Title
Resolution for 5311 Grant Application (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to adopt a Resolution allowing the Regional Transit System (RTS) to apply for a 5311 Grant to purchase Demand Response trips, purchase two (2) to (3) paratransit vans, and to continue to provide the Route 23 transportation services to the citizens of Gainesville.
Explanation
Federal funds are available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to purchase demand response trips and to provide Route 23 that operates between the Oaks Mall and Santa Fe College. The funding is set up on a 5-year cycle and is issued either yearly or every 3 years.
Initially FDOT contracted with Alachua County to receive these funds; however, for the last several years, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) determined it was unable to meet the match requirements, leaving grant money available. FDOT contacted RTS and MV Transportation and suggested they apply for some of the backlogged money, which RTS did earlier this year after receiving approval from the City Commission and the BoCC. Route 23 service began on August 16, 2010, and has been very successful. Because funds are still available, RTS seeks approval to submit another grant application that will allow RTS to continue Route 23 service and also purchase two (2) or possibly three (3) paratransit vehicles. RTS presented this opportunity to the BoCC on November 9, 2010, and received its concurrence.
Previously, FDOT accepted generic resolutions adopted by the City Commission authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute and file applications for such grants, but this is no longer sufficient. Resolutions are now required to have specific verbiage in the format approved by FDOT's attorney and be adopted within 30 days of the application due date which is January 14, 2011. RTS requests that the City Commission adopt the Resolution allowing the applica...
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