Back to 04/24/01 Agenda

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Agency:

1) Adopt Resolution No. 01-03 which documents that the applications for 49 U.S.C. Section 5310 grants are consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan; and

2) Adopt the Section 5310 Regional Priority List; and

3) Authorize the Chair to sign the attached certifications and assurances.

SUMMARY

Two applications for 49 U.S.C. Section 5310 grant funding have been submitted. The applicants are Shascade Community Services, Inc. and Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs. Staff scored the applications using the Section 5310 Quantitative Criteria and Project Rating Form. In reviewing the applications, staff found them to be consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and found that the applicants have met the conditions and requirements of 49 U.S.C. Section 5310.

DISCUSSION

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Grant program is a program that provides capital to purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles and other equipment to meet the needs of the elderly and handicapped population. Nonprofit organizations and local agencies are eligible to apply for these grants. Six million dollars will be allocated based on a statewide competitive basis.

Applications were received this year from Shascade Community Services, Inc. and Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs. In their application Shascade Community Services is requesting two modified vans and one medium bus. Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs has requested one small bus. The estimated grant amount for their requests are $165,000 and $45,000, respectively. The program requires a 20% match from the non-profit applicant. The requested vehicles and equipment will enable the applicants to better serve the needs of their elderly and disabled clients.

Both Shascade Community Services, Inc. and Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs are either a qualified non-profit agency or a public agency. They have provided proof that they meet all of the FTA grant requirements in their applications.

The requested Section 5310 grant project is consistent with the current RTP. This source of revenue is significant to transportation programs of these agencies and addresses needs identified in the RTP.

In addition to the score given to local applicants by the RTPA, Caltrans Section 5310 staff score each application. The California Transportation Commission bases their list of funded projects on the Caltrans score. Shasta County agencies are competing for an estimated $6 million in Section 5310 funds with approximately 100 other agencies throughout the state.

RTPA staff certifies that the following are true:

• The applicants have met the requirements and conditions of 49 U.S.C. 5310; and

• The requirements were met for Shasta County's public involvement procedures by placing a legal notice of opportunity to comment on the Section 5310 applications in the Record Searchlight newspaper; and

• The coordinated services provided by this agency is consistent with policies and objectives of the Shasta County Regional Transportation Plan.

Under 49 U.S.C. Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act of 1991, the RTPA Board is required to attest to the above by signing the attached certifications and assurances.

Upon approval of the grant by the California Transportation Commission, the grant funds will be programed in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

This request has been coordinated with Caltrans staff. As noted above, the final decision to award the grants rests with the California Transportation Commission.

FINANCING

The project applicants will provide the necessary 20% match out of their programs funds.

______________________________________

Daniel J. Kovacich, Executive Officer

/jmg

Attachments:
1)  Resolution No. 01-03 Approving Social Service Agencies' Applications for Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Funds

2)Section 5310 Adopted Regional Priority List & Scores

3)MPO/RTPA Section 5310 Certification and Assurances