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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTTAC 06-23-09 ~JCCOG r...iii..... Meeting Notice JCCOG Transportation Technical Advisory Committee Tuesday June 23,2009 -10:30 a.m. Emma Harvat Hall Iowa City City Hall Agenda 1. Call to order; recognize alternates; consider approval of meeting minutes 2. Public discussion of any item not on the agenda 3. Consider a recommendation on the location of the future Amtrak depot for the Iowa City Urbanized Area 4. Update on local measurement of fine particulates and air quality standards (Kent) 5. Discussion of the 2009 JCCOG Collision Study 6. Update and discussion of research on clear zone standards 7. Update on the I-JOBS Program 8. Other Business 9. Adjournment S:\PCD\AGENDAS\JCCOG\TTAC\2009\TTAC-Agd06-23-09.DOC PRELIMINARY DRAFT - SUBJECT TO APPROVAL MINUTES JCCOG TRANSPORTATION TECHINICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, MAY 14th, 2009 -10:30AM EMMA HARVAT HALL IOWA CITY CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Iowa City: Dan Holderness, Scott Larson, Vicky Robrock Brian Boelk, Rick Fosse Ron Knoche, Chris O'Brien, Mark Rummel Tom Brase, Terry Dahms, Greg Parker Dean Wheatley Royce Phillips Louise From Brian McClatchey, Larry Wilson Cathy Cutler Johnson County: North Liberty: Tiffin: University Heights: University of Iowa: Iowa DOT: STAFF PRESENT: Kris Ackerson, Darian Nagle-Gamm, Brad Neumann, Kent Ralston, John Yapp 1. CALL TO ORDER; RECOGNIZE ALTERNATES: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Neumann called the meeting to order at 10:32 AM. Scott Larson was recognized as an alternate for Kelly Hayworth, Coralville. Motion to approve the October 16th minutes was made by Knoche and seconded by Wheatley. The motion carried unanimously. 2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA There was no public discussion of any item not on the agenda. 3. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION ON THE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WORK PROGRAM FY10 JCCOG Yapp explained the FY10 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) by summarizing the contents and types of projects within the plan. Yapp noted that the TPWP contains anticipated completion times for projects as requested by the Iowa DOT. Yapp stated that a significant project contained in this work program is the update of the JCCOG Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan which will need to be adopted in 2012. Yapp asked for any questions or comments on the TPWP and there were none. Motion to approve the FY10 JCCOG Transportation Planning Work Program was made by Fosse and seconded by Holderness. The motion carried unanimously. 4. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO AMEND THE TRANSIT ELEMENT OF THE FY09 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO ADD A PROJECT TO PURCHASE DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES FOR BUSES Neumann explained the proposed amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as necessary to allow the three local transit agencies to apply for grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that would fund new diesel-electric buses to be added to current bus fleets. Fosse asked about the potential payback time for investing in this new technology. McClatchey answered that since much of this technology is very new there has not been adequate time to study the benefits and accurately provide payback information. Dahms asked if the new engines would be retrofitted into current buses already in the fleet. McClatchey answered that the hybrid engines would be included in new buses. Holderness moved to approve the amendment to the FY09 JCCOG TIP; the motion was seconded by Brase. The motion carried unanimously. 5. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION ON THE FY10-13 JCCOG TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Ackerson noted several projects included in the JCCOG TIP as well as the inclusion of projects being funded by the ARRA. Ackerson noted that Illustrative Projects have recently been allowed in local TIP's by the Iowa DOT and that the JCCOG TIP contains four such Illustrative Projects. Several representatives noted that minor changes in estimated project costs have occurred for projects and that they would notify Ackerson of the changes as soon as possible. Fosse moved to approve the recommended FY10 JCCOG TIP subject to the minor funding changes noted; the motion was seconded by Holderness. The motion carried unanimously. 6. