Eligible applicants apply for program funds through the nomination of projects. All projects nominated must be identified in a currently adopted regional transportation plan. The Commission is required to evaluate and select submitted applications based on the following criteria: Freight System Factors – Throughput, Velocity, and Reliability;Transportation System Factors – Safety, Congestion Reduction/Mitigation, Key Transportation Bottleneck Relief, Multi-Modal Strategy, Interregional Benefits, and Advanced Technology;Community Impact Factors – Air Quality Impact, Community Impact Mitigation, and Economic/Jobs Growth;The overall need, benefits, and cost of the projectProject Readiness – ability to complete the project in a timely manner;Demonstration of the required 30% matching funds;The leveraging and coordination of funds from multiple sources; andJointly nominated and/or jointly funded. Program guidelines are created in consultation with agencies identified in Governor's Executive Order B-32-15, regional transportation planning agencies, local governments, private industry, and other advocates. Prior to adoption of the guidelines, the Commission conducts numerous public workshops throughout the state to solicit input and feedback.
