Section 5204 (e) -
Surface Transportation Workforce Development Training and Education
- This section "provides for 100% federal funding if the core program funds are used for training, education, or workforce development purposes, including 'pipeline'; activities. If used for these purposes, it is not necessary for the state to match the federal funds." (excerpt from January 11, 2006 "Guidance for Use of Federal Aid State Core Program Funds for Training, Education and Workforce Development, SAFETEA-LU Section 5204(e), Questions and Answers," issued by the Office of Professional and Corporate Development). The five primary core programs are: Bridge, CMAQ, IM, NHS, and STP. Examples of "pipeline" programs that the core funds could be used to support include, but are not limited to various education and outreach-related activities, such as "student transportation related internships; cooperative education program, university and college support activities..." (excerpt from same January 11, 2006 guidance document noted above) Whereas TEA-21 allowed states to draw down up to ½ of 1% of Surface Transportation programs and Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation funds for training, States can now use up to 100% of such funds for workforce development purposes. Under 5204(e) training and development is defined as "activities associated with surface transportation career awareness, student transportation career preparation, and training and professional development for surface transportation workers, including activities for women and minorities". The HCR will work with the FHWA Division Offices to strongly encourage States to take advantage of this provision to help fund OJT supportive services programs.
The following briefly describes the primary purpose of the five core program areas where funds can be used to support training, education, and workforce development:
CMAQ - The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) provides funding for projects and programs in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas for ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM-10, PM-2.5) which reduce transportation related emissions. [23 USC 149(a)]
Highway Bridge Program - The Highway Bridge Program provides funding to enable States to improve the condition of their highway bridges through replacement, rehabilitation, and systematic preventive maintenance.
IM - The Interstate Maintenance (IM) program provides funding for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating and reconstructing (4R) most routes on the Interstate System
NHS - National Highway System program provides funding for improvements to rural and urban roads that are part of the National Highway System, including the Interstate System and designated connections to major intermodal terminals. Under certain circumstances, NHS funds may also be used to fund transit improvements in NHS corridors.
STP - The Surface Transportation Program provides flexible funding that may be used by States and localities for projects on any Federal-aid highway, including the NHS, bridge projects on any public road, transit capital projects, and intracity and intercity bus terminals and facilities
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
Section 5204(e)
"(e) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION. -
"(1) FUNDING. -- Subject to project approval by the Secretary, a State may obligate funds apportioned to the State under sections 104(b)(1), 104(b)(2), 104(b)(3), 104(b)(4), and 144(e) for surface transportation workforce development, training, and education, including
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"(A) tuition and direct educational expenses, excluding salaries, in connection with the education and training of employees of State and local transportation agencies;
"(B) employee professional development;
"(C) student internships;
"(D) university or community college support; and
"(E) education activities, including outreach, to develop interest and promote participation in surface transportation careers.
"(2) FEDERAL SHARE. -- The Federal share of the cost of activities carried out in accordance with this subsection shall be 100 percent.
"(3) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION DEFINED. -In this subsection, the term 'surface transportation workforce development, training, and education, means activities associated with surface transportation career awareness, student transportation career preparation, and training and professional development for surface transportation workers, including activities for women and minorities.
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