Louisiana Federal-Aid Highway Program Stewardship Agreement

P. Civil Rights

1. FHWA and LADOTD Roles and Responsibilities

   The FHWA Division Office is committed to effectively implement and enforce civil rights programs within LADOTD in its planning, construction, and management of the multimodal Louisiana transportation system. Federal law establishes the State as responsible for nondiscrimination as the recipient of Federal aid, but does not allow the delegation of FHWA Civil Rights federal responsibilities to LADOTD at any project level. If projects are managed by a sub-recipient, LADOTD must ensure that the sub-recipient is well qualified and suitably equipped to perform the work (23 CFR 1.11). If sub-recipients are involved, LADOTD is obligated to ensure nondiscrimination in all programs and activities, and in the provisions of all services and benefits, as a basis for continued receipt of FHWA funds. LADOTD can delegate the activity but cannot delegate their responsibility.

2. Methods of Oversight
   1. Program Approval Actions
      
      • FHWA will approve the DBE program and supportive sevice plans. The approval will be coordinated with the Washington office review team.
      • FHWA will review and approve the LADOTD Affirmative Action (external/internal) plans annually.
      • The Contract Compliance Review Program will be audited by FHWA annually.
      • Labor Compliance reviews are reviewed by the FHWA Division and forwarded to FHWA Headquarters.
      • The LADOTD Title VI/Non-discrimination program is reviewed and approved by FHWA annually.
      • ADA complaints will be forwarded to the FHWA division office. The FHWA will investigate and coordinate with FHWA HQ as needed.
   2. Project Approval Actions

      Not applicable for Civil Rights Program.

   3. Monitoring
      

      FHWA will review and approve LADOTD's programs on an ongoing basis through process and program reviews, and through active participation in continuous program evaluation and improvement. Appropriate FHWA representatives will actively participate in LADOTD's initiated reviews, task forces, and other civil rights initiatives upon request and to the extent feasible. Finally, FHWA will analyze civil rights reports submitted by LADOTD to help identify trends and provide feedback and recommendations to LADOTD.

3. Control Documents
   1. Applicable Laws, Regulations, and Orders
      • Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act
      • Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972
      • Rehabilitation Act of 1973
      • Age Discrimination Act of 1975
      • Americans with Disabilities Acts of 1967 & 1990
      • Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987
      • 23 USC 140, 142, 324
      • 49 CFR Part 21 & 26
      • 23 CFR Part 230, 633
      • 13 CFR Part 121
      • 29 CFR Part 1,3,5,6,7
      • Executive Order 11246
   2. Approved Procedures/Agreements/Manuals
      • DBE Program Administration Document – March 2001
      • Other Manuals Used by LADOTD Not Requiring FHWA Approval:
        1. External Civil Rights Manual-March 2003 (Updated Every 2 Years)
        2. Davis-Bacon Wage & Payroll Requirements Manual
4. Programs Plans/Reports & Responsibilities

Q. Emergency Relief

1. Program Overview

   Congress authorized in Title 23, United States Code, Section 125, a special program from the Highway Trust Fund for the repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands which have suffered serious damage as a result of (1) natural disasters or (2) catastrophic failures from an external cause. This program, commonly referred to as the emergency relief or ER program, supplements the commitment of resources by States, their political subdivisions, or other Federal agencies to help pay for unusually high expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions.

   ER funds are not intended to cover all damage repair costs nor interim emergency repair costs that will necessarily restore the facility to pre-disaster conditions. State and local highway agencies must expect additional expenditures, changes in project priorities, and some inconvenience to traffic as a result of emergency conditions. State and local governments are responsible for planning and providing for extraordinary conditions. Economic hardship is not a factor in determining repair eligibility. Disasters must be of such magnitude as to be considered extraordinary to be considered for ER funding. To be considered extraordinary, the estimated Federal portion of the damage must meet a threshold of $700,000. Individual sites must reach a threshold of $5,000 in total cost to be eligible. This threshold is used to determine if the extent of repair work at a site is beyond the scope of heavy maintenance.

