Title
Resolution for Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) - Service Development Grant Funds for Regional Transit System (RTS) for Bus Stop Amenities, Holiday Service and Routes 62, 300 Enhanced Operations, and 125 Enhanced Operations (B)
This item is a request for adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Joint Participation Agreements between the City of Gainesville and the Florida Department of Transportation to receive Service Development Grant Funds for Bus Stop Amenities and for operation of Holiday Service and Routes 62, 125 Enhanced Operations and 300 Enhanced Operations.
Explanation
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) allocates service development funds to transit agencies each year. The allocations are given at FDOT discretion on a competitive basis for agency projects that meet FDOT Service Development Grant (SDG) criteria.
The purpose of the SDG for Bus Stop Amenities is to provide funding in support of the design, construction, and installation of pedestrian amenities to improve existing bus stop accessibility on transit corridors. RTS and FDOT will each provide $60,000 (50/50 match) in funding for a total of $120,000.
The purpose of the SDG for Holiday Service is to provide funding to support the operation of additional holiday bus service on holidays, which will alleviate challenges to individuals who rely exclusively on transit services. RTS and FDOT will each provide $58,006 (50/50 match) in funding for a total of $116,012.
Fixed Route 62 provides service on a north-south corridor between southwest Gainesville and the Oaks Mall, providing connectivity between the major destinations of the Oaks Mall and Santa Fe College (SFC), decreasing traffic congestion throughout southwest Gainesville as well as at SFC. RTS and FDOT will each provide $57,905 (50/50 match) in operating costs for a total of $115,810.
Fixed Route 125 Enhanced Operations is enhanced route funding for existing routes operating between the two most popular destinations on campus (Reitz Union and the Hub), and the corridors where new growth is occurring (SW 24th Avenue/SW 38th Terrace). RTS and FDOT will each provide $70,322 (50/50 match) in operating costs for a total of $140,644.
Fixed Route 300 Enhanced Operations is enhanced route funding for an existing route that will provide bi-directional travel between the University of Florida’s sorority/fraternity areas and the new multi-family housing complexes east of campus. The existing route will be extended almost 60% to include the midtown area, which is emerging as a dominant hub of activity. RTS and FDOT will each provide $51,820 (50/50 match) in operating costs for a total of $103,640.
FDOT requires the governing board of each public transit system to adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of these funds.
Fiscal Note
The Joint Participation Agreements require the City of Gainesville to match funding totaling $596,106. Matching funds for each JPA are allocated in the RTS FY17 operating budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the Resolution.