LPA Toolkit
The Office of Real Estate Services presents a web based tool developed as a one-stop consortium of materials which provides many resources that will assist Federal, State and Local entities in increasing awareness of the laws, regulations, policies and guidance needed to implement stewardship and oversight of this program area. This web based tool provides material which is current and relevant.
The LPA Tool Kit is organized in a user friendly format. It utilizing categories and subcategories of topics that enable the practitioner, whether novice or experienced, to benefit from usage.
Innovative Practices
- Certification ↓
- Federal aid for LPAs ↓
- WSDOT Ways to Help Your Federal Aid Project Run Smoothly This article provides information to LPAs to help increase their awareness regarding what to anticipate and what to avoid while working on Federal-Aid projects. A section of the article on the right-of-way phase provides the general requirements of the process, as well as where readers can go to find more information about them.
- LPA Stewardship and Oversight ↓
- Michigan DOT's Local Agency Program Forms Website Michigan DOT makes a variety of useful forms available to its LPAs via this forms website.
- Missouri DOT LPA Strategic Vision Team: Team Recommendations MoDOT formed an LPA Strategic Vision Team to develop a statewide vision for its LPA program. Using feedback received from Statewide and District Partnering for Innovative Efficiencies meetings and Tracker survey results for LPA partners, the desired outcomes for the team were identified. One of the desired outcomes for the Team is to define a statewide vision to ensure a consistent direction for MissouriÂ’s local program.
- North Carolina DOT's Local Projects Administration website (or PDF) NCDOT's Local Programs Management Office (LPMO) provides guidance and oversight to Local Government Agencies that receive federal or state funds to implement a project, program, or study.LPMO establishes standard operating procedures for those projects that are administered by an LGA.
- Tennessee DOT Process Overview Flow Chart for Locally Managed Projects The Local Programs Development Office at the Tennessee DOT oversees federal and state funding programs that are available to LPAs. Given the critical connection between TDOT's Local Programs Development Office and local governments, TDOT has created a flow chart that helps ensure that funds can be administered expeditiously and projects be completed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Wisconsin DOT LPA Toolbox WisDOT has created a LPA Toolbox that contains helpful hints for ROW acquisition as well as samples of filled out forms.
- WSDOT Local Program Website WSDOT's Local Program Website features a "local project search"capability, information on "hot topics,"and updates on accountability and performance, among other topics.
- Process review ↓
- Florida Division Office Local Agency Program Process Review of the Florida DOT The objective of the process review was to evaluate the level of oversight and quality assurance being provided by the FDOT in the administration of the construction phase of locally-administered projects. Additionally, the review also assessed the state-of-the-practice of LAP in Florida through discussions with a number of local agencies and FDOT. Overall, the recommendations and findings of the process review indicated a need for more consistency in administration and oversight of the LAP among FDOT District Offices.
- ROW management practices ↓
- FHWA Report on WSDOT ROW LPA Program management practices This FHWA research report examines WSDOT's ROW management practices in assisting LPAs. The study summarizes key elements and benefits of the quality management models WSDOT uses to implement its ROW program among its LPAs. It provides other agencies with best practice methodology, identifying four specific areas that States could evaluate as opportunities for improvement: (1) funding for a local agency coordinator position; (2) development of regional business scheduling plans; (3) development of customer surveys; and, (4) development of performance indicators for feedback.
- ROW Requirements ↓
- Indiana DOT Kitchen Table Meetings INDOT created the concept of "Kitchen Table Meetings"to proactively improve the information provided to property owners affected by planned transportation projects on Interstate 69. INDOT also has an LPA resources website that provides LPAs with sample documents and other technical assistance resources to be referred to as they implement Federal-aid projects.
- Minnesota DOT's State Aid for Local Transportation Website MnDOT's State Aid for Local Transportation (SALT) works closely with local levels of government to ensure the state maintains a safe, effective and coordinated highway network.
