1 Federal Transit Programs Federal Transit Administration Jennifer Stewart FTA Region 8 November 9, 2007.

1

Federal Transit Programs

Federal Transit Administration

Jennifer StewartFTA Region 8

November 9, 2007

2

SAFETEA-LU

• Reauthorization of Highway and Transit Programs – FY 2005-2009

• Expanded funding for Non-urbanized Area Formula program

• New Tribal Transit Program within the Non-urbanized Area formula program

• Opportunities under three other formula programs

3

Section 5311 – Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program

• Funding increases from $251 million in FY 2005 to $537 million in FY 2009

• Formula apportionment to states - tribes eligible

• Tribes now eligible direct recipients • Rural Transit Assistance Program (2%) • New Tribal Transit Program – takedown

from 5311

4

Tribal Transit Program

• “shall be apportioned for grants to Indian tribes for any purpose eligible under this section” (Section 5311 $449 million)

– Capital, operating and planning assistance for rural public transit service

– Acquisition of public transportation services, including service agreements with private providers of public transportation services

5

Tribal Transit Program

• Annual set aside from Section 5311 – FY 2006 - $8 Million ($7.92 actual)– FY 2007 - $10 Million– FY 2008 - $12 Million– FY 2009 - $15 Million

6

Funding Availability

• 3 years = year apportioned + 2 years

• Grants can begin processing once awards have been determined

7

Other FTA Programs of Interest to Tribes

• Non-urbanized Formula Program (Section 5311$)– Apportioned to the States for rural transit– Congressional intent that Tribal Program not

meant to replace or reduce funds Tribes receive from States

– States can use (or pass down) 15% of their total allocation for planning, technical assistance, and administration

– Tribes can now apply to FTA directly for grant for funds allocated to Tribe by State.

8

Other FTA Programs of Interest to Tribes

• Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) – Technical assistance, training,

research, and support projects for rural transit

– 2% of 5311 appropriation• 85% allocated to states for TA and

training• 15% for National Activities

9

Three Formula Programs – State Administered

• Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310 $117 million)– For Private Non-Profit agencies (mostly)– Capital assistance only

• New Freedom (Section 5317 $81)– Beyond ADA – for Individuals with Disabilities– New services and public transportation alternatives

• Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC –Section 5316 $144 million)– Transportation services to help welfare recipients

and low income individuals reach jobs and support services

– Reverse commute – to suburban job locations

10

Award Information

• $7.92 million awarded in FY 2006• $10 million available in FY 2007• Competitive selection process• Funding for start-up services,

existing services, and planning (awards not to exceed $25k)

• Multiple year projects – OK

11

Applicable Terms & Conditions

• Common Grant Rule• Civil Rights Act of 1964• Section 504 & ADA Requirement• Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirement• National Environmental Policy Act• Charter & School Bus Service• National Transit Database Reporting• Bus Testing RequirementMaster Agreement = comprehensive list

and description of all terms/conditions

12

Application & Submission Info

Three methods to submit applications

1. Grants.gov (need to register)2. Hard-copy to FTA HQ, Attn: Lorna

Wilson (3 copies & send via FedEx)3. E-mail directly to

[email protected] and then fax signature documents

13

FY 2006 Award Information

• 95 applications received totaling $22.1 million

• 63 applications selected• 34 Planning Grants ($834,681), • 16 Enhancements to existing transit

services($3,916,354).• 13 grants for start up of new services

($3,168,681), • Total Award $7,920,000

14

FY 2007 Application Information

• 74 applications received • Evaluations currently

underway – Award announcements likely around first of year

15

PreparingApplications

for Funding

16

Evaluation Criteria

Four Criteria

1) Project Planning and Coordination2) Demonstration of Need3) Benefits of Project4) Financial Commitment and

Operating Capacity

17

Evaluation Criteria

Project Planning & Coordination

Common factors regardless of whether applicant has a formal plan or not

Develop thorough project descriptionDiscuss coordination activities and/or

opportunitiesDiscuss level of supportDiscuss project implementation

18

Evaluation Criteria

Demonstration of Need

What are the needs of the tribe/community?

Demonstrate how the proposed project will meet the needs /

demand

19

Evaluation Criteria

Benefits of Project

Explain how the proposed project will benefit tribe/community

• Increased ridership• Access to jobs and services

• Improved accessibility• Improved efficiencies

20

Evaluation Criteria

Financial Commitment & Operating Capacity

• Identify funding sources • TTP funds should not replace existing

funding sources• Discuss in-kind contributions

• Does the project assist in leveraging other funding?

21

Evaluation Criteria for Planning

Need for Study

Discuss level of support/need for project

Study scope should focus on tribal transit

(no more than three pages)

22

• Information was clear and concise• Coordinated planning and services was

apparent – or desired• Project was ready to implement• Data & information relevant to proposed

project• Scope of project is centered on

implementing (start-up) and/or increasing transit service

Common Elements of Successful 2006 Applications