Coordination Council February 13, 2013

New Transportation BillMAP-21

Changes in Funding for Specialized Transportation

MAP-21

Merges 5317-New Freedom function and funds into an expanded Section 5310

Makes New Freedom into a formula program with 60% of funds going to large urban areas

Our Region’s share $710,205 (more than we ever got from 5310 and 5317 combined)

Expanded 5310

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and People with Disabilities

Projects that: serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations where public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate or non-existent go beyond the ADAimprove access to fixed routeprovide alternatives to public transportation

Eligible Recipients

States or local government authorities

Private non-profit agencies

Public bodies approved to coordinate services for the elderly and people with disabilities

Operators of public transit that “receive a grant indirectly through a recipient”

Eligible Direct Recipients

Transit Agency (Greene CATS, GDRTA, Miami County Transit)

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVRPC)

ODOT, but they have announced they won’t do it

Eligible Expenses

Minimum of 55% of funds to be used for capital projects to meet the special needs of seniors and people with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient (primarily vehicles, but also radios, ADTs and computer dispatch equipment)

Remaining amount can be used for public transit projects that go beyond the ADA, improve access to fixed route for people with disabilities, or for “alternatives to public transit” (operating or capital)

Coordinated Planning and Project Selection

Must be included in or derived from the local Coordinated Plan (this requirement may be revised)

Projects do not have to be competitively selected (but can be)

Funds will be available in the year of allocation plus two years (must be obligated in an FTA grant in that time)

To Do….

Recommend a Designated Recipient to the Governor

Replace the entire State run process with a Regionally-controlled process

Award the 2013 funding by 2015 (must be on an awarded and on an FTA grant by that time)

Develop a process for “including projects in the locally-developed Coordinated Plan”