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION ON AN UPDATED JCCOG TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL Nagle-Gamm stated that new land use and trip generation information has been applied to the 2035 model for the Iowa River Landing site in Coralville. In addition, updates to the number of dwelling units and number of employees per traffic analysis zone (TAZ) as requested by JCCOG entities. Nagle-Gamm noted that the traffic demand model will continuously be updated and upon the release of 2010 census data the model will undergo more involved revisions, including changes in traffic analysis zone boundaries and a more thorough socio-economic data update. Knoche asked how future road capacity was determined for proposed roads not yet designed. Yapp answered that JCCOG consults each entity in order to obtain the best estimate for road capacity. Holderness moved to accept the recommended JCCOG Travel Demand Model; the motion was seconded by Knoche. The motion carried unanimously. 7. UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF JCCOG BICYCLE MASTER PLAN Ackerson gave an update on the progress of the JCCOG Bicycle Master Plan noting that JCCOG has presented the draft plan to multiple city councils and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. He then asked the committee for input on the draft plan, especially the section on engineering and recommendations. Fosse asked if the plan contained recommendations or references to pavement conditions. Ackerson stated that the plan does not specifically mention pavement conditions but it does address cleaning and some maintenance of roadways used for bike facilities. 8. UPDATE ON PASSENGER RAIL ACTIVITY Neumann stated that the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce has recently undertaken several efforts to promote passenger rail service between Iowa City and Chicago including a train ride from Iowa City to the Quad Cities on May 5 that included local representatives and political leaders. Neumann noted the State Passenger Rail Committee met on April 1 st in Ames; Mayor Regina Bailey is the local representative on the committee. Parker asked Neumann if he had an estimate on when passenger rail service could start in Iowa City. Neumann replied that approximately 3-5 years is the most plausible estimate based on the issues of funding and coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation. 9. UPDATE ON SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM AND TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING TARGETS Ackerson stated that JCCOG recently received updated funding targets for Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Transportation Enhancement (TE) program funds from the Iowa DOT due to a change in obligation limitations. Ackerson stated that JCCOG will keep member entities apprised of any additional changes and asked for additional questions or comments to which there were none. 10. UPDATE ON I-JOBS BONDING PROGRAM Yapp explained the proposed I-JOBS bonding program expected to be signed by Governor Culver on May 14th would provide over $700 million in State bonding authority for a variety of projects. Yapp mentioned that funds would be available for an assortment of projects that would potentially be of interest to local agencies including disaster related projects, sewer systems, housing, energy, broadband, vertical infrastructure, University repairs, and Transportation Improvements. Yapp recommended that agencies who apply for funding from this program pay attention to specific requirements as they may add significant administrative efforts to projects. 11. UPDATE ON RECENT ACTIVITIES Boelk stated the McCollister Boulevard extension and Bridge project is progressing well and may be completed ahead of schedule by mid-August. Knoche stated his department is busy with flood related issues and is currently addressing bidding issues with the replacement of the Burlington Street Pedestrian Bridge deck. O'Brien noted that Iowa City is tentatively scheduled to receive six new buses using AARA funds. From mentioned that construction of the wide sidewalk along Melrose Avenue is on track to begin in 2010. Phillips stated that a guide for Comprehensive Planning in Tiffin has recently been accepted. McClatchey stated that CAMBUS is scheduled to receive five new buses using AARA funds. Parker noted that environmental issues relating to the Oakdale Boulevard extension are ongoing and that the Dubuque Street Trail extension has been scaled back to now only extend from West Overlook Road to 275th Street. Holderness stated that Coralville is busy with flood recovery issues and that the Clear Creek Trail extension phase 4 is ready to be paved. Larson stated that stabilization of the Iowa River bank behind Heartland Inn will begin soon which will allow reconstruction of the damaged trail. Wheatley noted that North Liberty is set to begin a transportation survey of its citizens to determine demand for additional services and that city staff are busy with engineering work relating to the Highway 965 expansion. Wilson noted that the University is conducting studies on transportation in the Oakdale Campus and that an independent firm is studying potential sites for a new Hancher-Voxman performing arts center. 