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From page 75... ... C-1 A P P E N D I X C Resource Documents This appendix contains the following resource documents: • Cross-Agency Coordination Self-Assessment • Accessibility Evaluation Process Worksheet • Evaluation Tools and Data Guided Reference Sheet • Federal Transportation Funding Resource Guide • Funding Strategies and Financing Mechanisms Worksheet • Skill-Building Resource Checklist • Community Engagement Tools and Techniques (reference sheet) • Staff Capacity Self-Assessment Tool • Community Engagement Worksheet Separate PDFs of these resources can also be found on the National Academies Press website (nap.nationalacademies.org) Read the entire page →
From page 76... ... Cross-Agency Coordination Self-Assessment This self-assessment may be useful to a range of entities involved in rural accessibility, from state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other state agencies, regional planning entities, local governments, area nonprofits, for-profit and social enterprises, and more. Read the entire page →
From page 77... ... Questions to Consider: 1. Based on your assessment of their roles, skills, activities, and rationale for partnering, which partnerships have clear reasons for working together? Read the entire page →
From page 78... ... Partnership Strength Assessment How effective are your partnerships in improving rural access? Indicate whether you agree with the following statements describing your work with partners. Read the entire page →
From page 79... ... Questions to Consider: 1. Do these characteristics reflect a majority of your organization's relationships with partners? Read the entire page →
From page 80... ... Opportunities for New Partnerships Are there opportunities for new partnerships that may have been overlooked in your network? Think through current and potential demand for transportation, and whether there are opportunities to engage other entities in new and different ways. Read the entire page →
From page 81... ... Questions to Consider: 1. Which user groups are not being widely served now? Read the entire page →
From page 82... ... C-8 Access to Jobs, Economic Opportunities, and Education in Rural Areas Accessibility Evaluation Process Worksheet This worksheet will help you build accessibility evaluation into your organization's existing decision-making processes. Doing so can help your organization prioritize projects and allocate funding in strategic ways. Read the entire page →
From page 83... ... Resource Documents C-9 Step 1: Establish a Common Understanding of Accessibility Accessibility refers to the ability of people and businesses to access desired activities, services, and goods with their available transportation options.1 Describe accessibility in your own words. Does your organization define accessibility in a similar way? Read the entire page →
From page 84... ... C-10 Access to Jobs, Economic Opportunities, and Education in Rural Areas Step 2: Define Your Goals Once you and your organization have a common understanding of accessibility, begin defining specific goals. The table on the right provides a framework for defining goals around accessibility improvement. Read the entire page →
From page 85... ... Resource Documents C-11 Describe your goals related to technology needs. Step 3: Specify the Scope What type of decision support does your organization need when it comes to accessibility issues? Read the entire page →
From page 86... ... C-12 Access to Jobs, Economic Opportunities, and Education in Rural Areas Step 5: Identify Available Resources What types of data and information would you need to measure accessibility in your region? For instance, do you have information on where people, businesses, and key destinations are located? Read the entire page →
From page 87... ... Resource Documents C-13 Evaluation Tools and Data Guided Reference Sheet Assessing rural transportation accessibility and connectivity requires specific data and tools for analysis. This guided reference sheet can help you find applicable data and tools to evaluate accessibility and connectivity. Read the entire page →
From page 88... ... C-14 Access to Jobs, Economic Opportunities, and Education in Rural Areas To incorporate access into rural planning, it is critical to estimate access to jobs, social services, and other destinations using network-based travel time. These tools and supporting datasets can support these efforts. Read the entire page →
From page 89... ... Resource Documents C-15 As noted, many of these tools require user inputs, including network datasets and destination datasets. Network Dataset Description General Transit Feed Specification Standard format for free and Open-Source Data on Public Transit Schedules OpenStreetMap Free and Open-Source Street and Walking Network Data Here, Inrix, TomTom Proprietary Vehicle Speed Data for Network Links Destination Dataset Description U.S. Read the entire page →
From page 90... ... C-16 Access to Jobs, Economic Opportunities, and Education in Rural Areas Rural areas have varied demographic compositions, economic structures, and land uses. This information can help support analysis of access and connectivity needs and may also be used to qualify access evaluations. Read the entire page →
From page 91... ... Resource Documents C-17 Rural Health Information Hub, Rural Data Explorer Repository of state-level socioeconomic data dating back to 2006. Includes a mapping feature with county detail and the ability to switch between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Read the entire page →
