Title
Public Transit Grant Award Agreements for Florida Department of Transportation Service Development Grant Funds for Regional Transit System (RTS) Projects (B)
This item requests that the City Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Gainesville dba Regional Transit System to enter into Public Transportation Grant Agreements (PTGAs) for the acceptance of grant funds and authorizes the City Manager to execute PTGAs with Florida Department of Transportation for Service Development Grants for RTS projects.
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. These funds require a 50% match from the agency. RTS utilizes service development grants to offset operational costs for provision of fixed route services, or for capital projects deemed essential for improved transit services. RTS regularly submits proposals and receives grant awards for service development projects, which assist in offsetting operating expenses for City bus routes. PTGAs may, at the discretion of FDOT and if eligible, be amended with either increased funding and/or time extensions.
FDOT requires the governing board of each public transit system to adopt a resolution authorizing the agency to enter into a PTGA for the acceptance of grant funds. Many projects are eligible to receive additional funding from FDOT in future years, so the Resolution provides authorization for the City to execute any PTGA Amendments for the purpose of scope changes and/or funding adjustments in support of the project.
Route 33: On April 4, 2019, the City adopted Resolution #180845, and approved a PTGA authorizing RTS to receive FDOT SDG project funds for Route 33 in the amount of $407,371 (Year 2 total of $814,742). For Year 3 funding, FDOT is providing PTGA funding in the amount of $407,371 (Year 3 total of $814,742). This route connects a number of transit-dependent populations with services between major developments and the University of Florida. The Santa Fe College Student Transportation Fee provides the 50% local match funds for this project.
Route 800X: On April 3, 2019, the City adopted Resolution #180845, and approved a PTGA authorizing RTS to receive FDOT SDG project funds for Route 800X in the amount of $69,746 (Year 2 total of $139,492). For Year 3 funding, FDOT is providing PTGA funding in the amount of $69,746 (Year 3 total of $139,492). This route offers park and ride services during peak hours from the southwest area of Gainesville to residents including workers, students, faculty and staff to Santa Fe College using a direct route on I-75.The Santa Fe College Student Transportation Fee provides the 50% local match funds for this project.
Route 150 (new): One of RTS’s main objectives is to improve transit alternatives and expand service outside City limits. Fixed Route 150 is a new route that began in fall 2019. The fixed route offers the first “park and ride” (PNR) services during peak hours from the SW area of Gainesville to residents including workers, students, faculty and staff to the University of Florida (UF). Service includes 30 minute frequency on weekdays from approximately 6:00AM to 6:30PM. The PTGA for Route 150 is for a three-year period, and RTS and FDOT will each provide $750,000 (50/50 match) for a total of $1,500,000 per terms of the JPA. The University of Florida Student Transportation Fee provides the 50% local match funds for this project.
Fiscal Note
Matching funds for each PTGA are identified in the RTS FY19-20 operating budget as noted above.
Recommendation
The City Commission 1) adopt the resolution authorizing the City of Gainesville dba Regional Transit System to enter into Public Transportation Grant Agreements for the acceptance of grant funds, and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the PTGAs for the aforementioned projects, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.