12. OTHER BUSINESS Yapp distributed a recently received e-mail from the Iowa DOT that states if ARRA funds are unused due to lower than expected bids then JCCOG will be allowed to reallocate those funds to different projects so long as the funds are let by January 20th 2010. Carol Spaziani with the League of Women Voters asked if recommendations from the Exploratory Transit Expansion Taskforce were included in the JCCOG FY10 Work Program. Yapp stated that the intent is to include the transit expansion issues as part of the Long Range Transportation Plan update. 13. ADJOURNMENT Fosse moved to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Wheatley. The meeting was adjourned at 11: 26 AM. ~JCCOG ,.......... m.e m 0 Date: June 15, 2009 To: JCCOG Tran~on Technical Advisory Committee From: Brad Neumann, Assistant Transportation Planner Re: Agenda item #3: Consider a recommendation on the location of the future Amtrak depot for the Iowa City Urbanized Area Iowa DOT has asked the JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board to formally designate the Amtrak depot location for future Amtrak service in our urbanized area. Iowa DOT is requesting this commitment to a depot location due to a funding request by Iowa DOT for an environmental study associated with the track upgrade. The environmental study will include depot locations and is one of the first steps toward passenger rail service to the area. In the feasibility study conducted by Amtrak for passenger rail service to Iowa City, Amtrak based their ridership projections on being close to the University of Iowa campus and has indicated that they would prefer to be located close to the main campus to maximize ridership, and to be within walking distance of the student population. The old Rock Island Railroad Depot in Iowa City fits Amtrak's location needs. Iowa City is exploring the purchase of the old Rock Island Rail Depot for Amtrak use; there are other potential locations in the same vicinity east of the Iowa River. There has also been discussion of a potential depot location near Highway 6 and Coral Ridge Avenue; either as the main depot location or a secondary location. A second stop in the same urbanized area, while not out of the question, would have to be justified. JCCOG staff is requesting that TT AC discuss this issue and make a recommendation to the JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board on the general Amtrak depot location. The Board would take formal action on the depot location at their meeting on June 24. Amanda Martin, of the Iowa DOT's Office of Rail Transportation division, will be at the June 23rd TTAC meeting to participate in the rail depot discussion. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. I can be reached at 356-5235 or by email at brad-neumann@iowa-city.org. cc: John Yapp wpdata/jccogtp/memffi AC-Amtrak6-D9.doc en G) .. ~ & -a G) en o a. e a. i:?:' <3 ro ~. o.!!! - 0 -O.E c:= ro"g 1/)'" Q)'" :;::~ <3:;:; -oE roC :J .- o~ ::> 02 -;~ ClCll ~e ._ D. .I;:.Cll US '" -~ 1/)0 Q)-'" -'" :JD. 0'" a::E '" -0:2 rol- ~ ~ I i i j ~ g. 'tl ~p.g~~f t:: sqt~~:8 QJ Q.li$o'tlie~~ ~.~ D~I~:: 12 ~:: !~ Date: June 15, 2009 ~JCCOG rrii__ m e m 0 To: JCCOG Transportation Technical Advisory Committee From: Kent Ralston; Assistant Transportation Planner~ Re: Agenda item #4: Update on local measurement of fine particulates and air quality standards In August 2008, staff reported to the Committee that the level of fine particulates (PM 2.5~ measured in Johnson County was nearing the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35ug/m (micrograms per cubic meter of air). If all or a portion of Johnson County exceeds the standard, we would be labeled as 'non-attainment', which has implications for transportation capital funding and industrial development. Measurements of PM 2.5 are based on a three-year, 24-hour average, and fluctuate regularly depending on weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. We indicated at that time that although the Johnson County three-year average had not yet exceeded the 35 ug/m3 threshold, future readings could jeopardize Johnson County's attainment status. Staff indicated that we would continue to monitor the issue and keep the Committee apprised. We are happy to report that PM 2.5 levels in our area were reduced in 2008, so we remain an attainment county. The following summarizes this issue: . The National Ambient Air Quality Standard threshold for fine particulates (PM 2.5) is 35 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air). . The three-year average for Johnson County in 2007 was measured at 34 ug/m3; the three- year average for Johnson County in 2008 was measured at 29 ug/m3; the monitor is located at Hoover Elementary School. . PM 2.5 is particulate matter including dust and