Guidance for Local Public Agencies and Sub-Recipients of Federal Funds

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has a manual for Local Public Agencies (LPA) and Sub-Recipients that provides instructions to help successfully develop and implement federally funded transportation projects. If you are with an LPA and unfamiliar with federal procedures, the manual will guide you through the federal process. For those who frequently use federal funds for transportation projects, the manual is a reference tool to quickly locate specific information.

Development Guide for Local Public Agencies and Other Sub-Recipients of Federal Funds (PDF, 22.2 Mb)

Below are useful links to help LPA staff develop projects that meet federal aid requirements.

Subject	Description
Title VI / Environmental Justice	Title VI/Environmental Justice ensures non-discrimination in all MDOT SHA programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from the Federal Highway Administration.
Sub-recipient Construction Manual, Forms and Documents	Manual about administering construction of federal-Aid projects; includes sample forms.
Federal Highway Bridge Program	Guidance to local governments using Federal Highway Bridge Program funds
Transportation Alternatives Program	Guidance to local governments to users of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Environmental Documentation for Local Projects	Instructions about obtaining NEPA approval.
Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MDMUTCD)	Requirements for installing traffic control devices in Maryland,
Traffic Control Devices Design Manual	Helps traffic engineers develop signal, signing, pavement marking and lighting plans for the MDOT SHA Office of Traffic and Safety (OOTS).
Maryland Standard Sign Book	Design details for signs that must be used along public roads in Maryland.
MDOT SHA Bicycle Policy & Design Guidelines	Requirements for bicycle facilities along MDOT SHA highways
MDOT SHA Accessibility Policy & Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities Along State Highways	Requirements and design guidelines for constructing pedestrian facilities along MDOT SHA highways
Book of Standards for Highway & Incidental Structures	Standards to be applied during construction on MDOT SHA roadways.
Standard Supplemental and Specifications for Construction and Materials	Specifications and material requirements for items to be utilized on MDOT SHA roadways.
Highway Drainage Manual	Provides requirements for highway drainage for SHA roadways
Pavement & Geotechnical Design Guide	A process to evaluate the condition of pavement systems that fulfills design requirements.
Landscape Guidance Documents	Designing landscapes for Maryland roads. Includes the MDOT SHA Landscape Design Guide and the Environmental Guide for Access & District Permit Applicants.
MDOT SHA Utility Policy	Guidance for situating utilities within MDOT SHA rights of way.
Federal-Aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies	Guidance fulfilling requirements for federally funded projects.
Recreational Trails Program Manual	Guidance to local governments using the Recreational Trails Program.