REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY RTPA

 

 

 

SUBJECT

 

 

 

MEETING

DATE

 

ITEM

NUMBER

 

 

Adopt Policies for Administration and Agency Distribution of Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP)

 

2-25-03

 

3-3

 

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board approve the attached Policy regarding annual distribution of Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds.

 

SUMMARY

In August 2002, the Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted an audit of the RTPA’s process and procedure for the distribution of RSTP exchange funds.  An audit finding was that the RTPA did not have a written procedure for the processing and distribution of these funds.

 

DISCUSSION

The RSTP exchange program is the result of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21).  In accordance with Section 182.6 of the Streets and Highways Code, funds may be exchanged for nonfederal State Highway Account Funds.  Funding is allocated on an annual basis from the DOT.

 

The RTPA agrees to allocate all State funds within the RSTP agreement to projects defined under Title 23 – Section 133 of the Federal Aid for Highways, and in the accordance with the State of California Constitution.  Eligible projects are strictly limited to projects described under Section 133 (b).

 

The following financial controls are established by the DOT and RTPA:

 

q        City and County agencies must establish a separate account within their “Special Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund” or “County Road Fund” to deposit and account for State exchange received directly from the RTPA.

 

q        City and county expenditures of exchange and match funds will be subject to financial and compliance audits by State of California auditors.

 

q        Agencies are required to submit an annual document stating that RSTP exchange funds have been used for eligible projects as defined in Section 133(b).  Documentation must be received prior to disbursement of current year funding.

 

q        In the event of an adverse audit finding, the agency must return the State cash to the RTPA for allocation to other eligible projects.  If an adverse finding is not corrected, a hold will be placed on future exchange and match payments until such time as the findings are corrected to the satisfaction of the State and the RTPA.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

The Technical Advisory Committee, and the Department of Transportation Audits and Investigations Division have reviewed this policy.

 

FINANCING

Adoption of the Staff recommendation will have no financial impact.

 

 

 

_________________________________________

Daniel J. Kovacich, Executive Officer

 

SLC/jac

 

Attachment: RSTP Exchange Policy and Procedure 5-2 and 5-3

                  Resolution 5-93

                  Calculation of Amounts Due Jurisdiction