- Technical assistance ↓
Templates, Checklists, and Resources
- Every Day Counts Website The Every Day Counts initiative sparks greater use of innovative technologies and processes within the transportation industry in partnership with states and other stakeholders. Find
- Acquisition ↓
- Certification ↓
- WSDOT Flowcharts Sufficient Property Rights: Certification Process WSDOT has created flowcharts to assist LPAs. One helps LPAs determine whether ROW is needed. Another helps LPAs determine the type of property rights necessary. A third outlines WSDOT's LPA certification process. It describes the roles of the LPA, the WSDOT region in which the LPA is located, WSDOT headquarters, and the FWHA Division Office.
- LPA Certification ↓
- Oregon DOT LPA Certification Program ODOT's Certification Program provides a process through which qualified LPAs can become certified in certain areas of federal-aid project delivery. ODOT believes this allows LPAs to retain more approval authority and control at the local level when developing FHWA funded transportation projects. The areas in which local agencies can become "certified" include:
- Consultant Selection
- Design
- Advertising, Bid, and Award
- Construction Contract Administration
- Parcels ↓
- Utah DOT parcel tracking database UDOT uses software called ePM to track information on the planning, funding, scheduling and staffing of UDOT design projects. The software, which is available to other agencies at no cost, has a ROW module allowing users to track parcels throughout a project's lifecycle.
- Project Development ↓
- FHWA Webinar on ROW Procedures, Tools, and Techniques for LPAs, part 1 On July 9, 2013, FHWA held a national webinar on integrating ROW procedures into the project development process. Learning outcomes included (1) understanding the project development procedure for ROW projects; (2) understanding the relationship between other program areas and ROW; and (3) stating the requirements of a ROW Certification Statement.
- FHWA Webinar on ROW Procedures, Tools, and Techniques for LPAs, part 2 On October 23, 2013, FHWA held a second national webinar on integrating acquisition ROW procedures into the project development process. Learning outcomes included (1) understanding the Acquisition and Negotiation Phase of the ROW process; (2) understanding other alternative means to acquire property; and (3) understanding the concept of Early Acquisition and the LPAs with additional information presented through a case study.
- ROW ↓
- FHWA Webinar on ROW Procedures, Tools, and Techniques for LPAs, part 1 On July 9, 2013, FHWA held a national webinar on integrating ROW procedures into the project development process. Learning outcomes included (1) understanding the project development procedure for ROW projects; (2) understanding the relationship between other program areas and ROW; and (3) stating the requirements of a ROW Certification Statement.
- ROW Certification ↓
- Alabama DOT LPA Certification Procedure This presentation describes application and certification process flow that Alabama cities, counties, or other local government organizations or authorities wishing to be certified to administer LPA projects in the state under State and Federal guidelines must follow.
- FHWA Webinar on ROW Procedures, Tools, and Techniques for LPAs, part 1 On July 9, 2013, FHWA held a national webinar on integrating ROW procedures into the project development process. Learning outcomes included (1) understanding the project development procedure for ROW projects; (2) understanding the relationship between other program areas and ROW; and (3) stating the requirements of a ROW Certification Statement.
- Nebraska Department of Roads LPA Certification Statement Form This form is a template that Nebraska LPAs used to indicate that they have procured and negotiated required services according to the Locally Funded Procurement Procedure defined in NDOr's LPA Guidelines Manual and certifies that all local laws and ordinances were followed.
- New Hampshire DOT LPA Training and Certification Process These brochures describe the LPA training and certification process in New Hampshire. NHDOT's training discusses the necessary steps and procedures that a project sponsor and consultant will be required to follow when implementing a project, using the current LPA manual as a resource for all Federally funded, locally-managed projects. The training is broken into two, full-day parts. Part 1covers project management, the design process, environmental review process, and the ROW process, among other topics. Part 2 covers the construction phase.
- Stewardship and oversight ↓
- NCHRP Synthesis 414: Effective Delivery of Small-Scale Federal-aid Projects This report compiles and documents streamlined methods for meeting federal funding requirements for small-scale highway projects. A primary objective of this study is to explore ways that state DOTs work with local agencies to implement small projects eligible for federal funding. For this study, small-scale is defined as projects administered by state or local transportation agencies that contain federal funding of $300,000 or less.
- NCHRP Synthesis 442: Practices and Performance Measures for LPA Federally-Funded Highway Projects (or PDF) TRBÂ’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 442: Practices and Performance Measures for Local Public Agency Federally Funded Highway Projects explores what performance measures, delivery practices, strategies, and tools are currently used in relation to federally-funded local public agency (LPA) highway project development and delivery, and how they are used to measure success in project administration.
