November 19, 2001 RAF 040002

Virginia Webster, Director
Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs, Inc.
2225 College View Drive
Redding, CA 96003

Subject: Rural Transit System Grant Program

Dear Virginia:

We understand that Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs, Inc. (SSNP) is applying for Rural Transit System Grant Program (RSTGP) funding for the year 2001. One of the application requirements is a letter from the local Consolidated Transportation Service Agency stating that the applicant is involved in coordination of transportation services. Since SSNP is the local CTSA, the Shasta County Regional Transportation Planning Agency will document the coordination efforts of SSNP. This letter from the Shasta County Regional Transportation Planning Agency (SCRTPA) provides support for SSNP.

SSNP is one of the largest social service agencies providing transportation in Shasta County. They provide approximately 8000 one-way trips per month and as an organization which is committed to transportation coordination. The SSNP meets the service gaps and connectivity required in Item II.A of the grant guidelines by the past and current examples of their coordination included in the following:

1. Shared Use of Vehicles - SSNP lends vehicles with qualified drivers to Shascade Community Services, Golden Umbrella and the Armory for the transport of homeless persons.

2. Back-up Transportation - SSNP provides back-up route support for Shascade, Golden Umbrella and other agencies.

3. Coordination of Client Trips with other Transportation Agencies - SSNP coordinates the pick-up of special-need passengers with Golden Umbrella and Northern Valley Catholic Social Services.

4. Dispatching/scheduling - SSNP shares the use of their radio frequencies and other communication services with Shascade and other agencies.

5. Staff Training Programs - SSNP coordinates training with other agencies (defensive driver training, employee testing for specialized licensing, sharing of videos).

6. Maintenance - SSNP has led the effort to consolidate routine maintenance under a group contract.

7. Joint Procurement of Services and Supplies - SSNP has been coordinating the joint purchase of fuel for all of the local nonprofit agencies.

8. Active Participation in Local Social Service Transportation Planning Process - SSNP has been an active member of the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council since 1990. Because of their commitment to coordination, SSNP volunteered to be the CTSA. SSNP was officially designated CTSA for Shasta County in January 1997.

Many of the examples of coordinating transportation services are on an as-needed basis when other agencies call SSNP to pick up stranded passengers. SSNP does not limit its clients to those over 60, but serves all frail and mobility impaired in need of transportation to adult day care, eating facilities, medical appointments, etc.

The SSNP rural transit needs as described in Item II.A of the grant guidelines are supported by the SCRTPA 2000/01 Transit Needs Assessment.

The SCRTPA holds an annual unmet needs assessment. Since the 1999 unmet needs review, transit demand has increased slightly in proportion to the increase in population. Compared to the 1998 population table, Shasta County population has increased by .3%. Transit demand is assumed to grow at the same rate as the population growth.

SSNP is a community transit service funded by the RTPA pursuant to the Transportation Development Act (TDA). These services are not subject to the "unmet transit needs" and "reasonable to meet" standards. Funding is limited to 5% of the money available to apportionment countywide.

Among other requirements, claims filed for community transit services must meet all of the following criteria:

• The service must link intracommunity origins and destinations.
• The service is responding to a transportation need currently not being met in the community of the claimant.
• The service is integrated with existing transit services when appropriate.

Grant funding available to this agency can assist in rural transit needs for the applicant by supplying funding available to purchase additional and/or replace existing vehicles or equipment.

The Shasta County RTPA acknowledges that SSNP can provide service gaps and improve and/or establish service connectivity. SSNP coordinates all aspects of their transportation services to the fullest extent possible and is committed to maximizing future coordination.

The SCRTPA fully supports SSNP as a candidate for RTSGP grant funding.

Very truly yours,

Daniel J. Kovacich, Executive Officer
Shasta County Regional Transportation
Planning Agency (MPO)

DJK/SLC/jmg

Enclosures