   The ER funds are available for permanent repairs and for work accomplished more than 180 days after an event at the pro rata Federal-aid share that would normally apply to the Federal-aid facility damaged. For Interstate highways, the Federal share is 90 percent. For all other highway the Federal share is 80 percent. Emergency repair work to restore essential traffic, minimize the extent of damage, or protect the remaining facilities, accomplished in the first 180 days after the occurrence of the disaster, may be reimbursed at 100 percent Federal share. During this 180 day period, permanent repair work is reimbursed at normal pro rata share unless permanent repair is performed as an incidental part of emergency repair work.

   See the Emergency Relief Manual (Federal-aid Highways) for more detail on the ER program. See the attached flow chart for a graphic program overview.

2. Methods of Oversight
   1. Program Approval Actions (see attached flowchart)
      • The LADOTD must specifically request assistance under the ER program for each natural disaster or catastrophic event. This should be initiated with a letter of intent to seek ER funds as soon as it is evident that there is eligible damage.
      • FHWA will respond to written requests for ER assistance with a letter of acknowledgement and brief instructions on how to proceed. Typically, the letter of acknowledgement establishes a beginning date of potential eligibility for immediate emergency repairs.
      • LADOTD prepares and submits to FHWA a Damage Survey Summary Report in support of the ER funding request. The Damage Survey Summary Report is prepared for each particular event in accordance with the ER Manual requirements, after consulting with the FHWA Division Office as to which of the three method of developing and processing ER request will be utilized.
      • FHWA will respond to the report with a determination of ER eligibility. The list of sites outlined in the report constitutes the program of projects required prior to authorization of permanent repairs.
   2. Project Approval Actions
      • FHWA's Acknowledgement Letter will establish a date of eligibility for those emergency repairs and protective measures that must be undertaken immediately to restore essential travel, minimize the extent of damage, or protect remaining facilities. These types of repairs are normally classified as Categorical Exclusions under 23 CFR 771.117 (c)(9). Contracts to do this type of emergency repair may be accomplished through abbreviated procedures, but care should be taken to include applicable Federal aid requirements (Refer to ER Manual).
      • FHWA's Determination of Eligibility letter will inform the LADOTD of which projects are to be considered full involvement by FHWA and which projects may precede under delegated authority. Because of the nature of the ER program, the thresholds used for this purpose for regular Federal aid apportioned funds, may or may not be found applicable for a particular disaster or particular damage sites.
      • For ER projects determined in the Determination of Eligibility letter to be fully involved, normal Federal aid oversight procedures will apply: design/concept approval, PS&E approval/advertise for bids, concurrence in award, change order approval, etc.
      • All ER projects that do not fall into the category of work needed immediately to protect the facility from further damage or keep the route open for the safe flow of traffic (first response type work) will require environmental approval by FHWA. See the Environment section.
   3. Monitoring
      • The FHWA and LADOTD will co-inspect the damage sites during the development of the disaster estimate.
      • FHWA will conduct final inspections of all ER projects that it determines to be full oversight.
      • FHWA may conduct final inspection of additional ER projects on a sample or random basis.
3. Control Documents
   1. Applicable Laws, Regulations, and Orders
      • Title 23, Section 125
      • 23 CFR 668
   2. Approved Procedures/Agreements/Manuals
      • FHWA Emergency Relief Manual (August 2003)
4. Business Standards
   • FHWA will respond to an LADOTD letter of intent to seek ER funding within 2 working days.
   • The LADOTD is expected to complete a reasonable survey of the damage (Damage Survey Summary Report) with associated estimates of cost within 4 to 6 weeks of the event. This may vary depending on the area of impact of the disaster. If Traditional Damage Assessment is conducted, a detailed Damage Inspection Report will be required for each site LADOTD expects to request ER reimbursement for emergency or permanent repairs.
   • FHWA will respond to LADOTD requests for ER disaster eligibility supported by the Damage Survey Summary Report within 2 weeks with a Determination of Eligibility.
5. Project and Program Responsibilities

ER Program Flow Chart

R. Emergency/Security

1. Program Overview

   The purpose of this plan is to establish procedures to respond to national and local emergencies. These procedures are intended to address security, emergency preparedness, and response capability in the face of disaster and emergency situations.

