Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2019-039 of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, 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 FOR STATE FISCAL YEAR 2020 PURSUANT TO 49 U.S.C. SECTION 5310, TO PURCHASE COLLINS CUTAWAY TRANSIT VEHICLES FOR PARATRANSIT SERVICES, EACH VALUED AT SIXTY-NINE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO DOLLARS ($69,522); AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO ACCEPT THE GRANT FUNDING IF IT IS AWARDED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

ACTION:  (T-3:59 PM)  Approved.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE: 8-0.  Dr. Sharief was not present during the vote.

ACTION:  (T-4:02 PM)  Dr. Sharief telephonically requested being shown voting in the affirmative. (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

VOTE: 9-0.

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.

Holds Public Hearing, as required by the State of Florida's Department of Transportation (FDOT), to authorize the submittal of a Section 5310 discretionary grant application to FDOT by the Transit Division (BCT) for the purchase of paratransit vehicles. BCT intends to apply to FDOT for a 5310 grant in the total amount of $1,320,918, including a 10% local match ($132,092) to purchase 19 paratransit vehicles.

None.

THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND TRANSIT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

This item supports the Board's Value: "Cooperatively creating an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network."

In compliance with federal regulations, this public hearing will allow comment on the Transit Division's (BCT's) proposed application to the State of Florida's Department of Transportation for a State Fiscal Year 2020 Section 5310 grant for the purchase of 19 paratransit vehicles, each valued at $69,522 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 Section 5310 Program exists to provide assistance in meeting the transit needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. FTA 5310 funds are apportioned annually, based on an administrative formula considering the number of older adults and individuals with disabilities. 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.

This application differs from the other item on this agenda, in that these are estimated dollars for state Fiscal Year 2020. Historically, Section 5310 funding applications were based upon the federal Fiscal Year (October 1 - September 30) and  awarded first to all eligible agencies in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. After community agency grant awards were made, FDOT would then notify the CTCs in Broward and Palm Beach of the remaining Section 5310 funds available and delineate an even split between Broward and Palm Beach. Starting with the most recent Section 5310 application, FDOT has changed the timing from the federal fiscal year to the state's (July 1 - June 30), beginning with State Fiscal Year 2020. Some eligible agencies who previously sought awards did not; thus, FDOT notified BCT in late 2018 of the estimated available funds, subsequent to the Surtax Financial Plan's finalization. 5310 funds for paratransit vehicles were not included in surtax program assumptions since they are discretionary and not always made available. BCT, as the CTC for Broward County, intends to apply for estimated unallocated 5310 funds in the amount of $1,056,734, including a 10% state and local match of $132,092, to purchase 19 paratransit vehicles.

Should the requested grant funding be approved, BCT will submit an order to FDOT for Collins Cutaway transit vehicles to be purchased through the Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS) program (as required by Section 5310). The vehicles will be converted to operate on propane after delivery using our existing contract.

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