Obtain funding needed for capital planning and ADA projects that support day-to-day operations for metra transit system

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Columbus Georgia Consolidated Government a Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Grant totaling $3,159,933 (Federal share: $2,527,946; Local share: $631,987) on August 8, 2025, to support capital planning and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) projects for the Metra transit system. The award, obligated under Federal Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations for the local fiscal year 2026 period (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026), funds transit equipment, preventive maintenance infrastructure, and operational support to maintain the system in a state of good repair. Deliverables include purchase and repair of transit vehicles and equipment, replacement of worn transit infrastructure (including bus shelters, stop signage, and poles), acquisition of bus Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and security-related capital equipment, funding for a replacement paratransit bus, and ADA-related salary, benefits, and staff training expenses.

The funded activities support ongoing Metra operations and enable the transit agency to meet essential infrastructure and service needs for the Columbus, Georgia region. With an ultimate completion date of March 30, 2033, this formula grant represents sustained federal investment in local public transportation infrastructure and ADA accessibility compliance under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507).

Purpose

The purpose of this application is to obtain funding needed for capital planning and ADA projects that support day-to-day operations for metra transit system. This project budget includes funding for transit equipment support equipment and preventive maintenance benches bus shelters bus stop signs poles and other transit items. The funds will be used to cover operating and preventive maintenance expenses for purchasing repair parts vehicle repairs vehicle services to replace transit equipment; transit enhancements and support equipment that is worn out. Funding will be included to purchase bus and security-related capital and to cover ADA salaries and benefits and all staff training in associated areas. The award also funds a replacement paratransit bus. These purchases will be utilized for metras FY26 grant using federal funds allocated in FFY22 in the amount of $3159933 ($2527946 FTA + $631987 local). This grant application is for a total of $3159933. The total federal share of this application is $2527946 and the local share is $631987.this section 5307 grant for capital planning assistance is for the consolidated government of columbus georgias local FY2026 (july 1 2025 - june 30 2026) and uses federal funds allocated in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022.

Activities

The funds will be used to cover operating and preventive maintenance expenses for purchasing repair parts vehicle repairs vehicle services to replace transit equipment; transit enhancements and support equipment that is worn out. Funding will be included to purchase bus AVL and security-related capital and to cover ADA salaries and benefits and all staff training in associated areas. The award also funds a replacement paratransit bus.

Expected outcomes

The funding provided will allow metra transit system to meet all necessary needs to continue to keep all vehicles in a state of good repair and to maintain daily operations for the needs of the agency.

Intended beneficiaries

Metras riders will benefit because new equipment will be used to enhance reliability and allow transit patrons to feel more secure. Metra transit system will benefit by being able to continue to service to our riders.