From page 92... ... C-18 Access to Jobs, Economic Opportunities, and Education in Rural Areas U.S. Census, Longitudinal EmployerHousehold Dynamics, OnTheMap (onthemap.ces.census.gov) Read the entire page →
From page 93... ... Federal Transportation Funding Resource Guide The purpose of this guide is to promote awareness of federal funding programs that can support rural access improvements. It can serve as a reference for professionals who would like to become familiar with the range of funding programs. Read the entire page →
From page 94... ... The following tables include formula funding programs to consider, eligible agencies, and modes funded by the program. Federal agencies may waive or alter match requirements. Read the entire page →
From page 95... ... Road and Bridge Design, Construction, Reconstruction, or Rehabilitation The following programs have a strong focus on infrastructure improvements, safety, and connectivity for roads, bridges, and intersection construction, reconstruction, reconfiguration, repaving or resurfacing, ports and non-transit facilities. Program Federal, Tribal, or State Eligibility Local Eligibility Federal Match Funds Eligible for Transfer to Other Federal Programs More Information National Highway Freight Program (2% SPR Set-Aside) Read the entire page →
From page 96... ... Transportation Alternatives 80% Federal Sliding Scale FHWA TA Fact Sheet Federal Lands Transportation Program (5% SetAside for Specific Uses) 100% Federal FHWA FLTP Webpage Federal Lands Access Program 100% Federal or Sliding Scale Depending on Project FHWA FLAP Webpage Tribal Transportation Program (Set-Asides Outlined in Guidance) Read the entire page →
From page 97... ... Public Transportation Service on Buses, Vans, Passenger Ferries, and Passenger Rail The following programs have a strong focus on projects to start new transit service, buy vehicles, or continue existing transit operations. Program Federal, Tribal, or State Eligibility Local Eligibility Federal Match Funds Eligible for Transfer to Other Federal Programs More Information Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (Transit Capital Construction) Read the entire page →
From page 98... ... FTA Section 5311 (Rural, 15% Inter-City Bus Set-Aside) 80% Capital, 50% Operating, 80% ADA Non-Fixed Route FTA Section 5311 Website FTA Section 5311 Tribal Transit Program 100% Federal FTA TTP Website FTA Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Includes Competitive Sub-Programs. Read the entire page →
From page 99... ... Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Active Transportation Facilities The following programs have a strong focus on projects improving cycling and walking on roads or sidewalks, or adding cycling and walking paths or multi-use trails. The following list of formula funding does not include discretionary programs such as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grants. Read the entire page →
From page 100... ... FTA Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities 90% Share for Bicycle Projects FTA Bicycle Related Funding Opportunities Website Section 5311 (Rural) 90% Share for Bicycle Routes, Facilities, and Bus Racks FTA Bicycle Related Funding Opportunities Website Transportation Alternatives 80% Federal with Sliding Scale FHWA TA Fact Sheet Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program 80% Federal FHWA CMAQ Fact Sheet Surface Transportation Block Grant 80% Federal (90% Interstate System) Read the entire page →
From page 101... ... Mobility Management Mobility management is an eligible capital expense under most U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Read the entire page →
From page 102... ... Broadband Projects that expand internet availability and support telework, telehealth, and education. Read the entire page →
From page 103... ... Additional Resources IIJA (Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill) Federal Highway Administration Resources (www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/) Read the entire page →
From page 104... ... Funding Strategies and Financing Mechanisms Worksheet Use this worksheet to review how your agency leverages funding and financing options for rural transportation access or to identify potential future funding and financing options. State and Local Funding Strategies Traditional federal transportation funding programs may require a state or local match requirement. Read the entire page →
From page 105... ... State and Local Funding Strategies Currently Used for Funding Planning for Future Use Partnering Agencies Legal or Regulatory Considerations Notes Parking Fines Personal Use Taxes Fare or Parking Revenues Tolls or Toll Credits Service Contracts Advertising Revenue In-Kind Lottery or Special Revenue Private Donations Other Questions to Consider: 1. Does your agency plan to alter funding in the next five years? Read the entire page →
From page 106... ... Finance Mechanisms In addition to the state and local funding sources listed above, agencies may choose to use a U.S. Department of Transportationrecognized financing program to complete projects. Read the entire page →
From page 107... ... Value Capture FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support Value Capture Page Impact Fees FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support Development Impact Fees Fact Sheet Air Rights and Right-Of-Way Use Agreements FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support ROW Use Agreements Website The U.S. DOT provides finance programs, some of which are mode-specific, as listed in the following table. Read the entire page →