   One purpose of this program is to establish notification procedures to rapidly advise the Federal Highway Administrator, the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, the Office of Emergency Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinators (RETCO's) of significant events affecting highway transportation, and to provide for follow up reports, as appropriate.

   The other purpose of this program is to share our policies and guidance and keep FHWA and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) at an acceptable level of readiness in the event of an emergency.

2. Methods of Oversight

   1. Program Approval Actions
      FHWA approval is not required at the program level. The emergency/security program is based on cooperation between FHWA and LADOTD.

   2. Project Approval Actions
      The emergency/security program is not project related and is based on cooperation between FHWA and LADOTD.

   3. Monitoring
      • FHWA relies on the LADOTD and the Louisiana State Police (LSP) to report information regarding significant highway related incidents. The incident types and reporting criteria are listed in FHWA Order 5181.1. These incidents should be reported to the FHWA at the earliest possible time. FHWA will maintain a list of contacts that would be available during non-working hours. See website for FHWA Order 5181.1.
      • FHWA will submit incident reports to the FHWA Emergency Coordinator based on the information supplied by the LADOTD and LSP.
3. Control Documents
   1. Applicable Laws, Regulations, and Orders
      • Executive Order 12656
      • FHWA Order 5181.1
      • FHWA Order 1910.2C
      • DOT Order 1900.9
      • DOT Order 1910.8
   2. Approved Procedures/Agreements/Manuals
      • FHWA COOP
      • LADOTD Emergency Plan
4. Business Standards
   • FHWA will allow LADOTD 3 weeks, from receipt date, to review FHWA's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
   • LADOTD will allow FHWA 3 weeks, from receipt date, to review the LADOTD Emergency Plan.
   • Changes in the point of contact list should be shared with FHWA as soon as possible.
5. Emergency/Security Activity Responsibilities

S. Research, Development and Technology

1. Program Overview

   The purpose of the program is to implement the provisions of 23 U.S.C. 504 and 505 for research, development, technology transfer, programs, and studies undertaken with FHWA planning and research funds.

   1. State Planning and Research (SPR) Program – Part II

      The main requirements under 23 CFR 420 are to create an SPR Work Program, monitor planning and research activities, submit performance and expenditure reports, conduct peer exchanges, develop and maintain an FHWA approved research and development management process, and maintain program certification.

      The SPR Work Program consists of two parts: (1) Part I, Planning, which is prepared by LADOTD's Planning and Programming Division and (2) Part II, Research, Development and Technology, which is prepared by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC). The regulating authority for LTRC comes from the Louisiana Legislature in Revised Statute 48, paragraph 105. The LADOTD is responsible for preparation and overall coordination of the Work Program in accordance with 23 CFR 420. The SPR Program operates on a calendar year basis with program approval every 2 years. Amendments and revisions are submitted annually for approval.

      Research and Technology projects funded with STP funds are approved separately from the SPR Part II Work Plan.

   2. Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)

      LTAP was created to provide educational training, technical assistance and related support services for rural, small urban, tribal governments, consultants and contractors that do work for local agencies on roads, bridges, and public transportation. The LTAP program is regulated under 23 U.S.C. 504(b).

      The Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge was designated as a Technology Transfer Center in March 1986 under the Federal Highway Administration's Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP). The Center is a cooperative effort between the Federal Highway Administration, Louisiana State University, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and operates under the designation of Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program and is most commonly referred to as "LTAP". The Center is located at the Louisiana Transportation Research Center on the campus of the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

      The LTAP Center Advisory Committee determines the direction for the Louisiana LTAP program. The Committee, consisting of federal, state and local government officials and other interested representatives, typically meets once a year. The Advisory Committee reviews program progress and provides direction on program needs and strategies.

