Early, Regular Contact with FTA Regional Offices Is Step One to Getting Stuff Done
10/8/2024
Transportation improvements are not just about numbers, Acting FTA Administrator Veronica Vanterpool declared at the Working with the FTA to Get Stuff Done session, Oct. 1, at the 2024 APTA TRANSform. “Every time we open a new transit line, we are improving people’s lives and giving us all a reason to celebrate,” she said. “New transit creates jobs and saves people time and money, which, in APTA’s words, moves the economy.”
A few numbers deserved highlights, though: 11,000-plus infrastructure projects underway with BIL funding; $82 billion available for transit infrastructure; and 28 BIL-funded projects opened since 2021, with four more expected by end of year.
While delivering on BIL commitments, FTA has also reorganized, Vanterpool said, adding 100-plus staff and creating a new data office. It established the Transit Workforce Center, built a story map showing the impact of 400 bus grants awarded, and updated program and award management guidelines for the first time in 10 years.
Vanterpool then turned the discussion to regional offices, with participating staff members: Regional Administrator Susan Fletcher, Region 10; Deputy Regional Administrator Amy Changchien, Region 9; Director of Planning & Program Development Eric Papetti, Region 1; Director of Program Management & Oversight Laura Wallace, Region 6; and Associate Administrator, Mark Ferroni, Office of Planning and Environment, TPE.
Regional offices work in partnership with transit agencies, Changchien said. “We are the front door to the FTA.” While each region serves a different geography, they all provide their grantees technical assistance; project oversight; and support with project planning, environmental reviews, legal and real estate issues. “When you dream big, we’re part of that, but we bring it home within the lines of our policy and statutory requirements, so that we can advise you on what is doable.”
Building coalitions is an important part of regional administrators’ work, added Fletcher. “It is one of the most rewarding things that we do, to really understand what you guys are doing and make you aware of when funding opportunities, are available,” she said. “We understand the challenges that you face, and our success is your success.”
When a project is not funded, the regional offices can still help, said Papetti, if an agency asks for a debrief. “These are available to help your agency understand what you could do better the next time around.” For example, he said, “We want to see that enough good planning has been done that you can either get through NEPA quickly, or … maybe you’ve already completed NEPA.”
In summary, panelists advised public transit agencies to start early on project planning, on funding applications, and especially on contacting their regional FTA offices.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also gave a video address for the session, thanking transit agencies for their work in transforming communities. “You give people back their time. You bring people to more opportunities” he said. “You make life better.”