From page 108... ... Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support GARVEEs Website Section 129 Loan (Toll Projects) FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support Section 129 Loans Website Fund Braiding Braiding federal funds (i.e., using one federal program to provide match dollars for another federal program) Read the entire page →
From page 109... ... Example 1. Read the entire page →
From page 110... ... Additional Resources Finance and Funding Information FHWA Center for Innovative Finance Support FHWA Federal-aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Federal Fund Braiding Guide (June 2020) Read the entire page →
From page 111... ... Skill-Building Resource Checklist Agencies and organizations involved in rural transportation accessibility need a variety of skills in order to plan, develop, and deliver accessibility strategies to rural stakeholders. Entities such as transit agencies, regional planning entities, state departments of transportation (DOTs) Read the entire page →
From page 112... ... Transportation Research Board, National Cooperative Highway Research Program Applied research; funded projects are overseen by panels of experienced practitioners and result in syntheses, tools, research reports, and more on a wide range of transportation topics. Transportation Research Board, Transit Cooperative Research Program Applied research program that develops reports and tools related to planning and delivering transit and mobility services. Read the entire page →
From page 113... ... Technical Assistance Opportunities Resource Name Resource Notes Have Used or Looked Into? How, When, and Why Might Your Team Use this Resource? Read the entire page →
From page 114... ... National Center for Safe Routes to School (saferoutesinfo.org) Tools, training, and resources geared toward improving children's access to schools, but SRTS information can also increase community connectivity more generally; developed in part with federal and other funds. Read the entire page →
From page 115... ... Other Resources Resource Name Resource Notes Have Used or Looked Into? How, When, and Why Might Your Team Use this Resource? Read the entire page →
From page 116... ... Planetizen (planetizen.com) Website that curates news related to all forms of planning and upcoming professional development events; much news is focused on urban planning but may have some transferability to planning for rural access. Read the entire page →
From page 117... ... Additional Resources National-level organizations and associations often have training, research, and other resources developed or curated from other sources for their main audiences. The following entities use a variety of funding sources to develop materials that might be applicable to rural accessibility efforts. Read the entire page →
From page 118... ... Community Engagement Tools and Techniques Technique Public Outreach, Listening Sessions, In-Person Meetings Tools Maps, Boards, Media Presentations (PPT, Video, Interactive Maps) , Role Playing, Q and A, Whiteboards and Ideation Materials Primary Use Information Collection, Interactive Discussion Stakeholders Reached Stakeholders in municipality/region. Read the entire page →
From page 119... ... Technique Phone Banking Tools Phone Lists and Phone Bankers Primary Use Information Collection, Information Dissemination Stakeholders Reached Can be targeted to any audience. Implications for Rural Access Can be geographically targeted to areas where rural access is a recognized issue. Read the entire page →
From page 120... ... Implications for Rural Access Questions can be designed to collect data and input specific to rural access. Can be geographically targeted to areas where rural access is a recognized issue. Read the entire page →
From page 121... ... Implications for Rural Access Can be widely distributed through various methods, including online, email, traditional mail, and the use of partner mailing lists. Materials can be designed to engage audiences with rural access needs and to highlight rural access issues. Read the entire page →
From page 122... ... Pros Can be designed to be transportable to a variety of locations and venues. Allows face-to-face meetings with stakeholders and can incorporate a range of tools and techniques to stimulate stakeholder engagement. Read the entire page →
From page 123... ... Audience Needs -- Where Used -- Notes -- Technique Partnering with Community Groups Tools May include a variety of the tools listed here. Primary Use Information Collection, Information Dissemination, Interactive Discussion Stakeholders Reached Can reach a very targeted audience, depending on the partner group. Read the entire page →
From page 124... ... Where Used West Central Initiative has partnered with Chambers; North Carolina DOT uses community-based organization contacts to spread the word about meetings, especially to underrepresented populations. Notes -- Technique Variable Message Signs Tools Portable Messages Primary Use Information Dissemination Stakeholders Reached Various Implications for Rural Access Can be placed in locations facing rural access issues. Read the entire page →
From page 125... ... Technique Postal Mailings Tools Postcards, Letters, Newsletters Primary Use Information Collection, Information Dissemination Stakeholders Reached Various -- can be targeted by location and demographic characteristics. Implications for Rural Access Can reach households and stakeholders throughout a study area, including those who are transportation challenged. Read the entire page →
