Capital and Training Assistance Program for Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility (20.518)
Program
20.518 Capital and Training Assistance Program for Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility
Federal Agency
Agency: Department of Transportation
Office: Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Authorization
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-059.
Program Number
20.518
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To make funds available to private operators of over-the-road buses to finance the incremental capital and training costs of complying with requirements of the Department of Transportation's Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility regulation, "Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities" (49 CFR Part 37, Subpart H).
Types of Assistance
PROJECT GRANTS
Uses and Use Restrictions
Program funds may be used to finance the incremental capital and training costs of complying with DOT's Over- the-Road Bus Accessibility regulation. Capital projects eligible for funding include adding wheelchair lifts and other accessibility components to new vehicle purchases, and purchasing lifts to retrofit existing vehicles. Eligible training costs include training in proper operation and maintenance of equipment, boarding assistance, and securement, handling and storage of mobility devices, and sensitivity training.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Private operators of over-the-road buses that provide intercity fixed route bus service, and other providers, including operators of over-the-road buses of local fixed-route service, commuter service, and charter or tour service.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Persons with disabilities.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs are determined in accordance with program guidance in an annual Federal Register Notice soliciting applications. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None required. The program is not covered by E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.". Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. FTA conducts a national solicitation for applications annually. Grant awards will be made on a competitive basis. Applications may be submitted through Grants.Gov. Paper applications are also accepted. An original and two copies must be submitted to the appropriate FTA Regional Office. The over-the-road bus operators should submit their applications to the office in the region in which its headquarters is located. The application should provide information on all items for which the applicant is requesting funding. Applications for FY 07/08 funding were due on November 13, 2007. A solicitation was issued in FY 07 for FY 07/08 funding.
Award Procedure
The announcement of awards is published in a Federal Register Notice. Successful applicants file a grant application with FTA. An FTA grant award obligating federal funds is reflected in a grant agreement. To access funds, the recipient must execute the grant agreement.
Deadlines
Not Applicable.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Project selections are announced approximately six months following the application deadline for competitive consideration.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
This program has no matching requirements.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Funds are available for obligation to grantees for 3 fiscal years. Any funds not obligated by FTA by the end of this period will be added to the succeeding year's program allocation. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: by letter of credit.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Audits
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-133. As requested by FTA.
Records
Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all grant products, financial records, and supporting documents.
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2008: During FY 06, 79 companies were provided funding to will result in 375 lifts, retrofitting of 96 vehicles and equipment operation training. Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-1129-0-1-401; 69-8350-0-7-401.
Obligations
(Project Grants) FY 08 $1,090,620; FY 09 est $15,800,850; FY 10 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$25,000 to $ 180,000. Average: $25,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Federal Register Notices, published annually. Current guidance contained in Federal Register Notice dated February 2, 2006, "Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Grants".
Related Programs
Not Applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None. See Catalog Appendix for listing of Federal Transit Administration regional offices.
Headquarters Office
Sylvia L. Marion 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington , District of Columbia 20590 Phone: (202) 366-6680.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2008: Operators of intercity fixed-route services received $29,460 for the incremental capital cost of making vehicles wheelchair accessible, and $1,800 for training as required by the American Disability Act. Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Current guidance contained in Federal Register Notice dated February 2, 2006, "Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Grants".
