Consent Item 2.
Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization
- Meeting Date:
- 02/13/2025
REQUESTED ACTION:
MOTION TO APPROVE a Resolution of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization Authorizing the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization to File Applications With the Federal Transit Administration, an Operating Administration Of The United States Department Of Transportation, for Federal Transportation Assistance as Authorized by 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53; Title 23, United States Code, or Other Federal Statutes Administered by the Federal Transit Administration; Providing for an Effective Date
WHAT THIS ACTION ACCOMPLISHES:
Approval of this item will allow the MPO’s Executive Director to file applications for Federal transportation assistance on behalf of the Broward MPO with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
SUMMARY EXPLANATION/BACKGROUND:
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of all grantees, identifying that the Broward MPO does not have its Opinion of Legal Counsel Letter and Authorizing Resolution on file. To rectify this, the MPO must upload both documents to FTA’s Transit Award Management System by March 4, 2025. Failure to comply could adversely affect the MPO’s ability to apply for grants after March 5, 2025.
Resolution No. 2025-01 (Attachment 1) permits the MPO’s Executive Director to apply for Federal transportation funds from the FTA, which includes funds for projects under specific U.S. laws like 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. The FTA provides these funds for transportation projects, and the MPO must meet specific requirements, including, but not limited to, providing transportation development credits or local funding for projects. The Resolution also confirms that the MPO will submit annual reports to the FTA. If needed, it clarifies the MPO's status for certain program assistance as specified in 49 U.S.C. 5307.
The Opinion of Legal Counsel Letter (Attachment 2) provides a legal affirmation that the Broward MPO has the necessary authority to apply for and administer Federal transportation assistance under applicable laws. It confirms that there are no legal barriers or pending litigation that could impede the application or execution of transportation projects. This letter serves as a required legal certification for submission to the FTA, ensuring compliance with Federal funding requirements.
For the proposed Authorizing Resolution, please see Attachment 1. For the Opinion of Legal Counsel Letter, please see Attachment 2.
Resolution No. 2025-01 (Attachment 1) permits the MPO’s Executive Director to apply for Federal transportation funds from the FTA, which includes funds for projects under specific U.S. laws like 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. The FTA provides these funds for transportation projects, and the MPO must meet specific requirements, including, but not limited to, providing transportation development credits or local funding for projects. The Resolution also confirms that the MPO will submit annual reports to the FTA. If needed, it clarifies the MPO's status for certain program assistance as specified in 49 U.S.C. 5307.
The Opinion of Legal Counsel Letter (Attachment 2) provides a legal affirmation that the Broward MPO has the necessary authority to apply for and administer Federal transportation assistance under applicable laws. It confirms that there are no legal barriers or pending litigation that could impede the application or execution of transportation projects. This letter serves as a required legal certification for submission to the FTA, ensuring compliance with Federal funding requirements.
For the proposed Authorizing Resolution, please see Attachment 1. For the Opinion of Legal Counsel Letter, please see Attachment 2.
MPO STAFF RECOMMENDATION(S):
MPO staff recommends approval of the proposed Resolution No. 2025-01.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/PREPARER:
If you have any questions about this item, please contact Andrew Riddle at (954) 876-0067 or riddlea@browardmpo.org.