What groups are included in EJ populations?
EJ populations include minority or low-income populations.
Guidance
Legacy ID
176
Show Effective Date
Off
Significant Regulatory Guidance
No
Can local funds spent on art or non-functional landscaping be used to match the federal grant?
No. Local funds used to match FTA funds may be spent only on eligible expenses.
What FTA programs are now prohibited from funding art and non-functional landscaping?
This prohibition applies to all FTA programs and grants, including all programs authorized under Chapter 53 of Title 49, U.S.C. and other programs for which FTA serves as the grant making agency (e.g. TIGER).
Has the law changed regarding art in public transit?
Yes. Prior to 2013, federal transit law permitted the use of FTA grant funds for costs associated with including art in public transportation projects. This was one of several types of projects termed “transit enhancements” for which transit agencies were required to spend a certain amount...
If my project was funded prior to December 4, 2015, and it includes the cost of non-functional landscaping, incorporating art, or an artist on the design team, can the transit agency still include these items in the project?
Yes. The prohibition on FTA funds being used to pay for the incremental costs of incorporating art or non-functional landscaping into facilities, including the costs of an artist on a design team, applies only to grants (including full funding grant agreements) entered into on or after...
Aside from the cost to include an artist on a design team, how does FTA define the incremental costs of incorporating art or non-functional landscaping into a facility?
To begin with, it is important to understand the difference between the concepts of “art” and “design.” FTA expects all transit projects to be designed and built by professional architects, engineers, planners, interior and landscape design professionals, and those in other professional trades...
Can we install customized tiles in the entrance to our facility that showcase our city’s history and beauty, since the facility was designed to reflect our regional geography/culture?
Yes, in this example, the tiles would serve a functional purpose by protecting the interior walls or floors of the facility from deterioration. Hence, the cost of acquiring, arranging, and installing commercially available tiles that reflect local designs or aesthetics (e.g. a “southwestern”...
What does FTA consider to be “functional” landscaping?
FTA recognizes that landscaping is an integral and functional element of many transit facilities. For example, landscaping can be used to aid in the absorption or drainage of storm water, prevention of erosion, support of structures on a steep grade, minimization of noise impacts,...
Can you provide some examples of project costs that would be allowed and those that would not be allowed?
AllowableNot AllowedSpeakers in a transit station, intended to amplify announcements and/or provide background sound (e.g. white noise, music)
Commissioning an original musical composition to be played through speakers in the facilityArranging and installing colorful or decorative tiles that...Are remanufactured vehicles eligible for purchase under the Low-No Program?
Yes. Remanufactured vehicles are vehicles that have undergone substantial structural, mechanical or electrical rebuilding, restoration or updating by a third party and then are sold or leased to a transit agency. For the purposes of the Low-No Program, remanufactured vehicles...