Title
Discuss and consider action authorizing an application for 5310 Transit Funds in support of continuity of services with the Capital Area Rural Transit Service (CARTS).
Summary
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 FTA Section 5310 Call for Projects has been opened in which the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and person with disabilities by providing funds for programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is soliciting project proposals for these grant programs within the Austin Urbanized Area. This competitive project selection process will award Federal FTA funding that was authorized under the FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Act. The FTA 5310 Program is administered by the Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority (Cap Metro).
Staff proposes to submit a grant application that provides a continuity of services for three years with the Capital Area Rural Transit Service (CARTS) in conjunction with Travis County. Specifically, CARTS is authorized and structured to provide rides in the non-urbanized area, but recently announced an intention to reduce services in Pflugerville and northeast Travis County as the urbanized area has expanded. The grant funding will provide for the continuation of this service for the three years in which the 5310 program requires a 50% local match for operational funding projects of this nature aiding patients that are currently benefiting from CARTS for transportation to dialysis appointments or day adult health services. A total of 13 residents would benefit, seven of which reside in the city limits.
The application anticipates a total project cost of $165,000 for the 3-year term. The local match is $82,500 to be split evenly by Pflugerville and Travis County, or $13,750 per year per entity for 3 years.
Consideration of the project awards by the CAMPO Transportation Policy Board is anticipated to be November 5, 2018.
Status
The grant application is due Friday, September 28, 2018 at 5 pm.
Prior City Council Action
The City Council adopted Pflugerville's Transit Development Plan (TDP) on August 28, 2018.
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested on September 25, 2018 to proceed with the grant application process.
Projected Future City Council Action
To be determined if successful with this application.
Fiscal Impact
The annual fiscal impact would be $13,750 for a total of $41,250 for the duration of the requested project grant. A budget amendment would be required if the grant is approved.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher
Assistant City Manager