FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the Community Planning Program?
The Community Planning program provides funding and/or planning assistance for transit related planning projects that benefit both the local community and the RTA transit system. Through this program, the RTA aims to support the Community Planning Principles.
2. What other types of funding programs does the RTA offer?
The RTA offers four funding assistance programs: Community Planning; Subregional Planning; Job Access Reverse Commute/New Freedom (JARC/NF); and Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE). For more information about these four programs, visit the RTA funding programs webpage.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Municipalities located within the RTA’s six county service region are eligible to apply to the Community Planning Program. The RTA region includes Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. Please contact the RTA if your project extends beyond a single municipality’s boundaries or if you have questions regarding eligibility.
5. What types of projects are eligible?
Community Planning looks to fund innovative planning projects that are transit supportive and will enhance and/or improve the existing transit system. The program supports projects that focus on transit-oriented development, local transit improvements and, detailed implementation plans. Capital, engineering, operating, and staff/equipment costs are not eligible. Eligible Projects
6. How are Community Planning projects funded?
A variety of sources are used to fund the projects. Traditionally, RTA funds and local match funds are used as the primary sources of funding for the Community Planning projects. Federal Unified Work Program (UWP) funds, as well as other state and federal grants may be used.
7. Is there a local match requirement?
The Community Planning program requires a 20% local matching cash contribution. In-kind services cannot be applied toward the 20% local contribution. Additionally, applicants are responsible for providing 100% of any costs of the project over the not to exceed budget set for the project.
8. What is the anticipated timeframe for projects to begin?
Once a project is selected into the program, project development begins. Our goal is to initiate the project within six months and complete the study within twelve to eighteen months of project initiation.
9. How do CTA, Metra, and Pace get involved?
Each transit agency that can potentially be impacted by the study is invited to participate. In some instances it may be appropriate to have representation from other regional planning agencies such as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).
10. Who is responsible for managing the project?
If the consultant is procured using the applicant’s procurement process, the applicant will be responsible for managing the day-to-day project activities, with RTA staff assistance. If the project utilizes a consultant under contract to the RTA, RTA staff will manage the administrative activities, while the local municipality will manage the overall project. Procurement Options
11. How are project budgets determined?
Project budgets are set by the RTA during the project selection process in consultation with the applicant. The “not to exceed amount” establishes the upper limit for the RTA’s funding for the project. Each project’s cost will vary depending on the scope; however a municipality should expect to provide matching funds in the range of $15,000 to $50,000.
12. What if the cost of a project will be higher than the “not to exceed amount”?
The applicant will be responsible for providing 100% of project costs over the “not to exceed” amount.
13. We submitted an application before the June 10th due date. What are the next steps, and how will we know if our project is accepted into the program?
If a project is selected to be included in the 2011 Community Planning Program of Projects, a series of actions need to occur prior to beginning the study. A proposed Program of Projects will be presented to the RTA Board on August 19, 2010 and will be followed by a public comment period from August 19 through September 24, 2010. The Program of Projects will be presented to the RTA Board on October 21, 2010 for approval. Pending approval, successful applicants will be notified. The RTA Board will then consider approving the funding necessary for the 2010 Program of Projects at the December Board meeting. Should funding be approved, selected applicants will be notified that their projects can begin once the scope of work has been finalized.
14. How are projects selected?
Immediately following the receipt of all submittals, RTA Staff will begin a review of the Applications. While RTA Staff prepares the recommended Program of Projects, RTA staff considers feedback from all three Service Boards (CTA, Pace, and Metra), Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and other agencies as appropriate. During this time RTA Staff will also contact all applicants to ask questions as necessary. The applications are quantitatively reviewed and ranked by a set of criteria that are based on how well the project adheres to the RTA's overall plans, goals and objectives, the Community Planning Program Principles, and overall project structure and approach. The full evaluation criteria are located in each application.
15. How frequently does the RTA make a call for projects?
Traditionally, the RTA makes an annual call for projects in the spring. This schedule is subject to change based on available funds.
16. Who should I contact for more information or questions about the Community Planning program?Please contact Ms. Heather Tabbert, Program Manager, Special Programs Division, at 312-913-3244 or
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