pollutants smaller than 2.5 microns. . Measurements are based on a three-year, 24-hour average. Winter readings are typically higher than summer readings and vary from year to year. Although the Johnson County three-year PM 2.5 average decreased from 2007 to 2008, it is important that we continue to monitor this issue. Should Johnson County become designated as a non-attainment area, there would likely be implications for how and where state and federal transportation capital funds may be spent. The State may also begin requiring major industries to test for fine particulates and limit growth in the industrial sector through the DNR permitting process. States with designated nonattainment areas are required under the Clean Air Act to develop a State Implementation Plan and submit it to EPA within three years; the plan must include enforceable measures for reducing air pollutant emissions and provide steps to attain the PM 2.5 standards as quickly as possible. Emissions reduction programs for vehicles and power plants are commonly used tools used to attain PM 2.5 standards. The role of JCCOG would be in the transportation sector. Please bring any questions you have to the June 23rd meeting. jccoglp/mem/ttac-airqualily09.doc ~JCCOG r~ m e m 0 r.. Date: June 15, 2009 To: JCCOG Transportation Technical Advisory Committee From: Kent Ralston; Assistant Transportation Planner Re: Agenda item #5: Discussion of the 2009 JCCOG Collision Study ~ Staff has revised the current version of the JCCOG Urbanized Area Collision Analysis Report for 2009. The report contains an analysis of all intersections and midblocklocations in the urbanized area with three or more collisions from 2006-2008. The collision data used to craft the report was provided by the Iowa DOT and analyzed by JCCOG staff. We have attempted to make the document more user friendly by providing better visual aids and detailed collision information for each community. We have also included a set of potential countermeasures that may be useful when redesigning road features to minimize future collisions. JCCOG intends to analyze the top 10 highest collision intersections in the Urbanized Area and provide potential countermeasures to the appropriate jurisdiction. JCCOG staff is available to perform more detailed collision analysis for locations upon request. Copies of the 2009 JCCOG Urbanized Area Collision Analysis Report will be distributed at your June 23rd meeting. jccogtp/mem/ttac-09collisionreport. doc ~JCCOG r~m'emo ....... Date: June 15, 2009 To: JCCOG Tral)sportation Technical Advisory Committee From: Kent Ralston; Assistant Transportation Planner ~ Re: Agenda Item # 6: Update and discussion of research on clear zone standards This past winter the Midwest Transportation Consortium, a research group administered by the Institute of Transportation at Iowa State University, published a study on the effectiveness of clear zones on Iowa's urban roadways. A clear zone is defined as the distance between the roadway edge and fixed objects adjacent to the roadway such as trees, signs, and buildings. In Iowa from 2004 to 2006, fixed object collisions made up 15% of fatal urban collisions while only 6% of urban collisions involved a fixed object. The Iowa Department of Transportation currently recommends a minimum 10ft. clear zone for most roadways. Expanding clear zones in urban areas to meet this 10ft. standard can be difficult since roadways often have limited amounts of right-of-way and large amounts of neighboring infrastructure. As a result, it is often difficult for communities to weigh the cost of purchasing additional clear zone right-of-way against the risk of fixed object collisions. In contrast to the Iowa DOT standard, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design guidance currently recommends a minimum setback of 1.5 ft. The Midwest Transportation Consortium's research included a survey sent to 20 states with road characteristics similar to Iowa, as well as an evaluation of 13 urban corridors - 11 in Des Moines and 2 in Waterloo. Results of the research are as follows: . A 5 ft. clear zone is the most effective setback distance when the goal is to eliminate 90% of collisions involving a fixed object. · A 3 ft. clear zone is the most effective setback distance when the goal is to reduce 90% of the economic loss resulting from a fixed object collision. . There is little benefit to increasing the fixed object setback more than 5 ft. from the curb. . A uniform setback distance for fixed objects allows motorists to establish appropriate speeds and focus on the roadway edge. . Consistent fixed-object setbacks, regardless of the distance from the road, can result in a reduction in the number of fixed object collisions. The Iowa DOT has indicated that they intend to develop a new set of standards for fixed object setbacks for urban roadways. We will keep you