Description

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is announcing the availability of up to $50 million in funding for capital and operating assistance to support public transportation services in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000. These funds, made available to the State through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and administered by NYSDOT, are provided through the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program (Section 5311).

In administering the Section 5311 program, NYSDOT 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 agency provided 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.

Eligible APPLICANTS

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.

Eligible activities

Funding provided through the Section 5311 program will support the annual operating needs of rural public transportation services; address the replacement of existing and addition of new buses for expanded services; support new and expanded mobility management and employment services; maintain and modernize support vehicle facilities; and provide enhanced passenger amenities such as shelters, communication systems and security. Applicants may submit requests for funding for one or more of the following project types through a consolidated application process: operating assistance, vehicles, facilities, related equipment and mobility management.

Awards

Operating assistance will be awarded based upon an apportionment formula that includes rural population, fleet size, passenger and miles and local support. Funding for capital projects, including mobility management, will be awarded based upon needs and available funding.

Matching Requirements

The Section 5311 program provides up to 50 percent of operating assistance projects and 80 percent of capital projects.

Application and Program Guidance

A full description of this program, including the application, program guidance and information on program webinars is available at https://www.dot.ny.gov/public-transportation/rural-programs/5311/application-material . Completed applications will be accepted via e-mail to NYSDOT at 5311RuralApplications@dot.ny.gov through November 14, 2022.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions concerning project eligibility or the application process, please contact the Public Transportation Bureau at (518) 457-8335 or via e-mail at 5311RuralApplications@dot.ny.gov .