National RTAP eNews - August 6, 2020

eNews - August 6, 2020

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 Webinar on Updated Fundamental Financial Management Training

The National RTAP Fundamental Financial Management for Rural Transit Providers training module was completely rewritten in 2020. It provides essential guidance for FTA Section 5311 recipients and subrecipients on topics including OMB’s Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200), accounting, indirect costs, cost allowability, local match, donations, cash management, NTD reporting, and audits.

Featured Resource

We will hold a webinar on August 20, 2020 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET to provide an overview of the topics covered in the manual and guidance on how to best utilize the materials. Presenters include Richard Garrity of RLS & Associates, the author of the manual, and Todd Hansen of Texas A&M Transportation Institute, who oversaw the manual publication and development of the instructor materials. Note: This webinar will not be a delivery of the training content.

Introducing RTAPgo - the Podcast FOR and BY Rural and Tribal Transit Operators

RTAPgo is the rural and tribal transit provider’s straight-talk on peer tested innovations, trends, and ideas on facing operational challenges, surviving, and thriving with grace, grit, and creativity.

Hosted by National RTAP, the RTAPgo Podcast will allow small systems to see the big impact of their innovation and leadership and share information with each other that can improve service delivery, design, and responsiveness to community needs. We may not be able to travel to conferences across the country now, but we can still connect and learn from each other.

COUNTDOWN TO THE PODCAST LAUNCH WITH US!

Visit our website, www.nationalrtap.org/RTAPgo, to hear brief snippets of our very first episode: "RTAPgo on the Road with Tribal Transit: Big Woods Big Impact."

Subscribe to our RTAPgo email list for updates, exclusive content, and a chance to win gift cards, RTAPgo gear, and more!! The first 100 email subscribers will be entered into a special prize drawing. Each week we'll feature fun prizes, challenges, and content.

Resources and Events

Still Time to Register for Today's Essential Spanish for Rural Transit Webinar

Essential Spanish for Rural Transit is a National RTAP training that provides the most frequently asked questions passengers ask, as well as the most important messages that transit drivers need to give those passengers, in a simple English/Spanish format to facilitate effective communication. Oregon DOT panelists will introduce the training module and its applications on August 6, 2020, 2:00-3:00 PM ET. Register for the webinar.

Upcoming Introduction to N-CATT Webinar

National RTAP will host a webinar on September 2, 2020, 2:00-3:00 PM ET featuring the National Center for Applied Transit Technology, N-CATT. N-CATT provides technical assistance and resources that enable small transit agencies to adopt right-sized and appropriate technology solutions to solve their problems and help them reach their goals. Panelists will discuss N-CATT resources and technical assistance projects. Register for the webinar.

State RTAP Manager Peer Roundtable with a Training Focus Summary Available

National RTAP held a training-focused peer roundtable for State RTAP Managers on July 23, 2020. Topics covered included training certifications, online training platforms, training scholarships, and in-person training safety protocols in light of COVID-19. Read the Roundtable Summary.

National RTAP/AASHTO MTAP Webinar on Creating a ProcurementPRO State Portal Recording Available

National RTAP and AASHTO’s Multi-State Transit Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) co-hosted a webinar on creating a state procurement portal within National RTAP’s existing ProcurementPRO application on July 29, 2020. Access the webinar recording and presentation slides.

MPTA/IPTA ADA Toolkit Webinar Recording Available

On July 22, 2020, Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) and Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) held a webinar on the National RTAP ADA Toolkit, which was comprehensively updated in June 2020. The webinar recording and presentation slides are available on the MPTA website.

We have also added questions received during our ADA Toolkit Update webinar in June along with their answers to the ADA Toolkit Questions and Answers page. A new category on that page is Demand Response Bus Service.

Two Weeks Left to Enter the National RTAP Rural Transit Heroes Photo Contest

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to make sure their passengers travel safely and comfortably in all situations? An innovator that helps rural and Tribal transit agencies overcome challenges and find solutions? A leader in providing essential services during the pandemic, curbing human trafficking, addressing the opioid crisis, or helping other vulnerable populations through transit? All these heroes deserve to be celebrated, so the theme of our 2020 Photo Contest is “Rural Transit Heroes.” The contest ends August 20, 2020.

U.S. DOT and FTA Updates

FTA published a Notice in the Federal Register on July 23, 2020 that responded to comments and finalized National Transit Database (NTD) reporting requirements. Changes included: added new data elements about automated vehicles, allowed separate mode reporting for geographically and Resource separated modes, and clarified commuter service survey standards. These changes will be implemented in reporting years 2019-2021.

Through the end of the year, FTA will host a series of listening sessions for the transit community to facilitate peer-to-peer exchange of ideas and practices during recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency.

U.S. DOT has created an Applicant Toolkit for Competitive Funding Programs at USDOT. The toolkit provides information and resources to help rural applicants understand U.S. DOT discretionary grant programs and the funding process. The Toolkit also contains a discretionary grant funding matrix, project spotlights, videos, and a glossary of acronyms.

