Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

 

To provide financial assistance in meeting the transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities where public transportation services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate. The Section 5310 program is designed to supplement FTA's other capital assistance programs by funding transportation projects for seniors and individuals with disabilities in all areas - urbanized, small urban, and rural. While the New Freedom Program was repealed, the goals the New Freedom program have been incorporated into the Section 5310 program, which funds alternative forms of transportation where traditional services are unavailable, inappropriate, or insufficient. Funds can be used for capital, planning and operations.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Active
Program Number
20.513
Federal Agency/Office
Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
A - Formula Grants; B - Project Grants
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2016 The Section 5310 program is anticipated to continue to fund public transportation projects designed to meet the special needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Projects may include rolling stock, including replacement or expansion of buses and vans, vehicle rehabilitation or overhaul, preventive maintenance, vehicle wheelchair lifts and securement devices; Vehicle shelters; Computer hardware and software; Transit related ITS; Dispatch systems; and Mobility management programs). Public transportation projects that exceed the requirements of ADA (Examples may include: Expansion of paratransit service beyond the ľ mile requirement; Expansion of current hours of operation for ADA paratransit; Incremental cost of providing same day service; Incremental cost of providing door-to-door service; and Acquisition of vehicles and equipment designed to accommodate mobility aids that exceed the dimensions and weight ratings for wheelchairs). The FTA apportioned $261 million to the Section 5310 program to fund public transportation projects designed to meet the special needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Projects may include rolling stock, including replacement or expansion of buses and vans, vehicle rehabilitation or overhaul, preventive maintenance, vehicle wheelchair lifts and securement devices; Vehicle shelters; Computer hardware and software; Transit related ITS; Dispatch systems; and Mobility management programs). Public transportation projects that exceed the requirements of ADA (Examples may include: Expansion of paratransit service beyond the ľ mile requirement; Expansion of current hours of operation for ADA paratransit; Incremental cost of providing same day service; Incremental cost of providing door-to-door service; and Acquisition of vehicles and equipment designed to accommodate mobility aids that exceed the dimensions and weight ratings for wheelchairs). Under the Discretionary category, 19 projects were funded that demonstrated innovation in coordination and improved access to non-emergency medical appointments
Fiscal Year 2017 The FTA anticipates apportioning a total of $268 million of Formula Grants for Elderly and Persons with disabilities Transportation Program to designated urban, small urban, and rural communities. The Section 5310 program continues to fund public transportation projects designed to meet the special needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Projects may include rolling stock, including replacement or expansion of buses and vans, vehicle rehabilitation or overhaul, preventive maintenance, vehicle wheelchair lifts and securement devices; Vehicle shelters; Computer hardware and software; Transit related ITS; Dispatch systems; and Mobility management programs). Public transportation projects that exceed the requirements of ADA (Examples may include: Expansion of paratransit service beyond the ľ mile requirement; Expansion of current hours of operation for ADA paratransit; Incremental cost of providing same day service; Incremental cost of providing door-to-door service; and Acquisition of vehicles and equipment designed to accommodate mobility aids that exceed the dimensions and weight ratings for wheelchairs). Additionally, FTA anticipates apportioning $3 million in Discretionary Grants to continue the objectives set forth by the FAST ACT Section 3006 (b) Pilot Program for capital projects that demonstrate innovation in coordination of non-emergency medial trips (NEMT).
Fiscal Year 2018 The Section 5310 program is anticipated to continue. The FAST Act authorizes $273 million for 5310 Program and $3.25million for the discretionary program.
Fiscal Year 2019 The Section 5310 Program is anticipated to continue under the FAST Act, which authorized $279.5 million for the formula funding and $3.5 million for the discretionary program.
Authorization
Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Public Law 114-94, 49 U.S.C. 5310
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible sub-recipients include private nonprofit organizations, public bodies approved by the State to coordinate services for elderly persons and individuals with disabilities and public bodies which certify that no nonprofit organizations or associations are readily available in an area to provide the service.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Seniors and persons with disabilities.
Credentials/Documentation
FTA apportions the funds to the States and large urbanized areas on an annual basis. The Governor of each State or an official designee designates an agency to administer the program. Projects must be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) approved by FTA and FHWA and must be included in a locally developed Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan. Compliance with FTA's Annual list of Certifications and Assurances is required. Eligible costs must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200. The state or designated recipient must submit a program of projects (POP) listing all subrecipients and projects in accordance with FTA Circular 9070.1G. FTA annually issues a Federal Register Notice of apportionments, allocations, and program information. Notices can be found on the FTA website at www.fta.dot.gov/ or by contacting the appropriate FTA Regional office to obtain copies or publication dates.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. All projects must be included in a Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan.
