Provide the state of north carolina and its subrecipients operating assistance and eligible capital projects

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Integrated Mobility Division $52,443,414 on July 2, 2026, under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program (CFDA 20.509) to provide operating and capital assistance for transit services in rural and non-urbanized areas of North Carolina.

Funds support eligible operating expenses including driver salaries, fuel, and consumable items with a useful life of less than one year to sustain ongoing transit operations, as well as eligible capital expenses such as vehicle purchases and other capital improvements. The award also includes funding for state administration. Rural transit agencies across North Carolina will receive these capital and operating funds as subrecipients to serve citizens in rural and non-urbanized communities.

Performance period runs through March 30, 2035, with work performed throughout North Carolina. The program's purpose under 49 U.S.C. 5311 is to apportion funds for planning, capital projects, and operating costs that support public transportation in rural areas with populations below 50,000, where residents often depend on transit to reach destinations.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide the state of north carolina and its subrecipients operating assistance and eligible capital projects.

Activities

Funds will be used to cover eligible operating expenses such as driver salaries fuel items having a useful life of less than one year in order to continue transit operations. Funds will also be used to cover eligible capital expenses such as the purchase of vehicles and many other capital items. Finally funding is included in this grant for state administration.

Expected outcomes

Continued safe and effective operation of transit services for rural areas of north carolina.

Intended beneficiaries

North carolina transit agencies and citizens in the rural and non-urbanized areas of the state.

Subrecipient activities

Rural agencies across the state will receive capital projects and operating funding for eligible transit projects.