Title
Resolution for 5311 Grant Application (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to adopt a Resolution to allow the Regional Transit System (RTS) to apply for a 5311 Grant to purchase Demand Response trips.
Explanation
Federal funds are available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to purchase rural area demand response trips. The funding is set up on a 5-year cycle and is issued either yearly or every 3 years.
The current funding cycle has begun and will run for the next two (2) years through FY19. RTS will use the funds to purchase demand response trips that provide transportation between significant service points in Gainesville and rural Alachua County. Services for the transportation disadvantaged are considered to be a significant component of this program.
FDOT requires that resolutions submitted with Federal grant packages have specific verbiage in the format approved by their attorney and be adopted within 30 days of the application due date which is December 18, 2017. RTS is requesting that the City Commission pass the Resolution allowing the application to move forward to apply for much needed transportation services.
Fiscal Note
The 5311 grant program is administered by FDOT through a competitive process. Funds are allocated in the RTS FY18 budget to provide the required match. RTS anticipates submitting a grant application in the amount of $50,000 for Demand Response trip service, and is required to provide a 50/50 match for the grant.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) adopt the Resolution to allow the Regional Transit System (RTS) to apply for a 5311 Grant to purchase Demand Response trips; 2) allow RTS to continue to provide rural transportation services; and 3) authorize the City Manager to execute related Joint Participation Agreement(s) with the Department of Transportation, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to fo...
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