Federal Transit Programs

1. Federal Transit Programs Federal Transit Administration Jennifer Stewart FTA 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 Requirement Master Agreement = comprehensive list and description of all terms/conditions

12. Application & Submission Info Three methods to submit applications • Grants.gov (need to register) • Hard-copy to FTA HQ, Attn: Lorna Wilson (3 copies & send via FedEx) • E-mail directly to fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov 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. Preparing Applications for Funding

16. Evaluation Criteria Four Criteria • Project Planning and Coordination • Demonstration of Need • Benefits of Project • 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 description Discuss coordination activities and/or opportunities Discuss level of support Discuss 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. Common Elements of Successful 2006 Applications • 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