apprised of any changes. I will be available at the June 23rd meeting to answer any questions you may have. jccogtp/mem/ttac-clearzones.doc Pollutants degrade quality of Iowa's air By PERRY BEEM.AN and CHASE DAVIS pbeeman@dmreg.com he air across Iowa i~ so polluted that the state is perilqusly close to viola~i,ng new federal limits aimed at protecting h1.lma:h health. Yet Iowans have no way of knowing what chemicals they are breathing because of a limited - and often inaccurate - system ofmonitor- ing pollution statewide, a Des Moines Register investigation found. . Catharine Fitzsimmons, Iowa's top air-quamy official, defended Iowa's existing air-monitoring system. Yet she said the state is under orders -from IOWA'S ~\ . BJ..g.gest (if Polluters the federal gliJvernmenfto bettermoni: torfiJ;le-particleand ozone pollution, among Iowa's most pressing ai.r-quality problems. "Both of those pollutants affect respiratory systems, particularly in the young, the elderly and those with compromised lung function," Fitzsim- . mons said. "They trigger heart attacks and other health problems." Iowans should know better in a c.ouple of years what is coming o~t of the stacks of Iowa's greatest pollut- ers. The state's Department of Natural Resources will begin requiring major industries to do more thorough testing for fine particles after the U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency releases a long-awaited protocol. But a top environmental advocate ~ said what Iowans are breathing today is worse than people think. "It's surprisingly bad," said Donna Wong-Gibbons, a physiologist with Plains Justice, an environmental ad- vocacy group. "It's sort of a paradox in the sense that Iowa is thought of as this great state with farm c,ountry and oPen land, and at. the same time there AIR, PAGE 6A AIR FROM PAGE lA ate serious prol:>lems with airpollutiqn." . Htindtl:!ds ,of chemical compounds waft through Iowa's air. Most have not reach~d dangerous levels, and many plants emit less pollution than they did years ago. Still, fine particles now blow acrpss the state in such high concentrations they are approaching levels that could force the state to mandate expensive improvements for business- es, the Register's examina- tion found. Concentrations of ozone, an ingredientdf smog, are not asconsis- tently poor, but they, too, are pushing federal limits across the state. The Register's air~quality analysis fou.nd finEl,particle levels in Iowa violated fed- eral limits q9 times from 2006to 2008, often trigger- ing warnings that -advised people with lung problems to stay inside. Ozone topped the federal limits twice. The newspaper's three- month examination focused on six pollutants regulated through the Clean Air Act that are considered among thE;!~r:eatest threats to publiG~~~lth.partiQle pol- . lution, gtoul)d~tevel ozone c$"pon ~onoxid.e,;' stufut oxidt;ls, - nitrQgen oxides and. lead. 0 , I .' Th,eih\Testlgation - which included an an;liysis of five years of emissions data froni'.1,600 facilities,' a de- o tai~~d review bfcoIllplian,~e filesfrl'llU' mote tna.n .1m) Iowa facilities, and other reporting on Iowa's biggest. air polluters - found: . The highest emissions of the siX chemical com-' pounds came from Wood- bury, Muscatine, Pottawat- tamie, I."inn a,p.d Clinton cqllntiE;!s.1ih'P$E;! counties _7 . .- "'---.__.._u_.._ are home to a. combination of power plants, grain pro- cessors, manufacturers and other industries. Franklin, Adams . Van Buren, Taylor and' Lucas counties, whicb are mostly rural, had the lowest emis- sions. . Th~ limited air-monitor~ ing network that does exist shows 15 cities across the state have J;ecorded ozone or particul~te readings that exceeded federal limits dur- ing the past three years, Muscatine and Daven- port have been cited by th.,e federal government for repeatedly violating limits on' small particle pollu- tion, in lar~e part becallse of emissions from foul1d- ries, cement pVlIits and . power plants,. along with vehicles. o. Polk County, 0 borne of the state capital, . ranked 23rd among the counties. The top facility in Polk County, ADM's Des Moines soybean plant, ranked 58th among the state's top emit! tel's. . In 25 counties, the top emitters were manufactur- . ers making generators; veterinary pharmaceuti- cals or bricks, for example. In 19 other counties, the top emitters were power plants. · Neither' regulat~rs.. nor. polluting indllstrie'i! can teU for certain whichcheIl),icals Iowa residents are breatb- ing. Tblit's because, 'like other states, Iowa. has a lilli, ited network (If 'rlioilltors; ~nd companiest;ypical1y es-. tlIllate and ,self~reportdatG! us~g fbqnulas tli~t m~hY experts C9iiflsidev. inacpu- rate. (See a related article in Monday's Register.) . No government regula- tor is measuring emissions of mercury, a toxic chemi- cal produced primarily by the state's coal-fired power