 2008 round, $12,649,000 million is available for infrastructure improvements. Additional funding rounds will be conducted in future years, but the timeline and amount available are dependent upon several factors, including the reauthorization of the FSRTS program in the next Federal Transportation Bill.
When is the first infrastructure application cycle?
Pennsylvania’s first FSRTS infrastructure funding cycle opens May 5th and runs through August 1st 2008. Project winners will be announced in October 2008. The exact date has not yet been determined.
Are non-infrastructure grants available?
Yes. The Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA) will be coordinating the non-infrastructure portion of our FSRTS program. As part of their duties, PANA will administer a SRTS Academy Program, which will provide structured technical and financial assistance to schools interested in establishing a safe routes to school program in their community. For more information, visit PANA’s homepage – or apply for a non-infrastructure grant.
Who can apply for infrastructure funding?
The project sponsor must be one of the five following government/public entities: a school district, an individual school, a municipality, a county government, or a planning partner (MPO/RPO). Other organizations or individuals are encouraged to work with the school and be part of the safe routes to school efforts. Each application must contain the name of the supporting school(s) and municipality(ies). More detailed project sponsor requirements will be found in the Program Guidance, which will be available May 5th.
Are Non-Profit Organizations able to apply?
While non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate in any FSRTS projects, they are not able to apply as the project sponsor for FSRTS funds.
What are Federal Aid Highway requirements?
Since the money provided for the FSRTS program is considered Federal Aid Highway funding, all of the associated requirements must be followed. Some of these requirements include compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Davis Bacon prevailing wage rates, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, etc. The project sponsor will be required to coordinate with their PennDOT Engineering District to fulfill these requirements.
What other project requirements apply?
Other project requirements will need to be coordinated with PennDOT. Some of these requirements include right of way clearance, utility clearance, consultant selection procedures, etc. The project sponsor will be required to coordinate with their PennDOT Engineering District to fulfill these requirements. Refer to PennDOT Pub 535: Overview of PennDOT Local Project Processes for more information.
How do I submit an invoice?
When a project begins, the sponsor may submit certified invoices to PennDOT for reimbursement. Upon receipt of the funds from PennDOT, which typically takes 6-8 weeks, the sponsor must pay the contractor within 10 days after being reimbursed by PennDOT. By using this process, the sponsors do not need to use their own funds. However if the sponsor has sufficient funds, they may pay the contractor first and submit the paid invoice to PennDOT for reimbursement of the Department’s share. This will eliminate any delay in paying the contractor. Project costs incurred before official approval from PennDOT and FHWA are not eligible for reimbursement.
How do I become a registered business partner and vendor?
Before signing the reimbursement agreement, the project sponsor must obtain a SAP vendor number and become a registered business partner with the Commonwealth. Some sponsors may already be a registered business partner and have a SAP number. It is not necessary to register as a business partner or obtain a SAP vendor number when applying; however, it is recommended that a sponsor become registered to facilitate the reimbursement process, should their project selected.
1. The sponsor must be a vendor in MYSAP. MYSAP is the accounting system and payment mechanism for the agreement. The sponsor can log onto the Vendor Registration Site and should proceed to register as a non-procurement vendor. Questions about registering as a non-procurement vendor should be directed to the Central Vendor Management Unit at 717-214-2868 (Harrisburg area) or 866-775-2868 (toll free).
2. Additionally, the sponsor and the design engineer must be a registered business partner in ECMS. The sponsor must log onto Engineer and Construction Management System and then go to “registered business partner” and register as a “municipality” regardless if the sponsor is a municipality or not. If a sponsor needs assistance, please call (717) 772-0566.
I am interested in the Federal Safe Routes to School program. Where do I start?
Visit the “Background” and “Getting Started” links on the left hand side of this page. They will provide you with important links and information.
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