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Title:
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FDOT Block Grant Funds for Operating Assistance for Regional Transit System (RTS) for FY 1998-1999
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Title
FDOT Block Grant Funds for Operating Assistance for Regional Transit System (RTS) for FY 1998-1999
Explanation
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) allocates state block grant funds for public transit systems each year. The allocations are based on a three-part formula that includes population, ridership, and vehicle miles operated. For fiscal year 1998-1999, Gainesville's allocation is $590,832. FDOT requires the governing board of each public transit system authorizing the acceptance of these funds adopt a resolution. The two factors in the formula that are based on system performance provide $0.116 for each mile operated and $0.082 for each passenger boarding. As ridership and miles operated increase in the future, this source of funds will also increase. Because FDOT uses statistics from the federally prescribed National Transit DataBase (formerly referred to as the Section 15 Reports), there is a two-year lag between when operating results occur and when they will show up in a block grant allocation. As a result of this lag, the dramatic increases in ridership that have been experienced this past year will not be seen until fiscal year 1999-2000 allocations.
Fiscal Note
RTS has budgeted this FDOT block grant operating assistance for the current fiscal year. Matching funds are required for these FDOT funds on a dollar for dollar basis. The City Commission has allocated some $1,904,000 from Local Option Gas Taxes to RTS, which will be used to match these FDOT funds.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the resolution authorizing acceptance of state block grant funds; and 2) authorize the Mayor and the Clerk of the Commission to execute the resolution, pending approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.