National RTAP eNews - October 17, 2019

eNews - October 17, 2019

National RTAP is a program of the Federal Transit Administration dedicated to creating rural and tribal transit solutions through free training materials, technical assistance, and partner collaboration.

Upcoming National RTAP/CTE Webinar on Rural Transit Zero-Emission Vehicle Deployments: Collaborating with your Electric Utility

Join National RTAP and the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) on November 5, 2019 from 2:00-3:30 PM ET for a webinar about electrical usage and infrastructure needs to support zero-emission bus (ZEB) deployments and strategies to help electric utilities and transit agencies build and maintain partnerships, featuring a case study about Roaring Fork Transportation Authority's (RFTA) partnership with Holy Cross Energy (HCE). Register for the webinar.

How to Find (Almost) Anything Toolkit Updated

The National RTAP Find Anything Toolkit received a comprehensive update in October 2019. Updates include new search engine alternatives to Google, 2019 hot topics, and a number of new technology tools, including National RTAP's Cost Allocation Calculator and Rural Health Explorer's Health Outcomes and Access to Care in Rural America.

Featured Resource

Resources and Events

Upcoming National RTAP Tribal Transit Peer Roundtable

Join us and fellow Tribal Transit providers on November 19, 2019 from 3:00-4:00 PM ET to talk about your programs and challenges you're facing. Topics we'll be discussing will include the Proposed Rule on Tribal Transportation Self-Governance. No need to register, just join the GoToMeeting. Please let us know what you're interested in discussing by filling out a Google Form, and you can RSVP for an email invite.

Survey for National RTAP Scheduling and Dispatching Training Update

National RTAP is updating our Scheduling and Dispatching Training and we need your help! Please fill out this brief survey to help the instructional designers better understand the audience for this training, the roles of schedulers and dispatchers at rural transit agencies, and specific items or topics you would find helpful. The survey will close on Thursday, October 31. Thank you!

National RTAP Transit Disaster Response Twitter Chat Transcript and Summary

Kelly J Scalf, Okanogan County Transit Authority and Michelle D. Horne and Jaimie Ainsworth, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development led a #TransitDisasterResponse Twitter Chat on October 8. Participants learned practical ways for agencies to help their communities during fires, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. Read the chat transcript and summary.

U.S. DOT and FTA Updates

U.S. DOT is requesting comments on their Information Dissemination Quality Guidelines through November 6, 2019. The guidelines were recently updated on October 1, 2019 to reflect current procedures and compliance with OMB’s Memorandum M–19–15.

FTA published their September 2019 Drug and Alcohol Regulations Update newsletter. The issue includes information about access to FTA drug and alcohol testing records, post-accident testing, and completing the Federal Alcohol Testing Form.

On September 25, U.S. DOT FMCSA awarded over $77 million in grants to improve commercial motor vehicle safety. Awards included FMCSA High Priority, Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation, and Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training grants. Awardees includes State DOTs, universities, and other organizations.

U.S. DOT published a Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 2, 2019. The Program would provide participating Tribes with greater control and decision-making authority over use of certain DOT funding for which they are eligible. Comments are due by December 2, 2019.

The DOT/FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners System of Records, which allows U.S. DOT/FMCSA to collect and maintain records on Medical Examiners registering on the National Registry website, was revised on October 4, 2019. Changes include the addition of routine use for the sharing of commercial motor vehicle driver information to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies. Comments must be submitted by November 4, 2019.

FTA will host a webinar on October 30, 2019 on the Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning. The funding opportunity was announced on September 18 and the application period will close on November 18, 2019.

Webinars and Training

The UDS Mapper is a collaboration between the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and includes data about the health of rural areas. For free training on this tool, visit the UDS Mapper webinar page.

Opportunities

TribalSafety.org, the road safety website for Tribal governments is requesting photos, project highlights, and other suggestions during the fall season. Accepted images and resources will be displayed on their website.

The National Safety Council Green Cross for Safety® awards recognize a variety of outstanding projects and organizations working to eliminate preventable deaths in communities, or on the road. Applications will be accepted through November 2019.

The national 2020 Build a Better Mousetrap competition is soliciting nominations for transit agency creative solutions through May 31, 2020. Each state's LTAP center collects and awards a state winner who enters a national competition. It is geared towards local and tribal agencies, but there can be a collaboration between non-local and local agencies (who complete the submission).

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Indian Energy put out a Notice of Intent about funding for energy infrastructure deployment on Tribal lands. If potential applicants wish to be notified when the funding opportunity announcement is issued, they should subscribe to the DOE Office of Indian Energy email list.

Idaho RTAP Has a New Web Page

Idaho RTAP is pleased to announce their new training web page. The page lists their upcoming trainings with registration links, guidelines and applications for their program, and resources. The web page also includes an embedded National RTAP calendar using our widget.

Publications

NCHRP's Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program defines success and describes State DOT initiatives for DBE success. It explores types of business assistance that contribute to the success of DBE firms.

Minnesota DOT's Preparing Local Agencies for the Future of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles assists local agencies in preparing for CAVs in the short term— 5 to 10 years. It includes a case study from rural Wyoming.

A new TRB Snap Search is available on Accessibility. It includes links to webinar recordings including Successful Mobility Management Practices in Small Urban and Rural Areas.

Legislation

The mandatory compliance date for the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is January 6, 2020. The Clearinghouse will be operational on January 6, 2020. Drivers, employers, SAPs and MROs can enter information. Authorized users must register to request access to information in the Clearinghouse.

NHTSA published a final rule in the Federal Register on October 2, 2019 permitting states to adopt schemes allowing electronic odometer disclosure statements in conjunction with electronic titling systems. This rule adds disclosure requirements. The rule also amends mileage disclosure exemptions to vehicles 20 years old or older. This rule is effective on December 31, 2019.

View Photos from National RTAP's 2019 Technical Assistance Conference

The 4th National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference, Charting New Trails for Rural & Tribal Transit, took place on September 15-18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. View photos of highlights of sessions, awards, Expo, Big Night Out, and more on our Facebook and DropBox albums.

Calendar of Upcoming Events

TRB

Understanding and Using Census Data for Tribal Transportation Programs

October 17, 1:00-2:30 PM