Title
Authorization to Accept the FTA American Rescue Plan Route Planning Discretionary Grant Award (B)
This item requests authorization to accept an award by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Route Planning Discretionary grant program.
Explanation
In September 2021, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a funding opportunity for its American Rescue Plan Route Planning Discretionary grant program. The Route Planning Restoration Program provides funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for public transportation planning associated with the restoration of transit service reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Transportation’s Regional Transit System submitted a competitive application, and recently learned its project was fully funded in the amount of $300,000.
The funding awarded to RTS will be used to identify opportunities to restore and expand transit services by collaborating with community-sourced options with the goal of reducing travel time and increasing trip frequency while incorporating the use of other complementary travel modes. RTS anticipates that after completing required planning & FTA processes, the grant agreement can be executed within the next few months.
The City of Gainesville Department of Transportation and Regional Transit System are grateful to the FTA for their support of this project.
Strategic Connection: The Regional Transit System network provides transportation access to many services within our community and supports all five goals in the City’s strategic plan including Equitable Community, A More Sustainable Community, a Great Place to Live and Experience, a Resilient Local Economy, and “Best in Class” Neighbor Services.
Fiscal Note
Reimbursement funds will be received from the FTA in the amount of $300,000. Matching funds are not required for this grant.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the Interim City Manager to ...
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