Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2017-511 of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, directing the County Administrator to publish a Notice of Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 10:00 am., in Room 422, Broward County Governmental Center, to receive public input and adoption of a proposed Resolution, the title of which is as follows:

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS PURSUANT TO 49 U.S.C. SECTION 5310, TO PURCHASE SEDANS FOR PARATRANSIT SERVICES. AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDING IF IT IS AWARDED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

(A member of the public pulled this item.)

ACTION:  (T-10:51 AM)  Following public comments and Board discussion, the Board tabled this item until later in the meeting.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

ACTION:  (T-11:54 AM)  Approved.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE: 9-0.  Commissioners Geller and Holness voted in the affirmative telephonically.

FDOT requires Broward County Board of County Commissioners (Board) approval of a Resolution authorizing the grant application for federal grant program funds pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Section 5310.

Schedules Public Hearing as required.

No Previous Action.

THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND TRANSIT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

This item supports the Board's Vision and Goals for "Cooperatively creating an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network."

In compliance with federal regulations, a public hearing will allow public comment on the Transit Division's (BCT's) proposed application for a 5310 grant for the purchase paratransit vehicles, each valued at $22,304 for use in the paratransit transportation program (TOPS).

As background, Title 49 U.S.C. 5310 authorizes the formula assistance program to assist in providing transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) goal of the Section 5310 Program is to provide assistance in meeting the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities where public transit services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate. FTA funds are apportioned annually based on an administrative formula that considers the number of older adults and individuals with disabilities in each State. The Federal government allocates funds to the State of Florida each year for the Section 5310 Program.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been designated by the Governor to administer the 49 U.S.C. 5310, Formula Grants for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program for small urban and rural areas and does so through a discretionary grant process. Eligible recipients for U.S.C. 5310 funds include public agency Community Transportation Coordinators (CTCs) and private non-profit organizations. The Section 5310 discretionary grants are awarded by FDOT first to non-profits in FDOT District 4. Any remaining Section 5310 funds in FDOT District 4 Palm Beach/Broward urban area are then made available to its Community Transportation Coordinators to meet the transportation needs of their senior and disabled customers. The Community Transportation Coordinators must submit a Section 5310 grant application based on funding availability and follow the discretionary grant process which includes providing a 10% local funding match.  As the Community Transportation Coordinator for Broward County, it is BCT's intent to apply to FDOT for remaining unallocated 5310 funds in the amount of $981,282 including a 10% local match of $98,138 for the purchase of paratransit vehicles.

Should the requested grant funding be approved, BCT anticipates purchasing approximately 44 sedans for the Paratransit program utilizing the State of Florida contract.

Chris Walton, Director, Transportation Department, (954) 357-8301