CAPITAL INVESTMENT
PROJECT SELECTION
DRAFT
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The Project Pipeline is an intentionally objective system of evaluating levels of transportation need on a regional level utilizing data derived from state and regional planning efforts and studies. To pair with this objective analysis, the HATS project selection process incorporates appropriate subjectivity through the discussions and evaluations of the HATS RTP Implementation Work Group, which makes TIP development and Project Pipeline related recommendations to the HATS Technical and Coordinating Committee. By embracing this objective-subjective balance – and considering the items discussed below – the HATS project selection process serves as a key implementation tool of the HATS 2050 RTP.
PROJECT READINESS —
A new addition to the Project Pipeline for the HATS 2050 RTP, project readiness is quantified for each transportation need based on amount of work completed or underway to progress toward implementation or construction. It is expressed on the Project Pipeline as a number between 1 and 3, which indicates the following:
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Ready for construction: scope defined, specific study, design, or feasibility work completed, municipal/stakeholder/public support demonstrated, and engineered cost estimate established
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Planning-level analysis: identified in municipal plan or regional study, unrefined scope, broad cost estimate, and some coordination or support demonstrated
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Just an idea: Transportation need form submitted, no prior work completed or is outdated, little-to-no coordination or support demonstrated
Note: Project Readiness scores will be re-evaluated and updated, where appropriate, at the beginning of each TIP development cycle. Transportation Needs with a Project Readiness score of 1 or 2 will be eligible to be programmed on the TIP. Transportation Needs with a Project Readiness score of 3 will be targeted for planning or study funds, with the objective of increasing that Need’s Project Readiness score.
TIP DEVELOPMENT —
The Project Pipeline is primarily implemented through the four-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), updated on a biennial cycle and modified on an as needed basis, as agreed upon through formal HATS action. By processing the project needs submitted by PennDOT or other project sponsors through the project development process identified here, all proposals eligible to receive federal transportation funds are given an equal opportunity to be included on the HATS TIP for implementation. Thus, the TIP serves as a local capital investment plan for the use of federal transportation funds.
CMAQ SELECTION PROCESS —
During TIP development, High Priority Transportation Needs on the Project Pipeline will be reviewed to determine (a) preliminary Congestion Management Air Quality (CMAQ) Program eligibility and (b) if the cost estimate is generally consistent with the amount of available funds. Transportation Needs that pass the preliminary review will be evaluated for emissions impact/reduction using the PennDOT-approved CMAQ worksheet. Transportation Needs with higher potential/estimated emissions reductions will be selected for inclusion on the TIP.
HSIP SELECTION PROCESS —
During TIP development, High Priority Transportation Needs on the Project Pipeline will be reviewed to determine (a) preliminary Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) eligibility and (b) if the cost estimate is generally consistent with the amount of available funds. Transportation Needs that pass the preliminary review will be evaluated against the most current PennDOT Network Screening Tool and those with higher excess costs will be selected for inclusion on the TIP.
DISCRETIONARY GRANTS —
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides extraordinary opportunities for discretionary grants to facilitate transportation improvements that are beyond the region’s current and projected funding capacity. As discussed earlier, several Project Pipeline Transportation Needs were included on the illustrative list because their high-cost estimate would reduce the region’s ability to make other transportation improvements and meet the vision and goals of this RTP. HATS staff will work with relevant municipal and state officials, as well as any other stakeholder necessary to pursue and obtain funding through discretionary grants and then administer or deliver the project, with Transportation Needs of higher Priority taking precedent.
PLANNING/STUDY FUNDING —
Available funding for studies and planning efforts should be directed toward High Priority Project Pipeline Transportation Needs that have low Project Readiness. These studies could include supplemental funding received by HATS or discretionary funding available through PennDOT or other potential sources.