program background...funds available for 2015 construction season. 2014-15 program changes program...

Program Background & 2014-2015 Update

- Program Background & History

- 2014-15 Program Changes

- Program Structure

TROUT UNLIMITED first brought the problem of unpaved road runoff pollution into the spotlight in 1991.

A multi-disciplined “Task Force” on Dirt and Gravel Roads was established in 1993 to investigate the problem.

Program Background Program Background & History

Task force

PA Task Force on Dirt and Gravel Roads

Program Background Program Background & History

Program Background

1994 –1996

DOCUMENTATION OF POLLUTION WAS NEEDED TO ASK THE LEGISLATURE FOR MONEY

PA TROUT VOLUNTEERS DROVE AND ASSESSED ROADS STATEWIDE!

ASSESSMENT: Process of inspecting an unpaved road to determine where runoff is affecting a stream.

Program Background & History

Program Background

• Original assessment 1994-1997

• Conducted by TU volunteers at their own cost

• Looked at unpaved roads in “PROTECTED WATERSHEDS”

Program Background & History

Protected streams are classified by the State of Pennsylvania based on water quality standards.

HIGH QUALITY STREAMS - Native trout streams and cold-water fisheries EXCEPTIONAL VALUE STREAMS - Highest protection class - Pristine or undisturbed streams of excellent quality - Drinking water supply, and native trout streams

PROTECTED STREAMS: Streams of exceptional quality that are specially protected.

Program Background Program Background & History

• Conducted by TU volunteers at their own cost

• Looked at unpaved roads in “PROTECTED STREAMS”

• Identified over 900 pollution “HOTSPOTS”

• Resulted in establishment of Dirt and Gravel

Road Pollution Prevention Program

Program Background Program Background & History

County Boundaries

Program Background Program Background & History

Assessment –county map County Boundaries

Program Background Program Background & History

Assessment – protect map County Boundaries High Quality Streams Exceptional Value Streams

Program Background Program Background & History

Assessment- hotspot map County Boundaries High Quality Streams Exceptional Value Streams T.U. Identified Pollution HOTSPOT

Program Background Program Background & History

• 1997 Transportation Revenue Bill

– House Bill 67 signed into law as Act 3 of 1997

– Added Section 9106 to Motor Vehicle Code

with a simple mandate……

Program Background Program Background & History

“To fund safe, efficient and environmentally sound

practices and procedures which prevent dust and

sediment pollution!”

Program Background Program Background & History

9106 - DIRT AND GRAVEL ROAD LAW

Section 9106 of PA Motor Vehicle Code – 2-page law Program Background Program Background & History

Program Background

1997 Mandated Program Funding

– Funded through gas/tax & motor license funds since 1997.

– $5,000,000 Annual Allocation – $4,000,000 through State Conservation

Commission (for municipal roads) – $1,000,000 through PA Bureau of

Forestry

Program Background & History

STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT GOALS:

• Maintenance of D&G roads as a viable and effective part of the transportation network

• This program is separate from, and does

not have to meet requirements of, the Liquid Fuels Program

Program Background Program Background & History

• Your Goal - Better roads through proper practices and procedures • Program’s Goal – Better environment through

proper practices and procedures

>15 Years has Proven!

“improved maintenance techniques will benefit both roads and the environment”

DIRT AND GRAVEL PROGRAM is a Win-Win

Program Background Program Background & History

1. Establish a connection between road maintenance & the environment.

2. Illustrate how good roads lead to a better environment for a better municipality

3. Identify sources of erosion, sediment & dust pollution associated with your roads.

4. Recognize that standards do not always fit every local site & situation.

5. Show how basic principles and practices lead to sound maintenance decisions.

Program Background

2-Day ESM Training Objectives Program Background & History

Program Background & 2014-2015 Update

- Program Background & History

- 2014-15 Program Changes

- Program Structure

Program Background

Act 89 of 2013:

2014-15 Program Changes Program Background

Program Background

Act 89 of 2013: - Dirt and Gravel Roads funding increase from

$5 Million to $35 Million.

- $8 Million of the SCC $28 Million is dedicated towards paved low volume roads (LVRs) with less than 500 cars/day.

