Title
Resolution for 5310 Grant Application (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to pass 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 neighbors of Gainesville.
Explanation
Federal funds are available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant program, for RTS to apply for funds assisting with the purchase of paratransit trips and a paratransit van.
Applications for the grant are due December 18, 2020. FDOT requires that resolutions submitted with Federal grant packages have specific verbiage and be adopted within 30 days of the application due date. RTS is requesting that the City Commission pass 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 neighbors riding fixed route trips.
Fiscal Note
The 5310 grant program is administered by FDOT through a competitive process. Funds are allocated in the RTS FY21 budget to provide the required matches, if either grant is awarded. RTS anticipates requesting approximately $77,185 for the capital 5310 grant application, and will use its capital replacement funds received from the RTS Paratransit Contract for the required 10% match. For the Demand Response trip service 5310 grant application, RTS will request $50,000; the 50% match for the grant is allocated in the FY21 RTS budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the Resolution.