The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act appropriates $25 Billion for public transportation capital and operations assistance.  As the City of Billings MET Transit is a qualified recipient of 49 USC Section 5307 funds, the Act appropriated $5,358,483 to be utilized by MET Transit for Transit operations and capital expenses. These dollars will be used to ensure continued operations in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as allow MET Transit to address a number of capital needs including continued fleet replacement and facility upgrades.  This grant is 100% Federal with no requirement for local matching funds.
 

City Council may:

• Approve the grant application submittal and subsequent grant offer approval for CARES Act funds for the amount of $5,358,483; or
• Disapprove the application submittal for CARES Act Funds for the amount of $5,358,483.

The financial impact of the Cares Act grant is all very favorable for MET Transit.  The grant is funded 100% Federal, 0% local for a total amount of $5,358,483.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the filing of the grant application for the CARES Act funds for MET Transit and authorize the Mayor to execute the grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration upon receipt of the grant offer.