SEP-16 / Submitted Documents by State /
State of California - California State Transportation Agency --- Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
P.O. BOX 942873, MS-49
SACRAMENTO, CA 94273-0001
PHONE (916) 654-5266
FAX (916) 654-6608
TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
November 7, 2018
Mr. Vincent Mammano
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
650 Capitol Mall, Suite 4-100
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Request for Delegated Authority to Caltrans to Approve STIP Amendments
Dear Mr. Mammano:
Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations Section 450.220 requires the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to submit Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) amendments to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for joint approval. Caltrans is submitting this Letter of lnterest in accordance with the Special Experimental Project (SEP-16) Notice dated September 20, 2018 to seek FHWA's delegation to Caltrans to approve STIP amendments.
Caltrans staff processes an average of 90 amendments to the STIP annually and performs extensive reviews of amendments, ensuring applicable federal requirements are met before issuing state approval. FHWA and FTA reviews and approvals could take up to 45-days for each amendment. Granting Caltrans delegation to approve STIP amendments is an opportunity to streamline the federal approval process and accelerate and increase project delivery, especially toward the end of the federal fiscal year when timing of project obligation is critical.
Caltrans' experienced staff established a process to review amendments that includes checklists, guidance, continuous consultation with FHWA, FTA and MPOs, effective communication and training. This has resulted in FHWA and FTA approving STIP amendments based on Caltrans recommendation 100 percent of the time.
Caltrans and its partnering agencies are continuously examining our processes to find ways to implement efficiencies. A delegation to Caltrans will be a great opportunity for Caltrans and FHWA to contribute to this effort.
I appreciate your willingness to consider this request and look forward to the opportunity to work with your staff on this experimental project.
If you have any questions, please contact my office at (916) 654-6130.
Sincerely,
LAURIE BERMAN
Director
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California's economy and livability"
