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

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 

Authorization

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, Section 3038, 49 U.S.C 5310 note.

 

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 rule, "Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities".

 

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 rule. 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 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.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None required. The program is not covered by E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

Application Procedure

FTA conducts a national solicitation for applications. Grant awards will be made on a competitive basis. Paper applications are 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. Detailed guidance for preparing applications is provided in an annual Federal Register Notice, "Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Grants".

Award Procedure

Grants will be awarded annually.

Deadlines

As prescribed in the annual Federal Register Notices.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Not applicable.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Federal funds will be provided for up to 90 percent of the eligible costs.

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.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

As requested by FTA. Electronic reporting is encouraged.

Audits

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

In the first 2 years of the program, funding has gone to 53 companies who will make 270 vehicles wheelchair accessible and provide training.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

69-1125-0-1-401.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $5,054,000; FY 03 est $6,905,000; and FY 04 est $6,950,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$10,000 to $ 50,000. Average: $20,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Federal Register Notices, published annually. Current guidance contained in Federal Register Notice dated February 7, 2003, "Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Grants".

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

See Catalog Appendix for listing of Federal Transit Administration regional offices.

Headquarters Office

Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management, Office of Resource Management and State Programs, 400 7th Street SW., Washington DC 20590. Brenda Younger, Program Coordinator. Telephone: (202) 366-2053.

Web Site Address

http://www.fta.dot.gov

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Operators of annuity fixed route services received $29,460 for the incremental capitol cost of making vehicles wheelchair accessible, and $1,800 for training as required by the American Disability Act.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Current guidance contained in Federal Register Notice dated January 26, 2001, "Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program Grants".

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