2006-01-09 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Program Guide Call of 2005 - 2006 Local Funding Share Cost Considerations The funding provided by this program is on a cost reimbursement basis. Projects undertaken with enhancement funds are eligible for reimbursement of up to 80 percent of allowable costs. The funds approved by the Commission and programmed into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) are a fixed amount. All non-federal participating costs, including cost overruns, must be furnished through the nominating entity. Costs incurred before TxDOT authorization to proceed are not reimbursable. Other ineligible expenses include the costs of preparing a project 1J0mination, and for routine operations and maintenance of a project. Should the nominating entity not be in compliance with federal and state regulations or not complete the project, TxDOT will seek reimbursement of expended federal funds. A minimum match of 20 percent local funding to a maximum 80 percent federal funding is required in each project phase when federal reimbursement is requested. Nominating entities may exceed the minimum match requirement. . Non-eligible activities should not be included in the enhancement project nomination form. TxDOT authorizes expenditures in project phases (preliminary engineering, real property acquisition, and construction) . To be eligible for reimbursement, all project costs must be included in the itemized budget section of the nomination form and approved by the Commission. Costs may be shifted between eligible work categories upon receiving TxDOT approval. Reimbursable environmental evaluation and mitigation costs, which may arise in the course of the project, must be included in the itemized budget section of the nomination form in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Obtaining realistic cost estimates for the services to be performed are extremely important to insure that adequate funding is secured. Only those approved items of work and cost estimates established in the nomination form will be eligible for federal funding participation. Administrative costs which are incurred by TxDOT and the nominating entity are allowable costs. It is recommended that the services of a professional engineer, architect, landscape architect or contractor be obtained to assist in development of the required project services and cost estimates. Costs for professional services associated with preparation of the nomination form are not eligible for reimbursement. In-kind Contributions Donations of real property, materials and services required for the development of the project may be eligible to count towards the local funding share of a project as in-kind contributions. Donations may be made by other governmental or non-governmental organizations. Nominators may not donate items to themselves to count as in-kind contributions. The value of the items being donated to the nominating entity for the project will be based on the fair market value of the materials at the time of donation. In-kind 21 Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program