Title
Resolution for 5311 Grant Application (B)
This item requests the City Commission adopt a Resolution allowing the Regional Transit System (RTS) to apply for a 5311 Grant to purchase Demand Response trips and to continue to provide 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.
RTS has cleared the backlogged 5311 grant money through FY11 and has started the FY13-FY15 three (3) year cycle. RTS will use the funds to purchase demand response trips in rural Alachua County and will continue to provide Route 23 from Santa Fe to the Oaks Mall. RTS received Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) concurrence on December 13, 2011, for the next three (3) years ending in FY15.
FDOT requires that a Resolution be passed by the City Commission authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute and file applications for such grants. The Resolution must have specific verbiage. RTS is requesting that the City Commission pass the Resolution allowing the application to go forward to apply for much needed transportation services.
Fiscal Note
The monies for Demand Response trips and Route 23 are considered operational funds and require a 50/50 match. RTS will use monies received from Alachua County for Route 75 as its local match.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) adopt the Resolution; and 2) allow the Regional Transit System (RTS) to continue to provide Route 23 transportation services to the citizens of Gainesville.