The following lists provide specific guidance information concerning the Alabama SRTS Program:
SRTS funds are federal funds, and all applicable federal regulations apply. Failure to follow federal regulations will jeopardize funding.
Local units of government and school boards are eligible applicants. Private school applications must be submitted through the Alabama Private School Association.
The planned intent of the project must be for public use.
All applicants must have the fiscal, managerial and engineering capabilities to manage a project consistent with federal and state requirements.
Applicants are responsible for developing plans and specifications to be let to competitive bid at their own expense or pursued through the force account process.
Applicants are responsible for compliance with all federal design regulations applicable for the type project (i.e. AASHTO Guide for Bicycle Facilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Architectural Guidelines, etc.).
Routine projects on existing public right of way such as constructing sidewalks, placing striping, or adding signage will be exempt from environmental review under the SRTS Categorical Exclusion. Projects involving environmentally sensitive circumstances must submit a project description to ALDOT’s Environmental Section after initial project approval and then work with that Section to fulfill environmental requirements.
Applicants are responsible for project oversight, but the cost is not eligible for federal reimbursement. The applicant must specify on the STRS Line Item Budget page of the Application who will provide project oversight (city forces, consultant, etc.)
Any cost incurred relating to this project which is determined to be ineligible will be borne and paid by the applicant.
ADA requirements and USDOT regulations must be met; however, a project involving retrofitting existing facilities for the sole purpose of meting ADA requirements or to meet any other federal of state requirements is encouraged to be coordinated with the MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans.
No federal funds will be expended on properties containing toxic or hazardous waste or other contamination. Thus, projects involving private property (e.g., walkway easements) may be required to undergo additional environmental scrutiny and should be addressed on the Application. The applicant will be responsible for funds necessary to address these issues
The program is a cost reimbursement program, not a grant. The applicant must pay the Infrastructure project expenses and request reimbursement for eligible expenditures from ALDOT.
Any cost incurred prior to written authorization from ALDOT is not eligible for reimbursement. The applicant must receive approval, in writing, from ALDOT prior to advertising for bids. The applicant must also receive approval, in writing, from ALDOT prior to awarding the contract.
All Infrastructure projects must be let to competitive bid unless prior approval is obtained to use another method of construction, such as force account. Thus, any projects which do not incorporate competitive bids should plainly state that situation on the Application.
The project must be completed within one year from the date of execution of the project agreement.
Project oversight (construction engineering and inspection) is not an eligible SRTS activity.
At project completion, all new infrastructure must comply with ADA guidelines, and sidewalks must have a minimum clear width of four feet.
