CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED ON: January 14, 2009
SUBJECT/TITLE: Approval of Request to File and Execute Federal Transit Administration (FTA) FY 2009 Section 5311 Grant
TARGET ISSUE: N/A

STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Staff requests approval to submit its annual Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 Non-Urbanized (Rural) Area Grant for FY 2009. As the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Leon County, the City of Tallahassee receives annual grant funds to provide public transportation services to residents in the non-urbanized area of Leon County. The grant, as proposed, could provide $298,910 in operational assistance for transportation services for the transportation disadvantaged. The final funding amount is determined after all statewide grant applications are submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Services provided are based on actual grant and Leon County funds received. No City funding is used to supplement non-urban services. Approval of this request will allow the CTC to continue providing transportation services to county residents in the non-urbanized areas of the county who have limited transportation choices.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Option 1 - approve the FTA Section 5311 Grant application for federal assistance in the amount of $298,910 (actual amount to be determined by the FDOT once all applications are received statewide), providing transportation to those with limited mobility choices in the non-urban area of Leon County. Approve execution of the authorizing resolution and all grant related documents.

FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact of the grant is approximately $298,910 in revenue to the FY 2009 StarMetro CTC Operating Budget (280402). Actual amounts will be determined by FDOT once applications are received statewide. Services provided will be based on actual funds received and no City funds will be used to supplement services. The Office of Budget and Policy has reviewed this item, and it is in compliance with City guidelines.

Ronald Garrison, Executive Director, StarMetro

Anita Favors Thompson, City Manager

For information, please contact: Donna Peacock, Superintendent Paratransit Ops., ext. 5196

 

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS
HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES
In January 2002, the City Commission approved the recommendation to designate StarMetro the CTC for all of Leon County. This designation charges StarMetro with the management of all transportation-disadvantaged services in Leon County. Those services include the federal Non-Urbanized Public Transportation program, titled Section 5311. This program provides funding for transportation services to those residents with limited mobility choices. Funding is received annually and is based on non-urbanized population. Total funding for services is adjusted from year-to-year and is based on need demonstrated through statewide applications.

During the July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008 reporting period these trips accounted for 18% or 12,104 of the overall 87,449 non-sponsored CTC trips provided. These funds are used in conjunction with the funding from the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged and the Leon County allocation to fund the Non-sponsored (Community Transportation) program.

FDOT is responsible for allocating the Section 5311 Grant funding received from the federal government. Local grants provided by the State of Florida are based on reimbursement of no more than 50% of the operating deficit. The remaining operating revenues are supported from funds received from Leon County and patron fares. In FY 2008, the City received $137,107 in operating assistance. For FY 2009, staff has prepared a grant application requesting $298,910. Actual allocation amounts will be determined once FDOT finalizes all grant application requests; the amount determined will be included in the FY 2009 City budget within the CTC revenues. The actual level of non-urban public transportation services will be based on actual funding received; no City funds will be used to fund the services.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
This is an agreement between FDOT and the City of Tallahassee/StarMetro and charitable contributions are not applicable.

OPTIONS

1. Approve the FTA Section 5311 Grant application for federal assistance in the amount of $298,910 (actual amount to be determined by the FDOT once all applications are received statewide), providing transportation to those with limited mobility choices in the non-urban area of Leon County. Approve execution of the authorizing resolution and all grant related documents.

Pros: Receipt of this funding will provide transportation for Leon County residents living in the non-urbanized areas.

Cons: Loss of this funding will limit the number of trips available to the population in the non- urbanized areas of Leon County.

2. Do not approve the execution of the FY 2009 FTA Section 5311 Grant and provide alternative direction to staff.

Pros: StarMetro’s responsibility for provision of transportation in the non-urbanized area would be lessened.

Cons: Would greatly impact the CTC’s ability to provide transportation to the transportation-disadvantaged population living in the non-urbanized areas of Leon County.

ATTACHMENTS/REFERENCES
Attachment 1 - 2009 Section 5311 Grant Application and Resolution