- $7 Million to DCNR, $28 Million to

SCC/District/Municipal.

2014-15 Program Changes Program Background

Program Background

$28 Million Dirt and Gravel Funds: - Program structure and goals remain

unchanged.

- Increased funding received Fall 2014.

- More and potentially larger scale projects.

2014-15 Program Changes Program Background

Program Background

$8 Million Paved Low Volume Roads Funds: - Allocated for paved and “chip sealed”

roads with less than 500 vehicles per day.

- Projects still focus on water quality.

- Funds available for 2015 construction season.

2014-15 Program Changes Program Background

Program Background

2014-15 Program Changes Program Background

$7 Million to DCNR: - Projects still focus on water quality &

environmental benefits.

- Funds became available for 2014/2015 construction season.

Program Background Program Background & 2014-2015 Update

- Program Background & History

- 2014-15 Program Changes

- Program Structure

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program $35 Million annual allocation

PA State Conservation Commission

$28 Million

PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry $7 Million

PA Dirt and Gravel Road Program PSU Center

PA Conservation Districts • Administer Program in County

Townships (& others) • Apply to District for funding • Complete or contract work

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program $35 Million annual allocation

PA State Conservation Commission

$28 Million

PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry $7 Million

$

$

PA Dirt and Gravel Road Program PSU Center

Forestry and Parks • Receive funding and complete

work

PA Conservation Districts • Administer Program in County

Townships (& others) • Apply to District for funding • Complete or contract work

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program $35 Million annual allocation

PA State Conservation Commission

$28 Million

PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry $7 Million

$

$

$

PA Dirt and Gravel Road Program PSU Center

Forestry and Parks • Receive funding and complete

work

PA Conservation Districts • Administer Program in County

Townships (& others) • Apply to District for funding • Complete or contract work

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program $35 Million annual allocation

PA State Conservation Commission

$28 Million

PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry $7 Million

PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies

$

$

$ $ $

PA Dirt and Gravel Road Program PSU Center

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program

BUREAU OF FORESTRY

STATE PARKS

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

Only Z1 roads are eligible Z2 and Z3 administrative roads and trails are not currently eligible

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

Z1 Roads • Public Use • ~2,200 miles in 16 of 20 districts • ~50 miles of paved roads • Currently eligible Z2 Roads • Drivable Trail • ~450 miles Z3 Roads • Gated or Administrative Roads • ~2,500 miles

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

$7,000,000 Annual Allocation for: 1. Road projects 2. Annual Demonstration Project 3. Education & Assistance For more information: Jason Hall - Program Manager PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry, Recreation Section 400 Market Street, 6th Floor RCSOB Harrisburg, PA 17101 Phone: 717-787-3706 | Fax: 717-783-5109 jahall@pa.gov

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

$7,000,000 Annual Allocation for:

1. Road projects in forest districts and parks • Projects in HQ/EV watersheds w/stream impact. • Forest Districts contacted by Central Office for

project funding requests.

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

$7,000,000 Annual Allocation for:

2. Annual Demonstration Project • One held each year with assistance from Center. • Typically includes new or complex practices. • Past projects have included:

• Several road relocations. • Driving Surface Aggregate research. • Bottomless arch pipe. • Several paved roads turned back to gravel. • Slide stabilization using soil nails. • Extensive drainage improvements are always included

in projects.

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

$7,000,000 Annual Allocation for:

3. Education & technical assistance • All Forestry staff involved in the Program must

attend ESM training every 5 years. • Center staff available for technical assistance. • Encourage participation in annual workshop.

If you are ESM certified (2-day Course) attending

this workshop renews your certification for an additional 5 years.

Program Background Bureau of Forestry

Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume Road Maintenance Program

PENNSYLVANIA STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Dirt and Gravel “Law” Program Structure

www.dirtandgravelroads.org Additional Information Program Structure

Bureau of Forestry Program Structure

Program Manager Jason Hall PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Phone: 717-787-3706 jahall@pa.gov

Technical Assistance Dave Shearer PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads Phone: 814-505-2724 drs32@psu.edu