- Stewardship and Oversight Website Section 106 of Title 23, United States Code, requires that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the State enter into an agreement documenting the extent to which the State assumes the responsibilities of FHWA under Title 23. The Stewardship/Oversight Agreement formalizes these delegated responsibilities and agreements to address how the Federal-aid highway program will be administered in the State.
Training
- Acquisition ↓
- Acquisition and Negotiation FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on Acquisition and Negotiation.
- Federal-aid Essentials for LPAs The Federal-aid Essentials Web site contains a resource library of informational videos and related materials. Readily accessible and available when you need an answer, each video addresses a single topic presented in everyday language-condensing the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into easy-to-understand concepts and illustrated examples.
- FHWA Resource Center Workshops FHWA's Resource Center is available to provide technical assistance and training. Any of the individual workshops can be customized to meet the needs of the host.
- FHWA's LPA ROW Videos and Presentations FHWA had developed a series of videos that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process:
- Introduction to ROW and Uniform Act
- Project Development
- ROW Property Management
- Relocation Assistance
- Valuation
- ROW Acquisition and Negotiation
- Administrative Matters ↓
- Project Delivery and Administrative Matters FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on project delivery and administrative matters.
- Advanced Relocation ↓
- Appraisal ↓
- Federal aid for LPAs ↓
- Federal Aid Requirements and LPA Stewardship The Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation offers this 1-day training course, which is intended to assist local agencies with proper Federal-aid compliance. The course reviews the cradle to grave process of Federal-aid programs, from planning and project concept, plans, specifications, estimates and bidding, and construction.
- Virginia DOT Measuring and Improving Locally Administered ProjectsÂ’ Performance This presentation, which was part of a local programs workshop that VDOT offered, focused on how locally administered projects contribute to VDOT's overall program; areas of performance concern; initiatives underway to improve performance; and FHWA perspectives on how performance might be improved, including actions promoted under the EDC initiative.
- Local Public Agencies ↓
- LPAs ↓
- California DOT Training for Local Agencies Caltrans offers a suite of training workshops and multi-day "academies"on a range of topics. For example, one academy presented is a five-day local assistance course geared toward new Caltrans Local Assistance and local agency staffs. The content generally mirrors the content of the Local Assistance Procedures Manual and the Local Assistance Program Guidelines. The ROW academy is a 10-day course that focuses on four main topics: Principles of Real Estate Appraisal; Principles of Real Estate Law; Principles of Real Estate Negotiation; and Principles of Real Estate Engineering. Caltrans LPA training is divided among twelve coordinators, with one being located in each district.Most classes are provided upon request.
- Negotiation ↓
- Acquisition and Negotiation FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on Acquisition and Negotiation.
- Federal-aid Essentials for LPAs The Federal-aid Essentials Web site contains a resource library of informational videos and related materials. Readily accessible and available when you need an answer, each video addresses a single topic presented in everyday language-condensing the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into easy-to-understand concepts and illustrated examples.
- FHWA's LPA ROW Videos and Presentations FHWA had developed a series of videos that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process:
- Introduction to ROW and Uniform Act
- Project Development
- ROW Property Management
- Relocation Assistance
- Valuation
- ROW Acquisition and Negotiation
- Outdoor Advertising ↓
- FHWA Resource Center Workshops FHWA's Resource Center is available to provide technical assistance and training. Any of the individual workshops can be customized to meet the needs of the host.
- Outdoor Advertising Control ↓
- Program Management ↓
- FHWA Resource Center Workshops FHWA's Resource Center is available to provide technical assistance and training. Any of the individual workshops can be customized to meet the needs of the host.
- Project delivery ↓
- Project Delivery and Administrative Matters FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on project delivery and administrative matters.
- Project Development ↓
- Federal-aid Essentials for LPAs The Federal-aid Essentials Web site contains a resource library of informational videos and related materials. Readily accessible and available when you need an answer, each video addresses a single topic presented in everyday language-condensing the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into easy-to-understand concepts and illustrated examples.
