Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Chris Walton
Department: Transportation Division: Transit
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2020-039 of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, authorizing the Director of the Transportation Department to submit a grant application to the Florida Department of Transportation for federal grant program funds for State Fiscal Year 2021 pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Section 5310, to purchase ADA accessible transit vehicles for Paratransit Services, each valued at $78,185; authorizing the County Administrator to accept the grant funding if it is awarded; and providing for an effective date.
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Why Action is Necessary
FDOT requires Broward County Board of County Commissioners (Board) approval of a Resolution authorizing the grant application for federal grant program funds pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Section 5310.
What Action Accomplishes
Holds Public Hearing, as required by the State of Florida's Department of Transportation (FDOT), to authorize the submittal of a Section 5310 grant application to FDOT by the Transit Division (BCT) for the purchase of ADA accessible paratransit vehicles. If this action is approved favorably at the Public Hearing on January 28, 2020, BCT intends to apply to FDOT for a 5310 grant in the total amount of $1,094,590, including a 10% local match ($109,459) to purchase 14 paratransit vehicles.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
January 7, 2020, Item No. 7
Summary Explanation/Background
THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND TRANSIT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL.
This item supports the Board's Vision, Values and Goals for "Cooperatively creating an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network."
In compliance with federal regulations, this public hearing will allow public comment on the Transit Division's (BCT's) proposed application to the State of Florida's Department of Transportation for a Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Section 5310 grant for the purchase of 14 ADA accessible paratransit vehicles, each valued at $78,185 for use in the paratransit transportation program (TOPS).
As background, Title 49 U.S.C. 5310 authorizes the formula assistance program to assist in providing transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Program exists to provide assistance in meeting the transit needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. FTA 5310 funds are apportioned annually, based on an administrative formula considering the number of older adults and individuals with disabilities. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been designated by the Governor to administer the 49 U.S.C. 5310, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program for small urban and rural areas and does so through a discretionary grant process. Eligible recipients for U.S.C. 5310 funds include public agency Community Transportation Coordinators (CTCs) and private non-profit organizations.
Historically, Section 5310 funding applications were based upon the Federal Fiscal Year (October 1 - September 30) and awarded first to all eligible agencies in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. After community agency grant awards were made, FDOT would then notify the CTCs in Broward and Palm Beach the amount of the remaining Section 5310 funds available and delineate an even split between Broward and Palm Beach. In late 2018, FDOT changed the timing from the federal fiscal year to the State's Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30). Additionally, all applicants, regardless of type, must now apply at the same time; with an online submittal deadline of 5:00 p.m., February 10, 2020.
As the CTC for Broward County, it is BCT's intent to apply to FDOT for Fiscal Year 2021 funds of $875,672 including a 10% State ($109,459) and 10% County match of $109,459, for a total grant amount of $1,094,590 for the purchase of 14 paratransit vehicles.
BCT anticipates ordering Cutaway transit vehicles for the Paratransit program via the Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS) program. The vehicles will be converted to operate on propane after delivery using our existing conversion contract.
Source of Additional Information
Chris Walton, Director, Transportation Department, (954) 357-8301
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None for this action. If this action is approved favorably, BCT will submit a grant application that includes a required 10% County match of $109,459, for the purchase of paratransit vehicles. Match funds are budgeted in BCT's Transit Non-Capital grant fund.