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Federal Transit Programs

Federal Transit Administration

Jennifer StewartFTA Region 8

November 9, 2007

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Funding Availability

• 3 years = year apportioned + 2 years

• Grants can begin processing once awards have been determined

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov and then fax signature documents

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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

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FY 2007 Application Information

• 74 applications received • Evaluations currently

underway – Award announcements likely around first of year

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PreparingApplications

for Funding

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Evaluation Criteria

Four Criteria

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

Operating Capacity

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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

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Evaluation Criteria

Demonstration of Need

What are the needs of the tribe/community?

Demonstrate how the proposed project will meet the needs /

demand

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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

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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?

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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)

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• 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