Going after $$$$'s

Friends,

    Several months ago, the Aldermen and Alderwoman learned about funds that were coming available this year.

    Yesterday, the following email was received by Margaret and sent to the BOA:

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Central Texas Council of Governments on behalf of the Killeen – Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization, Belton, Texas is soliciting project proposals for:

Federal Highway Administration

Transportation Alternatives Program (FY 13-14)

General Information

The Killeen – Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization hereinafter referred to as KTMPO serves as the planning organization for the federally designated Transportation Management Area located in the Central Texas area.  The KTMPO boundary covers all of Bell County and parts of Lampasas and Coryell Counties along with portions of Fort Hood. The Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) serves as the fiscal agent for the KTMPO Transportation Planning Policy Board.

KTMPO is issuing a Call for Projects (CFP) to utilize federal funding available through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).  The TAP replaces several programs such as Transportation Enhancements, Recreational Trails, Safe Routes to Schools, and several other discretionary programs, wrapping them into a single funding source. The CFP is available on the KTMPO website at www.ktmpo.org and describes detailed activities which need to be completed for submission of a project.  Questions about the CFP may be sent via fax to: Mark Collier, (254) 770-2360 or email to: mark.collier@ctcog.org.  A proposers’ conference will be held 2:00 p.m., August 25 in the CTCOG offices located at 2180 North Main, Belton, Texas 76513.  Questions regarding the CFP must be received by end of the proposers’ conference.  The final Q&A document will be posted on the KTMPO website by close of business on August 29, 2014. 

One original of the project response must be received at the CTCOG by 4:00 p.m. CST on October 15, 2014.  Email submissions are acceptable and must be received by the same deadline.

         WE ARE GOING TO COMPETE FOR THESE FUNDS.  

         It will not be easy -- Killeen, Harker Heights, Lampasas, Temple, Belton, and other communities will do the the same.  However, our chance is as good as their chance.  And, if we do not do it, we will get nothing.

        Respectfully request you help us with the following:

        1.  What project do you deem the most important (i.e. sidewalks, curbs, recreational trails, safe routes to schools, etc)?

        2.  Once the Aldermen and Alderwoman has decided on the proposed project, is there someone who can do a conceptual drawing on how it will look.  Details are important as well as the design itself.

       3.  Is there someone who has grant writing ability or is willing to learn.  There are some local and state agencies that have grant writers that may give a few free lessons. If there is more than one writer, that is even better.  THIS IS NOT THE LAST FUNDS OR GRANTS WE ARE GOING AFTER.  IT IS THE BEGINNING.  PALS proved that we can get grants.

      4.  If you are willing to suggest a proposal, do a conceptual drawing, or assist in writing the proposal, please call or email Margaret at your earliest convenience 947-5060.  Please do not be shy or think you are no qualified.  You are as qualified as anyone else.

      Every available penny that is not a loan or comes out of your pocket, is a win-win situation for our village and you.  And, the icing on the cake -- Salado is going to be beautiful and beneficial to our visitors and us.

       Hello?  Salado is calling.  Please answer.

                             Most respectfully,  Skip