Mass Transit: Implementation of FTA's New Starts Evaluation Process and FY 2001 Funding Proposals
Abstract
Since the early 1970s, the federal government has provided a large share of the nation's capital investment in urban mass transportation. Much of this investment has come through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Starts program, which helps pay for certain rail, bus, and trolley projects through full funding grant agreements. In the last 6 years, this program has provided state and local transit agencies with about $4.7 billion to help design and construct such projects throughout the country The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-2l), enacted in 1998, authorizes $6 billion in "guaranteed" funding for New Starts projects through fiscal year 2003. While the level of New Starts funding is higher than it has ever been, the demand for these resources is also extremely high. Over 190 projects nationwide are authorized to compete for funding. To prioritize projects for funding, FTA was directed to evaluate, rate, and recommend potential projects on the basis of specific financial and project justification criteria. Furthermore, FTA was required to issue regulations for the evaluation and rating process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA376585
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office