      The LA LTAP Center coordinates with the FHWA to draft an LTAP Work Plan based on a calendar year. FHWA reviews a draft LTAP Work Plan. Comments are incorporated into the draft and the final version is approved by FHWA. The LTAP project needs separate federal funding authorization from the SPR Part II program Each Spring, the LTAP Centers complete and submit to FHWA a Program Assessment Report (PAR) and Center Assessment Report (CAR) for the previous calendar year program.

2. Methods of Oversight

   1. Program Approval Actions

      LTRC will administer the research program in accordance with the Louisiana DOT State Research, Development and Technology Transfer Program Manual, which has been reviewed and approved by the Division Office. Significant changes to this manual shall be submitted to the FHWA Division Office for approval.

      The research work program is submitted to the Division Office as Part II of the LADOTD's Planning and Research Work Program. Currently, the Division Office approves the research work program on an annual basis. The LADOTD's research work program shall meet the requirements of 23 CFR, Part 420.209(a)-(c).

   2. Project Approval Action

      LADOTD will identify and implement research projects that address high priority transportation issues. An interactive process involving LADOTD management and Research Advisory Committee (RAC) members as described in the LTRC Research Manual, last updated 2003,shall be used for the identification and prioritization of projects to be included in the research work program, as set forth in Chapter 2 of the Manual. The LTRC shall determine the funding level at which the identified and prioritized projects will be supported with FHWA research funds.

      Other types of projects, including Experimental Features, Demonstration Projects, Application Projects, Test and Evaluation Projects and Special Projects, will be approved by the FHWA Division Office.

      The LTAP project is funded annually on the basis of an annual work plan approved by the Division Office based on funds allocated to the LADOTD.

   3. Monitoring

      The LADOTD will submit, annually, to the FHWA Division Office performance and expenditure reports that meet the requirements of 23 CFR, Part 420.117, (a)-(c).

      The LADOTD will host a peer exchange and report their findings to the FHWA Division Office in accordance with 23 CFR, Part 420.209. The interval between peer reviews will not exceed three years.

      FHWA participates in the LTRC RAC process which reviews research program progress and provides recommendations on program priorities and projects.

      FHWA provides oversight to the LTAP project through review of the annual work plan and work plan amendments and participation in the LTAP Advisory Committee and LTAP peer exchanges.

3. Control Documents
   1. Applicable Laws, Regulations, and Procedures
      • 23 USC applies to all research and technology transfer activities
      • Title 23, CFR, Part 420 and 450 apply to State Planning and Research Program Administration
      • LTRC Research, Development and Technology Transfer Program Manual
   2. Approved Procedures/Agreements/Manual
      • In regards to the SPR, the FHWA exercises its oversight responsibilities through review of the annual program prior to approval actions, review of SPR Work Program amendments prior to approval, and ongoing participation of its technical specialists in pooled fund study technical panels. As appropriate, FHWA personnel may participate in peer exchanges.
      • The LTRC Research Manual was updated in 2003. The manual serves as guidance for the program.
4. Business Standards
   • LADOTD will provide FHWA at least 30 days to review and comment on the draft and final State Planning and Research (SPR) Work Program.
   • LADOTD will involve FHWA in decisions involving special and unusual circumstances at the earliest reasonable time to ensure thorough and appropriate decisions can be made collectively.
   • LTRC, in cooperation with the LTAP Center, will provide FHWA at least 30 days to review and approve the LTAP annual work plan.
5. Program Responsibilities

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

FHWA Louisiana Division
Authorization Procedures for Consultant Contracts to Perform Stage 0 Feasibility Studies and Environmental Studies On Federal-aid Projects

1. Oversight responsibility (Full Oversight or Delegated) will be determined in accordance with the most current version of the FHWA/LADOTD Stewardship Agreement.

2. Full Oversight Projects will be authorized by the FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader (or their approved delegate).

