Grants to New York Agencies, Tribal Entities, and Bus Operators to Improve Transportation Systems in Rural Areas

Federal Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation Consolidated Grant

Agency

State

GrantWatch ID#

150903

Funding Source

New York State Department of Transportation

Geographic Focus

USA: New York

Important Dates

Deadline: 11/14/22

Grant Description

Grants to New York government agencies, bus operators, and tribal entities to improve public transportation systems in rural areas. Funding is intended to meet the operating needs of rural public transportation services; help to replace existing buses and add new buses for expanded services; support mobility management and employment services; maintain and modernize support vehicle facilities; and provide enhanced passenger amenities such as shelters, communication systems, and security. The program provides capital and operating assistance to support public transportation services in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000.

The Department of Transportation will give preference to public transportation projects that eliminate transportation barriers as well as improve mobility opportunities in rural areas; encourage and support increased coordination of public transportation services with other human service agencies providing transportation services; and ensure a successful Intercity Bus program, which promotes the participation of private providers in both the development and provision of rural public transportation services.

The funding principles for the Section 5311 program are as follows:

Maintain existing transit needs by dedicating capital and operating funds for vital projects.
Provide and maintain a flexible program by assuring that the program of projects continues to be developed through a cooperative between NYSDOT and the Section 5311 applicants.
A continued effort to decrease dependency on Section 5311 funds for transit. Requiring applicants to actively seek alternative funding sources to support their transit operations can be a valuable safeguard again the shortage of program funds.
Maintain a multi-year program of projects in order to foster planning within the constraints of available federal funding.
Maintain timely use of funds, NYSDOT requires that all FTA Section 5311 funds be obligated within 2 years of programming to avoid lost funds.

Project Evaluation Criteria:

Open to the general public and offer complementary services required to comply with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Availability of alternative fund sources to fund the proposed project(s).
A developed program of projects that maximizes coordination efforts, identifies needs, and uses funding prudently.
Project readiness: The applicant must be prepared to submit an application for the project and be ready to implement/construct the project in the year indicated in the program of projects or future programming of federal funds could be jeopardized.

Recipient

Eligibility

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Additional Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and tribal governments that own and operate or directly contract for rural public transportation services; upstate regional transportation authorities; and multi-county intercity bus services sponsored directly by the Department of Transportation.

State and federal program funds for public transportation services administered by NYSDOT are awarded only to a municipal sponsor, such as a county, city, public transportation authority, or Indian reservation. The municipal sponsor then may provide service under its own authority or search out, through a competitive process, a third party operator, who then contracts with the sponsor to provide the service.

For additional eligibility information, see: https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/policy-and-strategy/public-transportation/rural-programs/5311/participation

Pre-Proposal Conference

To facilitate the development of applications, NYSDOT will be hosting two webinars and providing opportunities to review pre-applications with Department staff.

Webinar #1:
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET
Register: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/j.php?RGID=rc8f57825c2845a3a7b95a944a69e4125

Webinar #2:
Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET
Register: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/j.php?RGID=rec985faa789ec94335a328ea657f37b9

Pre-Application Information

Applications for this funding opportunity must be received by November 14, 2022.

Additional information: https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/policy-and-strategy/public-transportation/rural-programs/5311/funding

FAQ: https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/policy-and-strategy/public-transportation/rural-programs/5311/faq

Forms: https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/policy-and-strategy/public-transportation/rural-programs/5311/forms

Additional Funding Information

Estimated Total Program Funding:

$50,000,000

Estimated Size of Grant

The program will provide up to 80 percent of capital and 50 percent of operating project-related cost, with the remaining funds provided by New York State and project sponsors.

Contact Information

Submit applications and direct questions to 5311RuralApplications@dot.ny.gov.

If you have any general questions, please contact the Public Transportation Bureau at (518) 457-8335.

Grants to New York Agencies, Tribal Entities, and Bus Operators to Improve Transportation Systems in Rural Areas

Federal Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation Consolidated Grant

We have foundations for

We have grants for

Cookies