FTA is inviting comments by March 11 to proposed policy guidance accompanying the final rule that sets a new regulatory framework for projects seeking federal New Starts and Small Starts funds.

The proposed policy guidance complements the final rule by providing a deeper level of detail about New Starts and Small Starts projects and describes the measures FTA intends to use to evaluate projects that seek the funding, if adopted. The final rule, unveiled in early January, takes effect April 9.

For details on how to submit comments, click here. To learn more about the guidance, visit this website.

APTA’s Policy and Planning Committee is gathering input and developing draft comments. Information is available from Rich Weaver. In addition, FTA officials will lead a workshop on the final rule and proposed policy guidance during APTA’s upcoming Legislative Conference, March 10-12 in Washington.

New Starts and Small Starts is one of the federal government’s largest competitive grant programs. It funds roughly half the cost of new and extended light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit, and ferry systems built in the U.S. In Fiscal Year 2012, the program provided more than $2 billion for capital projects to help build public transit projects.