Project Development Guide

Project Development to Implementation

A Step-By-Step Guide To Developing A Project In Your Community

How do we get started?

The first step in project development involves identifying specific community needs and issues. This is best done at the local level with community officials, local residents and Lake Cumberland ADD staff participating in the process. The scope or reach of the potential project must be defined and the degree of community support, including potential financial support, must be considered.

How do we pay for a project?

The second step involves identifying and analyzing the various funding alternatives including federal, state, local or private funding sources. Lake Cumberland ADD staff can help determine program or project feasibility by identifying which funding agencies might participate.

A plan and money source… Now, where do we go?

Once a project is deemed feasible, has community support and the support of the elected governing body, the effort to obtain funding begins. The ADD will work with other project partners to identify all activities that will comprise the full scope of the project or program. Such activities might include land acquisition, site development, building construction, capital equipment acquisi­tion, existing infrastructure expansion(s), infrastructure develop­ment, and/or long-term maintenance, operation and management. LCADD will identify staff members to serve as Project Developer and Project Administrator. This team will coordinate the project and serve as principal contact for the community throughout the application and implementation process.

After the Contract Agreement…

What’s the next step?

The Project Developer begins to gather necessary data for application writing purposes. Initial efforts might include develop­ment of a survey form and training of applicants surveyors in best survey practice; tabulation and analysis of survey results; assis­tance in proper procurement, procedures (legal method of selection) for engineering, architectural and/or other professional services as needed, cost estimating and mapping.

Who prepares the funding application?

Once the preliminary work is completed and basic information obtained, the Project Developer will complete and compile all necessary information to “Package” the application. This process includes scheduling and attending all project/program related meetings; preparing and submitting for publication all required public notices and advertisements; conducting necessary public hearings on behalf of the applicant; and developing and maintain­ing a record of hearings. The Project Developer will also prepare and submit all necessary data (including a project narrative, map, cost summary and environmental information form) to the Kentucky State Clearing­house. After all of the above steps have been completed and pre­application requirements met, the Project Developer will prepare the final application for applicant and public review and approval. The completed application will then be forwarded to the targeted funding agency(ies).

The application has been submitted… Now what?

After the completed application is submitted, the Project Devel­oper will continue to serve as the applicant’s liaison with the targeted funding agency(ies) and/or others as appropriate. Follow-up activities include phone consultation with funding agency personnel; the submission of supplemental information; and travel to Frankfort or other locations for project review meetings. If funding approval is received, the Project Developer and Applicant will respond to all conditions outlined within the award letter, which may also include an environmental review. The project will then begin transition into the implementation phase.

The Implementation Team

Applicant’s Authorized Representative

The applicant’s authorized representative (such as a city or county official or the chair of a special district or nonprofit organization) is ultimately responsible for the project and should be involved in the construction program implementation process. If the official or chairperson chooses not to participate in the day-to-day workings of the project, it is strongly recommended that an on-site representative be appointed. The on-site representative should be a qualified individual who will review the day-to-day progress of the project.

LCADD’s Project Administrator

The Project Administrator is responsible for overall supervision and coordination of the project on behalf of the applicant. The Project Administrator will:

  • manage procurement of professional services;
  • help prepare invitations for bids and contracts;
  • develop the record keeping system;
  • maintain project and contract records;
  • prepare progress reports;
  • prepare and forward grant drawdown requests to the reviewing agency;
  • maintain a schedule of project reports to ensure timely submission;
  • and maintain relationship/communication channel with funding agency(ies).

The Project Administrator also ensures that financial information is presented in a way that supports decision-making and facilitates audits. Financial duties of the Project Administrator include:

  • review financial transactions, budget/expense reports and fund levels to ensure adequate funds are available to complete the project;
  • keep the financial accounting books;
  • process receipts; prepare vouchers and disbursements;
  • assist in meeting financial reporting requirements to participating agency(ies);
  • and communicate with the applicant’s authorized representative on a regular basis.

The Funding Agency(ies)

The funding agency(ies) is the applicant’s source for information or guidance on any issues or problems that may arise in the administration or management of the construction grant project. While the funding agency often works with the project, the project applicant remains ultimately responsible to see that the grant/loan requirements are satisfied.

Professional Engineer or Architect

It is nearly always appropriate and necessary for the project applicant to procure a consulting engineering or architectural firm. The engineer or architect provides technical advice, planning, design, inspection and support services under contract during the planning and construction of a project. In addition to technical planning and design services, the project engineer or architect is responsible for:

  • on-site inspection of construction to ensure completion and conformance with construction drawing and specifications including review of shop drawings;
  • providing expert opinion on changes to the project;
  • certifying construction contractor work performed for progress payments;
  • maintaining current record drawings and shop drawings at the project site;
  • preparing adequate documentation, independent cost estimates and cost/pricing analyses of change orders;
  • overseeing contractor performance by periodic review of plans and specifications, shop drawings, and construction schedules;
  • and maintaining a listing of warranties that are to be transferred to the city or county.

Applicant’s Legal Advisor

The majority of legal advice needed by the applicant is in the area of contract law, although a lawyer may also have to be consulted on issues of legal authority, acquiring property and easements, procurement and resolution of disputes. A city or county attorney serves well as the applicant’s legal advisor.

Construction Contractor and Subcontractors

The construction contractor and subcontractors are responsible for project construction and installing equipment in compliance with the contract documents. Contract documents typically consist of the plans and specs, the bid sheet, the bond, the construction contact and attachments. Construction contractors must be procured through an open competitive bidding process in accordance with state law and federal requirements.

How long does it take to complete a project?

Projects take determination, commitment and a steady focus on the ultimate objective: benefiting area residents. Projects, from planning through implementation, can take from 24 months to several years. This lengthy timeline is often due to funding delays or complications which were unforeseen during the planning process, such as a change in project scope, an increase in project costs, difficulty with property acquisition or designer – contractor – owner disputes.

When is a project complete?

Project closure requires the commitment of all involved parties. The Project Administrator will conduct a closeout hearing, prepare closeout documentation and meet the audit requirements of the funding agency(ies) with the owner’s assistance. Some funding agencies will issue a letter indicating that the project has been successfully completed. Once all funding agency(ies) requirements have been met, it’s on to the next project!

How to get started…

Information and technical assistance in planning your project can be obtained by contacting staff in the Community and Economic Development Department at 270-866-4200.