A Very Small Starts Proposal CAN be easier than you think Karl Otterstrom, AICP Spokane Transit, Director of Planning Spokane, WA QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW

Objectives of Presentation Provide agency perspective on experiences with Small Starts process Tips are meant to be helpful, not exhaustive QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW

King County Metro Experience QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW 14-mile Pacific Highway South RapidRide (BRT) Very Small Starts Project –Approved for project development December 2006; one of the first under Small Starts provisions of SAFETEA-LU –Full federal request in President’s proposed FY 2008 budget; $13.79 million appropriated by Congress in FY 2008 (grant released yesterday!) –FY 2009 appropriated remaining $278,000 previously cut by rescission provision

King County Metro Experience QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW 10-mile Bellevue-Redmond RapidRide (BRT) Very Small Starts Project –Approved for project development Fall 2007 –Requested 75% federal match –Approximately half ($10.59 million) included in FY 2009 appropriations

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KNOW THE CONTEXT Remember: FTA’s intent is to keep it simple and they are willing to help Know how the proposal fits into your agency’s network plans Know the guidelines QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW

King County Metro Context BRT corridors identified in 2002 Transit Development Plan 2006 “Transit Now” plan called for funding five BRT corridors Very Small Starts offered funding match opportunity

Take Action Inventory past work Prepare simplified Alternatives Analysis Develop outline of proposal package paterials Begin NEPA documentation ASAP Develop adequate cost estimates QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW

Developed concept for a “comprehensive proposal package” –Included all materials except electronic files required by FTA –Organized document in way that made sense more than FTA guidance did at the time Take Action

Be Nimble Use consultants wisely: - Cost estimates - Environmental documentation Make the case in concise terms Keep it Simple QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW

DO IT! Project Development phase is preliminary engineering and final design; keep it moving to construction Community input in project development phase just as important as planning phase Involve entire organization in making project happen QUALITY TRANSIT -- NOW