Title
Approval for Regional Transit System (RTS) to apply for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Ladders of Opportunity Initiative (LoOI) Grant (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to authorize the Regional Transit System (RTS) to submit a grant application for a Federal Transit Administration Ladders of Opportunity Initiative (LoOI) Grant.
Explanation
On June 4, 2014, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of approximately $100 million in competitive grant funds through a new Ladders of Opportunity Initiative (LoOI). The purpose of the grant funds is to support transit initiatives that connect the transportation disadvantaged to jobs and services, such as education, employment training and healthcare.
RTS desires to submit the application for the Five Points Transfer Center near the intersection of Waldo and Hawthorne Roads that was modeled in the Go-Enhance (Alternative Analysis) study. The application would also include a request for $5 million to purchase 11 replacement buses to support service to the area. The study provided an estimate for design and construction of the facility at $3.2 million.
The federal share of awarded projects would not exceed 80% of the total project capital costs and local match will be requested through Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) toll revenue credits.
If pursued, RTS would explore integrating the facility with the City’s Bike Boulevards program, offering 20 minute frequencies or better, to the Five Points Transfer Center and beyond to the Rosa Parks Downtown Station. RTS would also incorporate a small development facility into the design (meal/snack facility or other use) as part of a public/private partnership. Preliminary design from the Alternatives Analysis (AA) study included a small number of parking spaces for those wishing to use the facility as a park and ride.
Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize Regional ...
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