   Authorization of Funds for Original Contract
   • LADOTD Consultant Contract Services will send scope of services and fee package for Stage 0 Feasibility Studies and environmental studies including Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) to FHWA for review and approval.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will review the Scope of Services and Fee Package and coordinate with Division Planner or Environmental Coordinator as appropriate.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team leader will approve scope of services and fee package and returns to LADOTD Consultant Contract Services by fax or email.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader will sign authorization in FMIS.
   Supplemental Agreements and Modified Project Agreements (MPA)
   • LADOTD Consultant Contract Services will send supplemental agreements to FHWA for review and approval.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will review the supplemental agreements.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team leader approves supplemental agreement and returns to LADOTD Consultant Contract Services by fax or email.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a MPA in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader will sign MPA in FMIS.

3. Delegated projects will be authorized by the FHWA Financial Management Team Leader (or their approved delegate).

   Authorization of Original Contract and Modified Project Agreements (MPA)
   • LADOTD Consultant Contract Services will send scope of services and fee package to FHWA for review and approval for EA and EIS environmental studies only.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will review and coordinate with the Division Planner or Environmental Coordinator as appropriate.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization or MPA in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will recommend for approval in FMIS for EA and EIS environmental studies.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will recommend for approval in FMIS for CE's and Stage O feasibility studies.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team Leader will sign authorization or MPA in FMIS.

FHWA Louisiana Division
Authorization Procedures for Consultant Design Contracts On Federal-aid Projects

1. Oversight responsibility (Full Oversight or Delegated) will be determined in accordance with the most current version of the FHWA/LADOTD Stewardship Agreement.

2. Full Oversight Projects will be authorized by the FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader (or their approved delegate).

   Authorization of Funds for Original Contract
   • LADOTD Consultant Contract Services will send Scope of Services and Fee Package for design contract to FHWA for review and approval.
   • The FHWA Area Engineer will review the Scope of Services and Fee Package.
   • Project Delivery Team leader approves Scope of Services and Fee Package and returns to LADOTD Consultant Contract Services by fax or email.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader will sign authorization in FMIS.
   Supplemental Agreements and Modified Project Agreements (MPA)
   • LADOTD Consultant Contract Services will send Supplemental Agreements to FHWA for review and approval.
   • The FHWA Area Engineer will review the Supplemental agreements.
   • Project Delivery Team leader approves Supplemental agreement and returns to LADOTD Consultant Contract Services by fax or email.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a MPA in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader will sign the MPA in FMIS.
3. Delegated projects will be authorized by the FHWA Financial Management Team Leader (or their approved delegate). Authorization of Original Contract and Modified Project Agreements (MPA)
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization or MPA in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information and recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team Leader will sign authorization or MPA in FMIS.

FHWA Louisiana Division
Authorization Procedures for Right-Of-Way Acquisition On Federal-aid Projects

The FHWA Realty Officer will approve authorization of funds for all Federal-aid Right-of-Way projects.

Authorization Procedures

1. The LADOTD Headquarters Real Estate Section will prepare a cost estimate for real property acquisition and relocation.
2. The LADOTD Headquarters Real Estate Section will send a letter requesting funding to Project Finance and copy FHWA.
3. LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization in FMIS.
4. FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
5. FHWA Realty Officer will review and ensure the following has been completed prior to approving the authorization in FMIS:
   • Right-of-way maps are 60% complete
   • Environment document has been cleared
   • Project is on the STIP.
6. FHWA Realty Officer will recommend for approval in FMIS.
7. FHWA Realty Officer will sign authorization in FMIS.
8. Once all right-of-way has been acquired and cleared, the LADOTD Real Estate Section will execute a Right-of-Way Certification letter and forward the certification to FHWA. Authorization of the construction project cannot be approved until the Right-of-Way Certification letter has been received.

FHWA Louisiana Division
Authorization Procedures for Utility Relocation On Federal-aid Projects

1. Oversight responsibility (Full Oversight or Delegated) will be determined in accordance with the most current version of the FHWA/LADOTD Stewardship Agreement.

