Title
FTA Section 5309 Discretionary Grant Applications Under the Livability Bus Program and Urban Circulator Program (NB)
This is a request for the City Commission to authorize RTS to prepare and submit FTA grant applications.
Explanation
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently announced the availability of Section 5309 discretionary funds as part of the Department of Transportation Livability Initiative. The Urban Circulator Program will be funded using $130 million nationwide in unallocated discretionary funds and the Livability Bus Program will be funded using $150 million nationwide in unallocated Discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Program funds. Under the Livability Bus Program, RTS is preparing an application to help construct the new bus maintenance facility. Under the Urban Circulator Program, RTS is preparing a grant application to help construct a bus rapid transit (BRT) project, as identified in the BRT Feasibility study.
RTS had considered preparing an application for a streetcar project, but the conditions in the Urban Circulator program require that an alternatives analysis must be in advanced stages to be eligible for funding. The local match will be met through FDOT toll revenue credit contributions.
Fiscal Note
The City of Gainesville would be eligible for up to $25 million for each grant program project if chosen as a grant recipient.
Recommendation
Recommended Motion: The City Commission authorize RTS to prepare and submit applications for the Livability Bus Program and Urban Circulator Program 5309 grant programs.