Title
Resolution for Section 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 Section 5311 grant to provide rural transportation services to the citizens of Gainesville and Alachua County, and for the City Manager or designee to execute related Public Transportation Grant Agreement(s) with the Florida Department of Transportation.
Explanation
Federal funds are available from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to provide rural service that operates in east Gainesville and adjacent rural areas. The funding is set up on a 5-year cycle and is issued either yearly or every 3 years.
If awarded, RTS will use the funds to provide rural service in east Gainesville, in conjunction with its micro-transit service. Section 5311 funding enables RTS to provide an additional level of service, improving access to and from rural areas surrounding east Gainesville for health care activities such as dialysis and medical appointments, shopping and other critically-needed services.
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 prior to the application due date, which is December 19, 2019. RTS is requesting that the City Commission adopt the Resolution allowing the application to go forward to apply for much-needed rural transportation services.
Fiscal Note
The Section 5311 grant program is administered by FDOT through a competitive process. Funds are allocated in the RTS FY20 budget to provide the required match. RTS anticipates submitting a grant application in the amount of $50,000 (project total) for rural service, and is required to provide a 50/50 match for the grant.
Recommendation
The City Comm...
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