From page 126... ... Stakeholders Reached Best used in areas with higher foot traffic, such as town centers. Implications for Rural Access Limited use. Read the entire page →
From page 127... ... draw out information about rural access challenges. White boards and ideation materials can also elicit important access issues. Read the entire page →
From page 128... ... Stakeholders Reached Can reach a broad audience or be targeted to specific groups. Can be coupled with traditional survey tools to expand the audience reached. Read the entire page →
From page 129... ... Implications for Rural Access The mapping tool lets people from a wide geographic area engage with a project, allowing participants to drill down to display a range of project area characteristics on the map. It can be used to highlight rural access issues by displaying layers of data, such as demographic characteristics, existing transportation services, and activity nodes. Read the entire page →
From page 130... ... Implications for Rural Access Can reach stakeholders in any project area with broadband and/or cell service. Encourages comments from followers, which can highlight rural access issues. Read the entire page →
From page 131... ... Implications for Rural Access Provides access to materials to a geographically dispersed audience. Graphics can highlight rural access issues and sites can solicit comments on rural access issues facing constituents. Read the entire page →
From page 132... ... Pros Higher participation rate for one hour commitment from anywhere; can be accessed by any computer device or by phone; good for educating stakeholders about a project. Cons Generally not designed to allow for public input and feedback. Read the entire page →
From page 133... ... Cons Requires someone to monitor texts and respond if necessary. Failure to answer texts could erode public trust. Read the entire page →
From page 134... ... Audience Needs Email, access to internet. Materials available in multiple languages. Read the entire page →
From page 135... ... Technique Live Streaming Tools YouTube; Local Cable Television; Video Equipment Primary Use Information Dissemination Stakeholders Reached Stakeholders unable to attend meetings in-person. Implications for Rural Access Constituents do not need to travel to meetings to "attend." Can reach the elderly, disabled, lower income, and otherwise transportation challenged stakeholders. Read the entire page →
From page 136... ... Tools MURAL, VOLTAGE Primary Use Information Collection, Information Dissemination, Interactive Discussion Stakeholders Reached Participants in virtual meetings, visitors to website. Implications for Rural Access Can target solutions for rural access and solicit solutions. Read the entire page →
From page 137... ... Staff Capacity Self-Assessment Tool This worksheet helps an organization conduct an assessment of staff capacity as it relates to the organization's ability to improve rural access. Staff capacity results from a combination of staff member skills and the opportunity (such as available time) Read the entire page →
From page 138... ... Analysis and Evaluation Staff Capacity Category Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Staff have the skills and expertise necessary to analyze data to evaluate accessibility improvements in the local community. Staff have the resources needed to complete accessibility analysis and evaluation tasks. Read the entire page →
From page 139... ... Staff have time to perform program planning and implementation of accessibility programs along with their existing tasks. Staff have experience coordinating with other organizations to provide accessibility programs. Read the entire page →
From page 140... ... Community Engagement Worksheet Answer the questions below to aid in the design of a public engagement process best suited for your effort (i.e., project, program, service) to improve rural access. Read the entire page →
From page 141... ... E. Identify Opportunities or Solutions F Read the entire page →
From page 142... ... Identify Your Audience The following questions will help you identify your audience and think through barriers that might keep them from participating. It will also help you identify special stakeholder groups that can provide a broad perspective on rural accessibility. Read the entire page →
From page 143... ... 5. What partners can help engage with my target audiences? Read the entire page →
From page 144... ... The following questions will help you develop your approach to engagement and ensure that you collect valuable information from multiple perspectives. Read the entire page →
From page 145... ... F. Multipronged Outreach Approach with Traditional and Online Tools G Read the entire page →

From page 75...

... C-1 A P P E N D I X C Resource Documents This appendix contains the following resource documents: • Cross-Agency Coordination Self-Assessment • Accessibility Evaluation Process Worksheet • Evaluation Tools and Data Guided Reference Sheet • Federal Transportation Funding Resource Guide • Funding Strategies and Financing Mechanisms Worksheet • Skill-Building Resource Checklist • Community Engagement Tools and Techniques (reference sheet) • Staff Capacity Self-Assessment Tool • Community Engagement Worksheet Separate PDFs of these resources can also be found on the National Academies Press website (nap.nationalacademies.org)