plant~. Cbal plants are CONfUllur:o ON Nr:)(TPME FROM PREVIOUS PAGE toms. Areas that can't meet federal air-pollution limits can be forced to reduce emissions or else turn away new businesses or expansions. Many of Iowa's prob- len:s ~tem not from rising emiSSIOns but from tighter standards: Federal health workers have detennined that smaller amounts of pollution are enough to do damage, triggering the lower air-pollution limits. IQwa does have this go- ing for it: Problems here still pale in comparison to those of many larger, urban areas with heavier industry especially east of the Mis: sissippi River. ~ American Luhg Asso- CiatIOn report released in April found no Iowa cities Were among the nation's worst for ozone or particu- late pollution. Yet NIuscatine and Scott younties were among 211- counties 0 nationally ~that the EPA declared in cnronic ~olat~o~ of federal fine-par- tIcle lImIts in December. ~JCCOG rrii__ m e m 0 Date: June 15, 2009 To: JCCOG Transportation Technical Advisory Committee From: John Yapp, Executive Director 7~ I~ Re: Agenda Item #7: Update on I-JOBS Legislation On June 10, the City of Coralville and the Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting to provide the latest information on the I-JOBS legislation, including the initial proposed I-JOBS Board administrative rules. The information was provided courtesy of Avenson, Oakley and Cope Consulting. This memo is a summary of the initial proposed rules for I-JOBS Local Infrastructure Program; some of these rules will likely evolve as we work toward final rules. A summary of frequently asked questions about the I-JOBS programs is attached which includes commentary on the other I-JOBS programs. I-JOBS LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM Funds Available: $165 million available-awarded by the I-Jobs Board · $118.5 million for competitive grants for local infrastructure projects · Remaining funds ($46.5 million) are designated for specific projects, primarily in Linn County · The maximum size of one grant is $50 million . All funds must be expended within three years Iowa Jobs Board: 11 member Board consists of 6 members of the public 1. Jeff Pomeranz, chair-City Manager of West Des Moines 2. Pat Baird, vice-chair-CEO of AEGON USA 3. Willard "Sandy" Boyd-former President, University of Iowa 4. Joni Dittmer-Kraft Foods, Davenport 5. Kate Gronstal, engineer, Council Bluffs 6. Toi Sullivan-architect, Sioux City o The other 5 members include the Directors of IDED, IFA, RIO, Workforce Development, and the State Treasurer C:\Documents and Settings\jyapp\Desktop\MemoForm-newJCCOG.doc Types of Projects which are eligible: . The focus is on development and completion of public construction projects relating to disaster relief and mitigation, and to local infrastructure . Local Infrastructure includes projects relating to disaster rebuilding, reconstruction and replacement of local public buildings, flood control and flood protection, and future flood protection . A City, county or public organization is eligible to apply for the funds. 'Public organization' includes nonprofits which support to public needs of the local community Criteria: A point system will be developed. As of this writing, the criteria and points are preliminary; final rules will be posted at www.iiobsiowa.qov. Job creation: Based on the number and quality of jobs to be created and the benefits to accrue to areas of high unemployment - 40 points total 1. Wages and hours associated with the jobs reasonably projected to be created- up to 30 points 2. How project ranks when compared with job-creation ability of other projects will be taken into account 3. Work conditions and safety may be considered as well(of the 40 points) 4. Worker benefits-up to 5 points 5. Is project taking place in area distressed by high unemployment-up to 10 points 6. Project must score at least 20 points in this criteria to receive award Financial feasibilitv: including the ability of projects to fund depreciation costs or replacement reserves, and the availability of other federal, state, local and private sources of funds 1. Financial Analysis of project, including sources of funding, budget, and detailed projection of project's revenues and expenses for projected useful life of project-up to 15 points 2. Analysis of operational plan, including detailed information on how proposed project will be operated and maintained, including time-line for implementing project-up to 15 points 3. The availability of other federal, state, local, and private sources of funds for project- up to 15 points 4. Project must score at least 20 points in this criteria to receive award Sustainabilitv: Up to 20 points C:\Documents and Settings\jyapp\Desktop\MemoForm-newJCCOG.doc 1. Efficient and effective use of land resources and existing infrastructure by encouraging compact development, or ability to avoid costly