- FHWA's LPA ROW Videos and Presentations FHWA had developed a series of videos that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process:
- Introduction to ROW and Uniform Act
- Project Development
- ROW Property Management
- Relocation Assistance
- Valuation
- ROW Acquisition and Negotiation
- Property Management ↓
- Federal-aid Essentials for LPAs The Federal-aid Essentials Web site contains a resource library of informational videos and related materials. Readily accessible and available when you need an answer, each video addresses a single topic presented in everyday language-condensing the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into easy-to-understand concepts and illustrated examples.
- FHWA's LPA ROW Videos and Presentations FHWA had developed a series of videos that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process:
- Introduction to ROW and Uniform Act
- Project Development
- ROW Property Management
- Relocation Assistance
- Valuation
- ROW Acquisition and Negotiation
- Property Management FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on property management.
- Relocation ↓
- Federal-aid Essentials for LPAs The Federal-aid Essentials Web site contains a resource library of informational videos and related materials. Readily accessible and available when you need an answer, each video addresses a single topic presented in everyday language-condensing the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into easy-to-understand concepts and illustrated examples.
- FHWA Resource Center Workshops FHWA's Resource Center is available to provide technical assistance and training. Any of the individual workshops can be customized to meet the needs of the host.
- FHWA's LPA ROW Videos and Presentations FHWA had developed a series of videos that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process:
- Introduction to ROW and Uniform Act
- Project Development
- ROW Property Management
- Relocation Assistance
- Valuation
- ROW Acquisition and Negotiation
- National Highway Institute Real Estate Courses
- Relocation Assistance FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on relocation assistance.
- ROW Requirements ↓
- Technical assistance ↓
- Florida DOT Local Agency Program Training FDOT provides a computer-based training for transportation and LPA personnel. The training topics include certification, project selection, and LPA agreements.
- Local Technical Assistance (LTAP)/ Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) Resources Database LTAP/TTAP centers enable local counties, parishes, townships, cities and towns to improve their roads and bridges by supplying them with a variety of training programs, an information clearinghouse, new and existing technology updates, personalized technical assistance and newsletters. Through these core services, Centers provide access to training and information, on topics such as LPA right-of-way administration, which may not otherwise be accessible. The LTAP/TTAP resources database allows users to search and view information on all upcoming LTAP/TTAP courses and conferences.
- Maine DOT Local Project Administration Program MaineDOT's Local Project Administration Program enables cities, towns and other local public agencies to make transportation improvements with Federal and state money. A certified local staff member takes charge of a locally administered project in partnership with a MaineDOT project manager, who makes sure all federal and state requirements are met. MaineDOT's LPA website includes information on LPA certification, training opportunities, templates, and examples of locally administered projects. The ROW Process training describes "what you need to know"as an LPA to effectively implement Federal-aid transportation projects.
- Uniform Act ↓
- Federal-aid Essentials for LPAs The Federal-aid Essentials Web site contains a resource library of informational videos and related materials. Readily accessible and available when you need an answer, each video addresses a single topic presented in everyday language-condensing the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into easy-to-understand concepts and illustrated examples.
- FHWA Resource Center Workshops FHWA's Resource Center is available to provide technical assistance and training. Any of the individual workshops can be customized to meet the needs of the host.
- FHWA's LPA ROW Videos and Presentations FHWA had developed a series of videos that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process:
- Introduction to ROW and Uniform Act
- Project Development
- ROW Property Management
- Relocation Assistance
- Valuation
- ROW Acquisition and Negotiation
- Introduction to ROW Requirements FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation provides an introduction to ROW and Uniform Act requirements.
- The Uniform Act and Other Federal Requirements FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on the Uniform Act and other Federal requirements.
- Valuation ↓
- Federal-aid Essentials for LPAs The Federal-aid Essentials Web site contains a resource library of informational videos and related materials. Readily accessible and available when you need an answer, each video addresses a single topic presented in everyday language-condensing the complex regulations and requirements of the Federal-aid Highway Program into easy-to-understand concepts and illustrated examples.
- Valuation FHWA had developed a series of PowerPoint presentations that practitioners can reference to access information on specific aspects of the ROW process. This presentation focuses on valuation.
