Annual Report on Funding Recommendations, Fiscal Year 2011. New Starts, Small Starts, and Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program

摘要

This Annual Report on Funding Recommendations is issued by the Secretary of Transportation to help inform the appropriations cycle for the upcoming fiscal year by providing information on projects included in the Federal Transit Administrations (FTA) discretionary New Starts and Small Starts programs. These programs are part of the Major Capital Investment Grant Program provisions of 49 USC 5309, most recently reauthorized in August 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEALU). 1 New Starts projects are those whose sponsors are requesting $75 million or more in New Starts funds, or anticipating a total capital cost of $250 million or more (49 USC 5309(d)). Small Starts projects are those whose sponsors are requesting less than $75 million in Small Starts funds and anticipating a total capital cost of less than $250 million (49 USC 5309(e)). FTAs discretionary Major Capital Investment Grant program is the Federal governments primary financial resource for supporting major transit capital projects that are locally planned, implemented, and operated. The program has helped to make possible dozens of new or extended transit fixed guideway systems across the countryheavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit systems, and ferries. These public transportation investments, in turn, have improved the mobility of millions of Americans, provided alternatives to congested roadways, and fostered the development of safer, more viable and livable communities. This report provides vital funding and project information to Congress about the New and Small Starts programs. It also serves as guidance to project sponsors so that improvements in project development can be made. This report also includes information about the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program, codified at 49 USC 5320, and formerly known as the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program. Section 5320 requires the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to prepare an annual report on the allocation of amounts available to projects under the transit in parks program. The law further directs that the annual report on the transit in parks program be included in this Annual Report.