duplication of services and costly use of land-up to 3 points 2. Provision for variety of transportation choices, including public transit-up to 3 points 3. Conservation of open space, farmland, and preservation of critical environmental issues-up to 3 points 4. Promotion of the safety, livability, and revitalization of existing urban and rural communities-up to 3 points 5. Construction and promotion of developments, building, and infrastructure that conserve natural resources-up to 3 points 6. Capture, retention, and infiltration of rainfall using storm water best practices-up to 3 points 7. Extent to which project design, construction, and use incorporate renewable energy sources-up to 2 points Enerqy Efficiency: Up to 20 points 1. Meeting current state building energy code-5 points 2. Exceeding the energy requirements in currently adopted energy code may make project eligible to receive up to 15 additional points Benefits for disaster recovery: 1. Whether proposed project replace or repairs a structure or facility damaged by the disaster-Lip to 10 points 2. Whether the proposed project would help achieve the community and/or region's overall post-recovery disaster vision-up to 8 points 3. Whether the proposed project contributes to community identity, sense of place, and quality of life-up to 8 points 4. Whether the proposed project incorporates best practices for reducing future disaster losses-up to 6 points The proiect's readiness to proceed: 1. Whether all engineering and architectural work required for construction to begin has been completed-up to 8 points 2. Whether all financing for the project, with the exception of competitive grant funds awarded under this chapter, has been committed and is available-up to 8 points 3. Whether all real property interests necessary for the construction of the project have been acquired-up to 8 points 4. Whether all necessary governmental approvals, including federal government approval, have been obtained-up to 8 points 5. Whether the project has demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of expending at least 10 percent of the project's total projected development cost within 6 months of execution of the grant award agreement-up to 8 points C:\Documents and Settings~yapp\Desktop\MemoForm-newJCCOG.doc Local support for proiect (as defined bv rule ): . Draft rules require a demonstration of local public support (along the same lines of how support has been demonstrated for a Vision Iowa award), but do not allocate points based on this criteria General ScorinQ Criteria: 1. "In instances where a given criteria is not applicable to a proposed project due to the nature of the project, the review committee members may adjust scoring so that the project is not disadvantaged as a result of inapplicable criterion. For example, if an earthen levee is proposed as a means of flood control, it should not lose points relative to other proposed projects because it does not comply with the current state building code (which does not apply to earthen levees)." 2. Projects that are identified in a Great Places agreement shall receive an additional two points Limits on Financial Assistance: . Up to 75% of the total cost of a project for replacing or rebuilding existing disaster- related damaged property . Up to 50% of the total cost for all other projects Capital Fund General Timeline: . June 10-web site should be operational at www.iiobsiowa.Qov. . June 15--IFA will post on web site a "notice of intention to apply" form that they will ask each potential applicant to submit. . June 15-28-I-Jobs board will hold meetings around the state to educate Iowans and potential applicants about the program . June 29-Full I-Jobs board to meet in Cedar Rapids; expected to approve $46.5 million in non-competitive grants . July 1-August 3-Applications can be submitted for competitive pool of I-Jobs restricted capital funds . August 14-Review Committee will meet to review all applications . August 31-Fulll-Jobs board will meet and make first round of awards from competitive grant pool of funds C:\Documents and Settings\jyapp\Desktop\MemoForm-newJCCOG.doc CULVER/JUDGE JOBS IOWA'S INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT INITIATIVE Frequently Asked Questions What is I-JOBS? Governor Culver's signature initiative, I-JOBS will strengthen Iowa's economy, help our state recover from the natural disasters of 2008, and preserve or create thousands of jobs. The $830 million three-year program includes several parts but focuses on public infrastructure, transportation, disaster recovery & prevention, environment & water quality, telecommunications & renewable energy and housing.. I-JOBS is funded with existing state gaming revenue, meaning no increase in taxes. What is the role of the I-JOBS Board of Directors? The Iowa Legislature charged the I-JOBS Board of Directors with establishing, overseeing