2. Full Oversight Projects will be authorized by the FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader (or their approved delegate).

   Authorization Procedures
   • The LADOTD Headquarters Utility Section will send a letter requesting funding to Project Finance and copy FHWA. The letter will contain the following information.
     1. Certification that the project has environmental clearance.
     2. Certification that the project is on the STIP.
     3. A cost estimate with each utility listed.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will review and recommend approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader will sign authorization in FMIS.

3. Delegated projects will be authorized by the FHWA Financial Management Team Leader (or their approved delegate).

   Authorization Procedures
   • The LADOTD Headquarters Utility Section will send a letter requesting funding to Project Finance and copy FHWA. The letter will contain the following information.
     1. Certification that the project has environmental clearance.
     2. Certification that the project is on the STIP.
     3. A cost estimate with each utility listed.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information and recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team Leader will review and approve the authorization in FMIS.
4. Once all utility agreements have been signed the LADOTD Headquarters Utility Section will send a Utility Release letter to Project Finance and copy FHWA. Authorization of the construction project cannot be approved until the Utility Release letter has been received.

FHWA Louisiana Division
Authorization Procedures for Federal-aid Construction Projects

1. Oversight responsibility (Full Oversight or Delegated) will be determined in accordance with the most current version of the FHWA/LDOTD Stewardship Agreement.
2. Full Oversight Projects will be authorized by the FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader (or their approved delegate). Authorization to advertise for receipt of bids
   • LADOTD Project Finance will transmit the PS&E package to FHWA for review including:
     1. Final Plans
     2. Contract Proposal
     3. Construction Estimate
     4. ROW certification (when applicable)
     5. Utility Release (when applicable)
   • FHWA Area Engineer will review the PS&E package for accuracy and required project information and coordinate with Bridge, Safety and ITS as needed.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader will sign authorization in FMIS.
3. Modified Project Agreements (MPA)
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a MPA in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information in FMIS.
   • FHWA Area Engineer will review the MPA and recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader will sign MPA in FMIS.

4. Delegated projects will be authorized by the FHWA Financial Management Team Leader (or their approved delegate).

   Authorization to advertise for receipt of bids and MPA.
   • LADOTD Project Finance will create a project authorization or MPA in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team will review project information and recommend for approval in FMIS.
   • FHWA Financial Management Team Leader will sign the Authorization or MPA in FMIS.

FHWA Louisiana Division
Fiscal Management Information System (FMIS) Procedures For Authorization of Federal-aid Projects

All Federal-aid Project Authorization and Project Modifications will originate within Project Finance at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD).

Project Finance will gather the required project information from the program offices within the LADOTD. Upon receipt of all required information, Project Finance will enter the new information into the Fiscal Management Information System (FMIS). This will create a new Authorization for new projects or a Modification for an existing project. Once the new Auth/Mod is created in FMIS, Project Finance will certify available funds by electronically signing the project in FMIS. Someone other than the initial signer will then review the project data and electronically sign the recommend approval and/or Auth/Mod request.

FMIS will then allow the FHWA Financial Management Team to review pending project Auth/Mods. The FHWA Financial Management Team will review the pending project for funds available and required project information. The reviewer will then electronically sign the project in FMIS as Project Information Reviewed.

For Full Oversight projects the FHWA Program Area responsible for the project will review the pending document. Upon approval of the project information the reviewer will electronically sign the project in FMIS as Approval/Recommended.

Final authorization for Full Oversight projects will be made by the Project Delivery Team Leader by electronically signing the project in FMIS as Authorization/Modification.

For delegated projects the FHWA Financial Management Team will electronically sign as the Approval/Recommended and the Authorization/Modification in FMIS.

Reference:

23 C.F.R. 630.112
FMIS User Manual

Appendix D

Louisiana Project Action Responsibility On Federal-aid Projects

Note:
For more details on each approval action see the Program Area Stewardship plans in section IV.

Appendix E

Louisiana Program Action Responsibility On Federal-aid Programs