This application request chicago UZA FY 2023 5310 split funds in the amount of $690196 to support three northwestern indiana regional planning commission transit operators: opportunity enterprises…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) $1,117,892 under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (CFDA 20.513) on September 3, 2025, with completion scheduled for June 30, 2028. Of this total obligation, $690,196 comprises FY 2023 Section 5310 split funds designated for the Chicago Urbanized Area (UZA). These funds support transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities in rural and small urban areas across Lake and Porter Counties in northwestern Indiana.

The grant funds both operating and capital activities delivered through three transit operators serving as subrecipients: Opportunity Enterprises, Porter County Aging and Community Services, and Lake County Community Services. Operating assistance covers eligible expenses including driver salaries, fuel, and service continuity for specialized transportation. Capital investments support vehicle procurement, with Opportunity Enterprises designated to receive funding for two vehicles under the award. Through this programming, NIRPC and its subrecipients maintain and expand paratransit and demand-response services that address transportation barriers for vulnerable populations in underserved areas where conventional public transit is unavailable or insufficient.

Activities

Funds will be used to cover eligible operating expenses such as driver salaries fuel and operating assistance to continue service for people with disabilities and older adults. Funds will also be used for eligible capital investment including the purchase of vehicle(s).

Expected outcomes

Funding will permit northwestern indiana regional planning commission and IT subrecipients opportunity enterprises porter county aging and community services and lake county community services to continue to provide service for people with disabilities and older adults.

Intended beneficiaries

People with disabilities and older adults in the states rural and small urban areas in lake and porter counties.

Subrecipient activities

The following subrecipients will receive operating assistance to maintain services to support individuals with disabilities and porter county aging and community services and lake county community services.opportunity enterprises will receive funding for two vehicle(s) under this grant.