Title
Resolution for 5310 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 5310 Grant to purchase paratransit trips and a paratransit van to provide access to fixed route transportation for persons with disabilities and ADA service to the disabled citizens of Gainesville.
Explanation
Federal funds are available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to purchase paratransit trips and a paratransit van.
FDOT requires documentation of City Commission approval for submittal of the application to be included with the application, and has stated the Resolution must 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, 2018. RTS is requesting that the City Commission adopt the Resolution allowing the application to go forward to apply for much needed paratransit trips and a replacement paratransit van to ensure safe transport to City of Gainesville citizens riding fixed route trips.
Fiscal Note
The 5310 grant program is administered by FDOT through a competitive process. Funds are allocated in the RTS FY19 budget to provide the required matches. RTS anticipates requesting approximately $70,000 for the capital component of the 5310 grant application, and will use its capital replacement funds received from the RTS Paratransit Contract for the required 20% match. For the Demand Response trip service component of the 5310 grant application, RTS will request $50,000, and is required to provide a 50% match for the grant.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) adopt the Resolution; and 2) authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute related Public Transportation Grant Agreement(s) with the Department of Transportation, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.