FTA announced $225 million in funds under the Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program. Projects will aim at expediting delivery of new projects, including small starts and core capacity improvement. Projects must utilize public-private partnerships and be operated and maintained by existing public transportation providers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until up to 8 grants are awarded.

U.S. DOT invites public comment on the document, Pathways to the Future of Transportation. The document is intended to help readers understand the purposes of the Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) Council and its methods of operation. Comments are requested by September 28, 2020.

FTA's July 2020 Transit Safety and Oversight Spotlight newsletter has been published. The issue includes highlights from the latest Safety Research and Demonstration Program Interim Report and information on upcoming virtual U.S. DOT Transportation Safety Institute trainings on SMS Principles for Transit and SMS Safety Assurance.

FTA's July 2020 FTA Drug and Alcohol newsletter has been published. The issue includes guidance on pre-employment testing after an extended absence and post-accident testing for mechanics.

U.S. DOT launched an Accessibility Strategic Plan Framework Online Dialogue to ensure a unified vision and clear path forward to continue to remove barriers in transportation access for people with disabilities. Participants are invited to ideas, comments, and votes.

U. S. DOT awarded nearly $5 million to fund four new University Transportation Centers focusing on Highly Automated Transportation Systems, Communications Technology and E-Commerce Effects on Travel Demand, Implications of Accessible Automated Vehicles and Mobility Services for People with Disabilities, and Strategic Implications of Changing Public Transportation Travel Trends.

Opportunities

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designed the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to bring high speed fixed broadband service to small businesses that lack access. The application deadline is October 22, 2020.

The Common Counsel Foundation and Native Americans in Philanthropy announced that the Native Voices Rising (NVR) Fall 2020 grant pool is now open. The grants seek to strengthen Native-led organizations in the U.S. that are improving the lives of their community members. The deadline is August 27, 2020.

The Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award recognizes extraordinary volunteer service in areas with 5,000 people or less. The deadline is August 15, 2020.

Welcome New State RTAP Managers

National RTAP extends a warm welcome to our community to our newest State RTAP Managers Michael Johnson of Minnesota and Heather J. Hildebrandt of North Carolina. To contact them or any RTAP Manager, visit our Directory of State RTAP Managers.

Webinars and Training

National Transit Institute is offering a number of upcoming new webinars, all being held between 2:00-3:30 PM ET, including:

The latest installment in the National Transportation Knowledge Network (NTKN) LibGuide Petting Zoo blog series focuses on the Online Training Resources for Transportation Employees. Read the blog post and visit the LibGuide.

FHWA is offering a free, web-based course on the process and requirements for developing and implementing Transportation Improvement Programs. The course includes FTA requirements for statewide and non-metropolitan transportation planning and programming processes.

Publications

The National Safety Council has published Transportation Considerations: Return-to-Work Guidance. This playbook chapter provides guidance for employers on providing safe routes to work and transportation safety on the job for workers who have transportation-related responsibilities at work.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a COVID-19 web page specifically for rural communities. The page includes statistics and guidance for community based organizations and workplaces.

A new FHWA web page on communicating transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) is available. Resources include a FHWA/AASHTO TSMO outreach kit with a brochure, talking points, testimonials, and FAQs.

NCHRP's Lessons Learned and Impacts to Date of State DOT Implementation of New Federal Transit Asset Management and Public Transportation Agency Safety Requirements documents the state of practice as State DOTs implement these requirements and the shows impacts of implementation on asset condition, safety, and the investment of federal transit funds.

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has developed What Tribes and Tribal Entities Need to Know When Procuring Personal Protective Equipment. This guide includes information on putting on and taking off PPE, verifying legitimate suppliers, and examples of Tribes helping with PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has created a COVID-19 Toolkit for Tribal Communities. Sections include:

National RTAP General Transit Information Topic Guide Updated

The National RTAP Funding Topic Guide lists resources that provide information about funding, funding sources and writing grant applications. The guide was updated in July 2020. Newly added organizations include:

National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM)
GrantWatch lists grants for organizations to provide transportation to individuals in rural areas
Rural Health Information Hub (RHIHub) lists transportation to support rural healthcare funding

Databases and Tools

The FEMA Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool (RAPT) is a free GIS web map that allows federal, state, local, tribal and territorial community leaders to examine the interplay of census data, infrastructure locations, and hazards, including real-time weather forecasts, historic disasters and projected hazard risk.

Legislation

The Federal Communications Commission published a Final Rule in the Federal Register on July 27, 2020 on Accelerating Wireless and Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment. The Rule clarifies whether environmental assessments are required when an impact has already been mitigated in the historic preservation review process.

Calendar of Upcoming Events

All event times listed in Eastern Time. Subtract 1 hour for Central Time, 2 for Mountain Time, 3 for Pacific Time, 4 for Alaska, and 6 for Hawaii.

National RTAP

Essential Spanish for Rural Transit Webinar

August 6, 2:00-3:00 PM