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Local agencies in small urbanized or rural areas should submit application to the State agency designated by the Governor to administer the program. Local agencies in large urbanized areas should submit applications to the designated recipient for the large urbanized area. The designated recipient agency will evaluate, select and approve eligible applicants and submit a program of projects to the Federal Transit Administration. For the discretionary funding, applicants are required to submit a complete proposal in response to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that is published in the Federal Register.
Award Procedure
The Federal Transit Administration approves the program of projects (POPs). An FTA grant award obligating federal funds, includes the POPs in a grant agreement. The grant agreement is subsequently executed so that funds can be used.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
From 30 to 60 days.
Appeals
Interested persons are afforded the opportunity of a public hearing for capital projects.
Renewals
As determined by the designated State agency.
How are proposals selected?
As described by the State or designated recipient in the state or project management plan.
How may assistance be used?
Section 5310 funding may be used for eligible capital, planning, or operating expenses needed to provide specialized transportation service for elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Projects must provide for the maximum feasible coordination of transportation services funded under this section.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Performance Reports: As requested by the State and federal agencies administering the program. States and large urbanized areas must submit annual status reports and annual financial reports.
Auditing
Not applicable.
Records
Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final financial report, all contract documents, financial records, and supporting documents with the following qualification: If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit findings involving the records have been resolved.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is voluntary. 80%. Section 5310 funds may be used to finance capital and operating expenses. The federal share of eligible capital costs may not exceed 80 percent of the net cost of the activity. The federal share of the eligible operating costs may not exceed 50 percent of the net operating costs of the activity. Recipients may use up to 10 percent of their apportionment to support program administrative costs including administration, planning, and technical assistance, which may be funded at 100 percent federal share. Funds for this program are allocated among the States and large urbanized areas by a formula which is based on the population of elderly persons and persons with disabilities in each State according to the latest U.S. Census population figures. States eligible for the sliding scale match under FHWA programs may use that match ratio for section 5310 capital projects. Funds provided under other Federal programs (other than those of the Department of Transportation, with the exception of the Federal Lands Highway Program established by section 204 of Title 23 U.S.C.) may be used as match for capital funds provided under section 5310.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Section 5310 program funds are available to the States for three years from year of apportionment. Reimbursement of eligible project expenses.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog for the address of Federal Transit Administration's Regional Office or visit http://www.fta.dot.gov/12926.html. State- Designated Agency: The Governor in each State has designated a State agency to administer the Section 5310 program.
Headquarters Office
Kelly Tyler
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590 US
kelly.tyler@dot.gov
Phone: (202) 366-3102
Website Address
http://www.fta.dot.gov
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-1129-0-1-401
Obligations
(Formula Grants (Apportionments)) FY 18$343,595,997.00; FY 19 est $278,247,957.00; FY 20 est $284,146,814.00; FY 17$391,637,862.00; FY 16$262,949,400.00; -
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable/available.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
FTA Circular C 9070.1G, Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, dated July 7, 2014, can be viewed here: http://www.fta.dot.gov/legislation_law/12349_16011.html150 Information Contacts.
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2017 Purchase of accessible vehicles; replacement of rolling stock; mobility management programs; travel training; vehicle wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices; transit related information and technology systems; and dispatch systems.
Fiscal Year 2016 Purchase of accessible vehicles; replacement of rolling stock; mobility management programs; travel training; vehicle wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices; transit related information and technology systems; and dispatch systems. Purchase of accessible vehicles; replacement of rolling stock; mobility management programs; travel training; vehicle wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices; transit related information and technology systems; and dispatch systems.
Fiscal Year 2018 Purchase of accessible vehicles; replacement of rolling stock; mobility management programs; travel training; vehicle wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement devices; transit related information and technology systems; and dispatch systems.

 



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