Consent 1.D.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 02/09/2015
- TITLE
- Submittal and Acceptance of Grant Application to the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) for Capital Assistance
- PRESENTED BY:
- Tom Binford
- Department:
- Transit
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The City of Billings MET Transit Division was advised by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) - Transit Section, of the availability of a Federal grant for capital assistance available through the State of Montana.
Under the current Transportation Bill, MAP-21, Section 5310 is funding that has been allocated to the State's three larger urban systems (Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings) for capital assistance. This program will be administered by the State, and MET Transit will receive funding for two paratransit vans and two bus shelters. This funding will provide $120,000 (80%) of the cost of the vans and $14,080 (80%) of the cost of the bus shelters. The local match will be $30,000 (20%) for the vans and $3,520 (20%) for the shelters.
In order to apply for this grant, a Resolution formally authorizing the Mayor to execute the Grant Agreement with MDT is required to be included with the grant application.
Under the current Transportation Bill, MAP-21, Section 5310 is funding that has been allocated to the State's three larger urban systems (Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings) for capital assistance. This program will be administered by the State, and MET Transit will receive funding for two paratransit vans and two bus shelters. This funding will provide $120,000 (80%) of the cost of the vans and $14,080 (80%) of the cost of the bus shelters. The local match will be $30,000 (20%) for the vans and $3,520 (20%) for the shelters.
In order to apply for this grant, a Resolution formally authorizing the Mayor to execute the Grant Agreement with MDT is required to be included with the grant application.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
City Council may:
- Approve the Resolution authorizing MET Transit to apply for the Section 5310 grant program for the amount of $134,080 to go toward the purchase of vehicles and bus shelters; or
- Not approve the Resolution authorizing MET Transit to apply for the Section 5310 grant program in the amount of $134,080 and direct staff on how to proceed.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Through this grant, the City's Transit Division could receive $134,080 of the cost for new paratransit vans and shelters during FY16.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Resolution authorizing MET Transit to apply with MDT-Transit Section for the Section 5310 grant, and the execution by the Mayor of any subsequently awarded Grant Agreement(s) required by MDT.