Quantifying outcomes for a DOT grant proposal?

[MacheteJames]

Hey everyone.

I'm writing a Transportation Enhancements Program grant to provide us funds for sidewalk improvements (one new 1400 ft sidewalk, several ADA curb ramps for existing sidewalks, and some new crosswalks). We'll also be adding bike racks and "Share the Road" signs to locations throughout the municipality to make it more bike-friendly.

The grant guidelines call for the applicant to quantify the expected results from the project. The issue is that there is no data available on a street-by-street level through which to establish a baseline for improvements. Our regional planning council has data for entire municipalities, but not broken down to the level I need in order to quantify our outcomes.

How can I go about doing this? Is this even possible, given the lack of a baseline? I could say something like "We expect a 15% increase in pedestrian traffic on X street", but it would all be just guesses at best.

Thanks!

[DetroitPlanner]

It sounds like you've been talking to the wrong folks at your MPO or State DOT. You were probably talking to someone who is more focused on engineering than grants. I would suggest trying to find out who does the TIP coordintation. They should be able to help you.

I can't really comment much more on the issue unfortunately, each State and MPO have their own rules on the application process or forms needed.

[jmello]

You don't have anyone to take pedestrian counts? We (the MPO) take bicycle and pedestrian counts for member munis all of the time. If that is not an option, a survey of residents/workers in the area may work. We did this for a snapshot of behavior prior to our Safe Routes to School project.

[MacheteJames]

A survey? Hmm... I've gotta submit this thing to State DOT at the end of next month, so I don't know if there's time to put a survey together. The MPO has data for arterials but not for side streets. I'll do some more digging and see what data I can pull together. Thank you both!

[jmello]

A survey? Hmm... I've gotta submit this thing to State DOT at the end of next month, so I don't know if there's time to put a survey together. The MPO has data for arterials but not for side streets. I'll do some more digging and see what data I can pull together. Thank you both!

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear. We do special counts at the request of member munis all of the time.