Yes. See the LIFTS webinar handout. In addition, the answers to the questions asked during the webinar have been incorporated into these FAQs.
A private applicant would be any for profit organization. A public applicant would be a governmental subdivision or affiliated organization that is publically funded (i.e., city, county, metropolitan planning organization, etc.). A public-private partnership would be a partnership of a government organization and one or more private sector companies. Both the public and private entities would need to contribute toward the match to be considered a public-private partnership.
The RRLG Program is specifically limited to railroad infrastructure. The LIFTS program has a wider eligibility of costs and can be related to any mode of transportation (rail, truck, aviation, barge, etc.) or the facilities that link them. LIFTS funding is broader based with the goal to improve the freight transportation system and provide benefits to highway users.
When a nonhighway mode of transportation increases its efficiency or volume, there are typically benefits to highway users. For example, when more freight is diverted to railcars or barges, which are safer and more efficient modes, there is less highway congestion, fewer emissions, less risk or damages from crashes, less wear and tear on the highway system – all of which benefit the highway user. Depending on the project and its location, there may be other ways in which the highway user benefits on a local or regional basis.
The purpose of the LIFTS program is to provide flexible funding for freight projects that do not have a traditional funding source. Many projects that benefit freight transportation are eligible to be programmed with public highway funding. Because a funding source for those already exists, they are not eligible as stand-alone projects under LIFTS. Examples of ineligible costs would be adding turn lanes, highway reinforcement or rehabilitation to better accommodate heavy trucks, widening a turn radius, eliminating height or width restrictions of a bridge, truck parking, or traffic control systems.
Within an eligible project there may be roadway-related or paving costs that are eligible under LIFTS if they are an integral part of a project. Examples of eligible costs would be entrances or exits to a transload facility, paved areas to store freight out-of-doors, parking areas within a freight facility, or paved staging areas for freight transfer.
Some projects that include highway components may be able to take advantage of another Iowa Department of Transportation program, Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) program (through a separate application process), for the establishment, construction, improvement, and maintenance of roads and streets to promote economic development in Iowa.
Yes, if the LIFTS application is for a new or different phase of a project that has previously received RRLG funding.
No, the LIFTS program is expected to stimulate new development. Refinancing of a completed project, even if it would have otherwise qualified under this program, is an ineligible cost.
If awarded LIFTS funds, a legal agreement will be required between the project sponsor and the department to delineate responsibilities for project design, right of way acquisition, contracting, construction, and materials inspection; documentation required for reimbursement of project costs; audit requirements; and maintenance of the completed project.
A project is expected to meet all zoning, permitting, or other normal requirements for a project that did not receive funding. LIFTS projects will not be subject to the federal-aid highway development process, which means there are no additional environmental, historical, cultural, or other surveys, reports, or reviews associated with federal funding.
Though supporting American manufacturers and suppliers is encouraged, federal Buy America requirements do not apply to projects funded under LIFTS.
Yes. Partnerships, whether between private or public entities, are encouraged.
Though not technically required, letters of support from local stakeholders and/or government officials speaking to support or readiness for the proposed project may be helpful as the project is evaluated. However, if the project depends upon a transportation provider, such as a railroad, to serve the facility, a letter confirming the willingness to serve the project is required.
Yes. Planning studies are eligible if the goal of the study is to evaluate the need or feasibility of a freight facility or improvement or to develop a strategy to address a freight transportation challenge. Eligible planning studies are expected to lead toward a freight transportation solution or provide input into the wisdom or design concepts of a possible future freight investment (even if the recommendation of the planning study is to not move forward with the investment). Planning studies used simply to gather data, establish a marketing plan for an existing facility, or that do not lead to a recommendation are likely to be ineligible or expected to score poorly in the evaluation process.
Equipment, such as that used to transfer freight from one mode to another, is an eligible expense. The agreement between the department and any awardees will include a requirement for ongoing maintenance of the project. Any equipment included as part of the grant, whether mobile or fixed equipment, must remain with the project for the duration of that maintenance period.
Yes, if the LIFTS application is for a new or different phase of a project that has previously received RRLG funding. LIFTS grant funds cannot be used to pay off an existing RRLG loan.
There is no minimum or maximum award size predetermined. The awards will be made based on the evaluation criteria.
It depends. This program is designed to support infrastructure. If a new or previously used facility near the edge of town must be built or renovated, that project would be eligible. However, the expenses to relocate operations (nonfacility related), would not be eligible. All projects will be rated on the evaluation criteria. Refer to the eligible costs included on the LIFTS program website.
No. A highway bridge could be programmed under existing federal, state, or local highway funding. Though replacement would benefit freight, the LIFTS program is designed to assist those freight projects that involve other modes that do not have a funding source or a funding source that is severely limited.
There is no predetermined methodology. The evaluation team will review the project benefits and readiness and develop a recommendation based on that review. It is possible that not all applicants will be awarded the full amount of their request, but only if a lesser award does not endanger completion of the project. Grant funds will not be split between all eligible projects if the total requested exceeds the amount available.
The need has definitely been expressed for more multimodal freight options for shippers (i.e., transload and/or intermodal facilities). Iowa’s Freight Advisory Council identified the need for more multimodal connections as one of seven options for improved freight movement in Iowa.
Iowa Rail Toolkit contains a list of the transload and intermodal sites identified when the toolkit was developed. Distance from another site is not a standalone criterion. However, a site that is farther from an existing site is likely to be able to show greater benefits, thus increasing its evaluation.
No. Each project submission must be submitted in a separate application.
Yes. Flood protections would be eligible, but must show a benefit to the highway user and public benefits.
That depends. For several years, the Iowa DOT has unsuccessfully sought to obtain a flexible, sustainable source of state funding to meet multimodal and freight needs. This demonstration project will provide evidence of the needs and demand to support future investments.
Yes. To be eligible the project would have to demonstrate benefits to highway users.
No. The LIFTS program is designed to encourage new or upgraded infrastructure to benefit freight transportation. Marketing costs are not an eligible expense.
There are no restrictions on matching funds. Any matching funds must be committed by the applicant.
Design and engineering costs are not eligible as a stand-alone cost but are eligible if they are a part of a construction award under this program.
Hopefully, these FAQs provide additional information to guide you; however, questions are always welcome. All questions about the program or the application should be directed to Laura Hutzell by e-mail or phone 515-239-1066.