Ozone Transport (66.033)
Program
66.033 Ozone Transport
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Authorization
Clean Air Act of 1990, as amended, Sections 106 and 111, Public Law 101-549, 42 U.S.C. 1406.
Program Number
66.033
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To develop or recommend air quality implementation plans for air quality control regions designated pursuant to Section 106 (interstate pollution) or Section 111 (interstate ozone pollution) of the Clean Air Act of 1990. Funding Priority: The OTC provides a forum for the states within the Ozone Transport Region (New England and Middle Atlantic states) to develop and adopt air quality implementation plans for reducing ozone pollution pursuant to Section 106 of Section 111 of the Clean Air Act of 1990.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grant funds may be used for costs specifically incurred in the conduct of interstate pollution projects in accordance with the purposes enumerated in the approved application.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
An agency or commission designated by the Governors of the affected States, which is capable of recommending to those Governors' plans for implementation of national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards and which includes representation form the States and the appropriate political subdivisions within the affected air quality control region.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Municipalities, intermunicipalities, States, interstate agencies or commissions, and Federally recognized Indian tribes.
Credentials/Documentation
The application must supply evidence of legal authority for air pollution control; evidence of the availability of non-federal matching funds, evidence that the Governor or his designated State agency has been given the opportunity to comment on the relationship of the program to be funded to the State plan and a workable program officially adopted for the agency. Principles for determining allowable costs are set forth in applicable Federal management circulars described in the general grant regulations and procedures 40 CFR Part 30 of the Federal Regulations. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and Local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Discussions of informal meetings with the Headquarters Program Office concerning program preparation are advisable. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal Agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
Requests for application forms and completed applications should be submitted to the appropriate EPA Office. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog.).
Award Procedure
Each application shall be subjected to administrative coordination to determine adequacy in relation to grant regulations, and to technical and program evaluation to determine merit and relevancy of the project.
Deadlines
Applications are due 60 days prior to the beginning of the budget period.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
As described in 40 CFR Part 31, Subpart F.
Renewals
Applicant must reapply.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Upon initial designation by the Governors of the affected States, pursuant to Sections 106 or 111, the Administrator is authorized to pay for up to 2 years, and up to 100 percent of the air quality planning program costs of an designated commission or interstate agency. After the initial 2-year period, the Administrator is authorized to make grants to such agency or such commission in amounts up to 3/5 of its air quality management plan costs.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The terms of the grant shall be determined at the time of grant award.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
As specified in the grant award and through applicable regulations (usually quarterly, interim, and final progress and expenditure reports).
Audits
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB Circular No. A- 133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 1997. The Circular implements the Single Audit Act amendments of 1996. The Circular requires nonfederal entities that expend more than $300,000 in Federal award dollars, to have an audit conducted in accordance with the Circular's provisions. With the revised Circular, the previous OMB Circular No. A-128 for single audits of State and local governments was rescinded and the single audit requirements for these entities were incorporated among the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records including all documents to support entries and accounting records and to substantiate charges to each cooperative agreement must be kept available to personnel authorized to examine EPA accounts. All records must be maintained for 3 years from the date of the submission of the annual financial status report or longer if questions still remain, such as those raised as a result of an audit.
Program Accomplishments
The Ozone Transport Commission provides policy guidance to its member states and the District of Columbia on actions needed to reduce ozone pollution within the ozone transport region. This is accomplished through the development of multi-state agreements such as the NOx emissions reductions, the Clean Energy Initiative, education and outreach efforts and similar activities.
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0200-0-1-304.
Obligations
FY 02 $650,000; FY 03 est $649,000; and FY 04 est $650,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$10,000 to $400,000. Average: $200,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
EPA Uniform Administration Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments (40 CFR Part 31).
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
EPA encourages potential applicants to communicate with the appropriate EPA Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog, and the Headquarters program contacts listed below.
Headquarters Office
Office of Air and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Mail Code 6102A, Washington, DC 20460. Program Contact: Paul Rasmussen. Telephone: (202) 564-1306.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Ozone Transport Commission.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
