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Public Hearings 7.

BCC Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:	06/18/2020
Issue: 9:01 a.m. Public Hearing Concerning Proposed Grant Application for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 CARES Act
From:	TONYA ELLIS
Department:	Mass Transit
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

9:01 a.m. Public Hearing for consideration of the Fiscal Year 2020 Proposed Grant Application for CARES Act Funding of Mass Transit

Recommendation: That the Board take the following action concerning the Fiscal Year 2020 Grant Application for Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Section 5307 CARES Act Funds, for operating and capital expenses:

A. Conduct a Public Hearing for the purpose of receiving comments from the general public on the Grant Application by the Mass Transit Department for $10,137,924, for CARES Act Operating and Capital assistance;

B. Approve, or amend and approve, the Grant Application after receiving comments at the Public Hearing;

C. Adopt the Resolution authorizing the Chairman to execute all appropriate documents for the processing and receipt of federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration; and

D. Authorize the Mass Transit Department Director to file the Grant Application via the Federal Transportation Award Management System (TrAMS).

BACKGROUND:

FTA guidelines required that all Applications for financial assistance from FTA be submitted after a public hearing is held for the purpose of receiving comments from the public concerning the Grant Program of Projects. Effective January 1, 2016, Grant applications, Execution, and Grant Administration Progress Reports must be submitted electronically via the Transportation Award Management System (TrAMS).

The FTA published special apportionments under the CARES Act and have apportioned $10,137,924 to Escambia County to aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mass Transit staff recommend that the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners apply for these apportionments by approving this Application for the Below Program of Projects.

BUDGET CATEGORY	DEFINITION / REASONING	PROJECT COST
Preventive Maintenance	Preventive Maintenance is defined as all maintenance costs related to vehicles and non-vehicles in relation to fixed route service. All activities, supplies, materials, labor, services and the associated costs required to preserve or extend the functionality and serviceability of the asset in a cost effective manner.	$1,380,227
ADA Paratransit Service	Under FTA 5307, the Grant recipient must use up to 10 or 20 percent of their appointment of funds for paratransit service in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.	$1,681,302
Operating Assistance	Operating Costs associated with Fixed Route service	$6,975,016
Safety	The FTA requires that grantees spend at least 1% of grant funds on Safety and Security measures	$101,379
TOTAL		$10,137,924

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

The Grant Application is for a total of $10,137,924. All funds allocated under the CARES Act cover eligible expenses at 100%.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

Kristin Hual, Senior Assistant County Attorney has reviewed as to form and legal sufficiency.

PERSONNEL:

N/A

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

Competitive Grant Application Policy, Section II; A.6

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

Mass Transit staff will electronically file all required documentation; and will coordinate with FTA for all necessary funding activities.

Attachments
Draft Application
Resolution