immediate bundling request
(2) Immediate bundling.— (A) Definition .— In this paragraph, the term “immediate bundling request” means a letter described in subparagraph (B) that requests immediate funding for multiple projects. (B) Request .— An applicant may submit a letter to the Secretary requesting entry of multiple projects into the project development phase under subsection (d)(1)(A)(i)(I), (e)(1)(A)(i)(I), or (h)(2)(A)(i)(I), for consideration for funding under this section. An applicant shall include in the request the amount of funding requested under this section for each additional project and the estimated capital cost of each project. (C) Readiness .— Projects included in the request must be ready to enter the project development phase under subsection (d)(1)(A), (e)(1)(A), or (h)(2)(A) at the same time. (D) Planning .— Projects in the bundle shall be included in the metropolitan transportation plan in accordance with section 5303(i). (E) Project sponsor .— The applicant that submits an immediate bundling request shall be the project sponsor for each project included in the request. (F) Program and project share .— An immediate bundling request submitted under this subsection shall include a proposed share of each of the request’s projects that is consistent with the requirements of subsections (k)(2)(C)(ii) or (h)(7), as applicable. (G) Benefits .— The bundling of projects under this subsection— (i) shall enhance, or increase the capacity of— (I) the total transportation system of the applicant; or (II) the transportation system of the region the applicant serves (which, in the case of a State whose request addresses a single region, means that region); and (ii) shall— (I) streamline procurements for the applicant; or (II) enable time or cost savings for the projects. (H) Evaluation .— A project submitted for consideration for immediate funding in an immediate bundling request shall be subject to the applicable evaluation criteria under this section for the project type, including demonstrating the availability of local resources to recapitalize, maintain, and operate the overall existing and proposed public transportation system pursuant to subsection (f)(1)(C). (I) Letter of intent or single grant agreement.— (i) In general .— Upon entering into a grant agreement for the initial project for which an applicant submits a request, the Secretary may issue a letter of intent or single, combined grant agreement to the applicant. (ii) Letter of intent.— (I) In general .— A letter of intent announces an intention to obligate, for 1 or more additional projects included in the request, an amount from future available budget authority specified in law that is not more than the amount stipulated as the financial participation of the Secretary in the additional project or projects. Such letter may include a condition that the project or projects must meet the evaluation criteria in this subsection before a grant agreement can be executed. (II) Amount .— The amount that the Secretary announces an intention to obligate for an additional project in a letter of intent issued under clause (i) shall be sufficient to complete at least an operable segment of the project. (III) Treatment .— The issuance of a letter of intent under clause (i) shall not be deemed to be an obligation under sections 1108(c), 1501, and 1502(a) of title 31 or an administrative commitment.