REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY RTPA

SUBJECT	MEETING DATE	ITEM NUMBER
Consider Adopting a Resolution Making Required Findings and Certifications and Adopting a Priority List for the Annual Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Program for Transit Capital Projects.	07/22/03	3-6

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Agency:

1) Adopt Resolution No. 03-04 which documents that the application for Section 5310 grants are consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan;

2) Adopt the Section 5310 Regional Priority List; and

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

SUMMARY

The Shasta County Opportunity Center is the only applicant applying for Section 5310 grant funding for the 2003/2004 cycle. Staff scored the application using the Section 5310 Quantitative Criteria and Project Rating Form. In reviewing the application, staff found it to be consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and found that the applicant has met the conditions and requirements of Section 5310.

DISCUSSION

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Grant program provides capital to purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles and other equipment for the elderly and disabled. Nonprofit organizations and local agencies are eligible to apply for these grants. Grant funding is allocated based on a statewide competitive basis.

The Shasta County Opportunity Center has requested one wheelchair-lift modified van. The estimated grant amount for this request is $50,000. 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.

The Shasta County Opportunity Center is a qualified non-profit agency and has provided proof that they meet all FTA grant requirements. The grant project is consistent with the current 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 compete for Section 5310 funds with approximately 100 other agencies throughout the state.

RTPA staff certifies that the following are true:

The applicant has met the requirements and conditions of Section 5310;

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 are consistent with policies and objectives of the Shasta County Regional Transportation Plan.

Under 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.

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

SLC/jac

Attachments: 1) Resolution No. 03-05 Approving Social Service Agency’s Applications for Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Funds

2) Section 5310 Adopted Regional Priority List

3) MPO/RTPA Section 5310 Certification and Assurances