Policies, Guidelines, and Manuals
- Guidelines ↓
- Stewardship and oversight ↓
- FHWA Domestic Scan on Right-of-Way Oversight of Local Public Agencies, Dearborn, Michigan HEPR held a domestic scan on ROW oversight of LPAs in 2005. State DOT and FHWA staff discussed how State DOT real estate staffs train their counterparts in LPAs, how they determine whether LPAs are qualified to perform ROW work, and how they assist smaller or more rural LPAs in complying with Federal and state laws and regulations.
- FHWA Federal-Aid Highway Program Stewardship and Oversight Agreement Guidance This guidance provides the information FHWA Division Offices and State DOTs need to develop implementing Stewardship and Oversight Agreements tailored to the needs of each State and consistent with Federal Requirements.
- FHWA Legal and Regulatory Provisions Related to Oversight of Subrecipients of Federal-aid Funds This white paper summarizes the legislative and regulatory basis for the responsibilities State DOTs have in overseeing subrecipients of Federal-aid funds.
- FHWA Order on Stewardship and Oversight of Federal-aid Projects Administered by LPAs This order outlines official internal policy and procedures relative to stewardship and oversight of LPA-administered Federal-aid projects.It defines state transportation agency roles and responsibilities, establishes uniform methodologies for assessing risk in the STAÂ’s stewardship and oversight and for ensuring compliance with Federal requirements.
- FHWA/Washington DOT Quality Improvement Process Review: LPA ROW Operations In 2002, FHWA and Washington DOT evaluated the effectiveness of local public agency right-of-way program implementation of the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act in Washington and to identify and share best practices.
- FHWA's Discussion of Office of Inspector General (OIG) Recommendations on Transactions with High Levels of Noncompliance This memorandum provides guidance to Division Offices on project activities the OIG determined to have a high incidence of noncompliance. FHWA encouraged State DOTs to review their stewardship programs and to include the memoÂ’s suggested activities and reviews as needed to ensure compliance with requirements in the cited areas.
- FHWA's Oversight of Federal-Aid and Recovery Act Projects Administered by Local Public Agencies Needs Strengthening The Office of Inspector General conducted an audit of FHWA's actions to reduce risks identified with locally administered highway projects. The report details challenges FHWA faces in ensuring LPAs are appropriately spending Federal funds, and makes recommendations to improve the effectiveness of FHWA's LPA oversight.
- FHWA's The Administration of Federal-aid Projects by LPAs: National Review FHWA conducted a national review of the LPA program in February, 2006. The agency identified areas for improvement, including developing LPA knowledge of establishing and administering Federal-aid projects and Federal and state requirements to secure/maintain federal funding.
- Legal and Regulatory Provisions Related to Oversight of Subrecipients of Federal-aid Funds This document summarizes the legislative and regulatory basis for the responsibilities State DOTs have in overseeing sub-recipients of Federal-aid funds (e.g., local governments, MPOs, universities, non-profit entities). The white paper asserts that the State DOT should determine the type and extent of reviews or other oversight activities conducted based upon the complexity or uniqueness of the project, the experience of the subgranteeÂ’'s staff, subgrantee performance on previous projects, and other risk factors the State deems appropriate.
- Local Technical Assistance ProgramÂ’s Good Practices for the Oversight of Federal-Aid Projects Administered by LPAs This paper provides provide effective practices in defining the roles and responsibilities of FHWA, the state transportation agency, and the LPA in administering Federal-aid projects consistent with current statutory and regulatory authority.
Program Manuals
Some State DOTs have local project stewardship agreements with LPAs that are a supplement to the overall State DOT-FHWA Stewardship/Oversight agreement. They may take the form of an appendix or addendum to the Stewardship/Oversight agreement, and establish roles and responsibilities that are tailored to and recognize the LPA's experience and capabilities. They provide a means for a State to describe the processes, documents, and approvals necessary to administer local transportation projects using Federal-aid funds. The LPA manual in particular is a compilation of information from many sources and is a reference source for administrative and field personnel in any governmental agency. To serve the needs of local agencies, the manuals may describe development requirements and outline procedures for obtaining approval when local conditions warrant departures from adopted standards. The needs in each State will vary significantly and the content of a LPA manual will be commensurate with the size of the Local Agency Program.
