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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 31, 2021 / Notices
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FRA will evaluate the Benefit-Cost Analysis and project benefits of the proposed project for the anticipated private and public benefits relative to the costs of the proposed project and the summary of benefits provided in response to subsection D2bii including A Effects on system and service performance;
B Effects on safety, competitiveness, reliability, trip or transit time, and resilience;
C Efficiencies from improved integration with other modes; and D Ability to meet existing or anticipated demand.
ii. Technical Merit:
FRA will evaluate application information for the degree to which A The tasks and subtasks outlined in the SOW are appropriate to achieve the expected outcomes of the proposed project.
B Applications indicate strong project readiness and meet requirements under the project tracks designated by the applicant.
C The technical qualifications and experience of key personnel proposed to lead and perform the technical efforts, and the qualifications of the primary and supporting organizations to fully and successfully execute the proposed project within the proposed timeframe and budget are demonstrated.
D The proposed projects business plan considers potential private sector participation in the financing, construction, or operation of the proposed project.
E The applicant has, or will have the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the proposed project;
satisfactory continuing control over the use of the equipment or facilities; and the capability and willingness to maintain the equipment or facilities.
F The degree to which the applicant and project deploy innovative technology, encourage innovative approaches to project delivery, and incentivize the use of innovative financing.
G The proposed project is consistent with planning guidance and documents set forth by DOT, including those required by law or State rail plans developed under Title 49, United State Code, Chapter 227.
c. Selection Criteria In addition to the eligibility and completeness review and the evaluation criteria outlined in this subsection, the FRA will apply the following selection criteria:
i. The FRA will give preference to the following:

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A Projects for which the proposed Federal share of total project costs is 50
percent or less;
B Projects for which the net benefits of the grant funds will be maximized considering the Benefit-Cost Analysis, including anticipated private and public benefits relative to the costs of the proposed project, and factoring in the other considerations in 49 U.S.C. 22907
e;
C Projects for pre-construction elements including preliminary engineering and final design of projects eligible under 49 U.S.C. 22907c2 that support the development of new intercity passenger rail service routes including alignments for existing routes;
D Projects for capital and engineering solutions targeting trespassing that are located in counties with the most pedestrian casualties as identified in FRAs National Strategy to Prevent Trespassing on Railroad Property as may be updated or amended from time to time; and E Projects for trespass Enforcement Activities in one of the 10 states with the highest incidence of rail trespass related casualties as reported in the Rail Incident Accident Reporting System at https railroads.dot.gov/
accident-and-incident-reporting/
casualty-reporting/casualties-and-otherincidents, which are California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, and Georgia.
ii. After applying the above preferences, the FRA will take into account the following key DOT
objectives:
A Safety DOT will assess the projects ability to foster a safe transportation system for the movement of goods and people, consistent with the Departments strategic goal to reduce transportationrelated fatalities and serious injuries across the transportation system. Such considerations will include, but are not limited to, the extent to which the project improves safety at highway-rail grade crossings, reduces incidences of rail-related trespassing, and upgrades infrastructure to achieve a higher level of safety.
B Equitable Economic Strength and Improving Core Assets DOT will assess the projects ability to contribute to economic progress stemming from infrastructure investment and associated creation of good jobs with fair wages, labor protections, and the opportunity to join a union. Such considerations will include, but are not limited to, the
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extent to which the project invests in vital infrastructure assets, addresses capital needs to connect farms, factories, and shippers to the rail network, and provides opportunities for families to achieve economic security through rail industry employment.
C Ensuring Investments Meet Racial Equity and Economic Inclusion Goals DOT will assess the projects ability to encourage racial equity by investing in projects that proactively address racial equity and barriers to opportunities.
Such considerations will include, but are not limited to, the extent to which the project improves or expands transportation options, mitigates the safety risks and detrimental quality of life effects that rail lines can have on communities, and expands workforce development and training opportunities to foster a more diverse rail industry.
D Resilience and Addressing Climate Change DOT will assess the projects ability to reduce the harmful effects of climate change and anticipate necessary improvements for preparedness. Such considerations will include, but are not limited to, the extent to which the project reduces emissions, promotes energy efficiency, increases resiliency, and recycles or redevelops existing infrastructure.
E Transformation of Our Nations Transportation Infrastructure DOT will assess the projects ability to expand and improve the nations rail network, which needs to balance new infrastructure for increased capacity with proper maintenance of aging assets. Such considerations will include, but are not limited to, the extent to which the project adds capacity to congested corridors, builds new connections, and ensures assets will be improved to a state of good repair.
iii. In determining the allocation of program funds, FRA may also consider geographic diversity, diversity in the size of the systems receiving funding, and the applicants receipt of other competitive awards.
2. Review and Selection Process FRA will conduct a four-part application review process, as follows:
a. Screen applications for completeness, applicant risk and eligibility and consider applicable past performance and previous financial contributions and technical evaluation ratings;

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