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County Administrator's Report 16. 6.
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| BCC Regular Meeting |
Budget & Finance Consent |
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| RECOMMENDATION: |
Recommendation Concerning the 2009 Federal Transit Administration 5307 Grant Application - Joy D. Blackmon, Public Works Department Director
That the Board take the following action concerning the 2009 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 Grant Application by Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) for mass transit project funding:
A. Approve the Application for Expenditures from the 2009 FTA 5307 Grant; and
B. Authorize the ECAT General Manager to file the Grant Application and Grant Award Execution via the Federal Transportation Electronic Award and Management (TEAM) System, using the authorized passwords for the Chairman and County Attorney, where necessary, as authorized in Resolution R2013-43, approved by the Board of County Commissioners on April 18, 2013.
[The Florida Toll Revenue credits cover the match required for this Grant]
A Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 Grant, administered by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), was awarded to Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) in 2009. Funds from this Grant are available for the year awarded plus three years, for a total of four years. We are currently in the fourth year. Any unused funds will revert to FDOT. ECAT must present an Application for Expenditures for the remainder of the funds in this Grant, which was originally submitted for replacement of vehicles, and must be used for that purpose. The need for replacement buses has been justified in our Capital Replacement Plan for ECAT. Four of the current buses in the ECAT fleet, which have exceeded the useful life of 350,000 miles or ten years in age, as defined by the FTA, are being replaced under this Grant. |
| BACKGROUND: |
A Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 Grant, administered by FDOT, was awarded to ECAT in 2009. Funds from this Grant are available for the year awarded plus three years, for a total of four years. We are currently in the forth year. Any unused funds will revert to FDOT. ECAT must present an Application for Expenditures for the remainder of the funds in this Grant, which was originally submitted for replacement of vehicles, and must be used for that purpose. The need for replacement buses has been justified in our capital replacement plan for ECAT (see attached). Four of the current buses in the ECAT fleet, which have exceeded the useful life of 350,000 miles or ten years in age as defined by the FTA (see attached FTA Useful Life of Transit Buses and Vans), are being replaced under this Grant.
Meeting in regular session on April 18, 2013, the Board approved submitting the Grant application for the purchase of three Gillig buses as replacement for three aging buses.
However, at the June 13, 2013, Committee of the Whole, the Board was presented with justification for changing the type of buses selected for purchase. First Transit (ECAT’s managing company) researched the TRIPS website (www.tripsflorida.org) to see which fixed-route buses were available for purchase through the TRIPS program. Upon review of the State-procured bus choices and available vendors, it was determined that the El Dorado EZ Rider II bus, more cost effective and smaller in size than the Gillig bus, is a better option to meet ECAT’s purposes and needs (established on the attached capital replacement plan). The lower cost of the El Dorado EZ Rider II buses would allow the purchase of four vehicles versus the three Gillig buses originally requested. The original purchase amount was expected to be $1.293 million, which is included in the 2012/2013 budget, and the revised purchase amount is $1.264 million, a savings of $29,000.
New buses were chosen as replacement vehicles because warranties are not included in the purchase of used vehicles, and because ECAT will be able to purchase new vehicles through the TRIPS program.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) endows the Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS) program, which was developed to assist public and private nonprofit transportation agencies in the acquisition of well-equipped, well-built transit vehicles at a reduced cost by means of centrally administered statewide contracts. The program ensures that vehicle procurements adhere to and are consistent with all applicable federal, state, and FDOT guidelines, requirements, industry standards, and certifications, as well as the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Best Practices Procurement Manual. The vehicle manufacturer’s compliance with technical specifications is continually monitored by contracted line inspectors at each vehicle production site and at an FDOT vehicle inspection facility located in Tallahassee, Florida. Due to the volume of vehicles purchased through contracts established by TRIPS, transit agencies can take advantage of longer warranty periods, extended service after the sale, and training opportunities offered by both the vehicle dealers and component manufacturers. The TRIPS program is administered by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) under an agreement with FDOT.
As replacement vehicles, these new buses will be used to service all routes.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an option on this purchase pending financing of appropriate infrastructure for fueling and maintenance. The cost for four diesel buses is equivalent to three CNG buses.
ECAT is requesting authority to access the Grant funds for purchase of four El Dorado EZ Rider II buses before the Grant ends due to time restraints. |
| BUDGETARY IMPACT: |
| The Florida Toll Revenue credits cover the match required for this grant. |
| LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF: |
The required FY 12/13 Certifications and Assurances have been filed electronically with the FTA. Kristin Hual, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form and legal sufficiency on March 22, 2013. The Board approved the Resolution on April 18, 2013, as part of the initial Grant application process.
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| PERSONNEL: |
Additional personnel will not be required by ECAT. |
| POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION: |
| This recommendation is based on the Board of County Commissioners Comprehensive Plan – Mass Transit Element. |
| IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION: |
| ECAT personnel will electronically file all required documentation. ECAT staff will coordinate with FTA, FDOT, and Transportation and Traffic Operations all necessary funding activities covered by this grant application. |
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