and providing approval of the I-JOBS Local Infrastructure Program. The Board will encourage and support public construction projects related to disaster relief and mitigation. I-JOBS includes $165 million for this purpose: · $46.5 million in grants targeted to Linn County, Cedar Rapids, Palo, Elkader and Charles City · $118.5 million in competitive grants to be awarded to cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations Who administers the I-JOBS programs that the I-JOBS Board does not? I-JOBS includes several components; public infrastructure, transportation, disaster recovery & prevention, environment & water quality, telecommunications & renewable energy and housing. Various state agencies will administer these programs. The I-JOBS Board will oversee only disaster recovery, prevention and local infrastructure. When will Linn County, Cedar Rapids, Palo, Elkader and Charles City receive the funds that are earmarked for them? The I-JOBS legislation states that these entities must submit a plan to the I-JOBS Board no later than September 1,2009, detailing a description of the project, a plan to rebuild, and the amount or percentage of federal, state, local or private matching moneys that will or have been approved for the project. Those plans may be submitted to: Iowa Finance Authority Attn: Joseph Jones 2015 Grand Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50312 joseph.jones@iowa.gov Funds not utilized in accordance with this rule shall revert to the I-JOBS competitive grant program for disaster recovery, prevention and local infrastructure. When can my community/county/nonprofit organization apply for competitive funds for disaster recovery & prevention? A Notice ofIntent to Apply for the noncompetitive funds is available now at www.IowaFinanceAuthority.gov. The program's application will be available on July 1. The first deadline for the funds is August 3. Additional funding rounds will follow. The I-JOBS Board will review and approve competitive grant applications for disaster recovery, prevention and local infrastructure. How are I-JOBS funds appropriated and who administers each I-JOBS program? Funding For Veterans Home, Community Colleges, And Other Public Improvements: $285 Million . $185 million to improve public facilities across Iowa, such as the Iowa Veterans Home, correction facilities, and our community colleges. . $100 million for further investments in state public infrastructure, including state parks. o These funds are direct appropriations Continuing Flood Recovery And Rebuilding: $165 Million . $118.5 million in competitive grants available for reconstruction of local public buildings and flood control prevention in communities hit by last year's disasters. o Administered by: I-JOBS Board of Directors . $46.5 million in grants targeted for help to Linn County, Cedar Rapids, and to rebuild fire stations in Palo, Elkader, and Charles City. o Administered by: I-JOBS Board of Directors Improving Iowa's Transportation Infrastructure: $115 Million . $50 million to improve the safety ofIowa's bridges. . $55 million to cities and counties to improve local roads, including many roads still damaged by last year's natural disasters. . $10 million invested in airports, rail and trails. o These programs are administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation Rebuilding Iowa's Universities: $115 Million . $100 Million to rebuild 10 buildings destroyed by flooding at the University of Iowa, which will allow the use of nearly $500 Million in federal funds . $15 Million to build a veterinary hospital lab at Iowa State University o These funds are direct appropriations Improving Our Environment And Water Quality: $80 Million . $35 million to help construct sewers in communities under 10,000. o Administered by: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship . $20 million in competitive grants for communities of any size for water improvement projects. o Administered by: Iowa Department of Natura I Resources . $25 million to water-quality projects, including flood prevention, as well as soil conservation practices. o Administered by: Iowa Finance Authority Meeting Iowa's Housing Needs: $35 Million . $20 million invested in affordable housing for elderly, disabled, and low-income Iowans. . $10 million to construct or improve shelters for domestic abuse, emergencies, and the homeless. . $5 million to repair homes damaged by last year's floods. o These programs administered by the Iowa Finance Authority Investing In Telecommunications And Renewable Energy: $35 Million . $25 million invested in improving access to technology throughout Iowa. o Administered by: Iowa Energy Center . $10 million to create a revolving loan program to support alternative energy projects to support both new jobs and energy independence. o Administered by: Iowa Telecommunications & Technology Commission