Provide funding for the purchase of two (2) ADA equipped vehicles and accessories

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council $453,701 on July 14, 2026, under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526).

The award funds the purchase of two ADA-equipped vehicles and accessories to support Valley Metro transportation service operations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. LRGVDC will procure the vehicles in compliance with federal and state requirements, execute contracts, conduct vehicle inspection and acceptance, arrange delivery and registration, deploy the vehicles into service, and provide staff training and preventive maintenance setup. The project is intended to improve service reliability, reduce interruptions, enhance rider safety, lower maintenance costs, extend fleet life, and increase capacity to serve rural and underserved populations across Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, and Zapata counties.

Performance of work takes place in Texas. The period of performance runs from the award date through June 30, 2029. No sub-recipients are involved in this award. The assistance type is a formula grant.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide funding for the purchase of two (2) ADA equipped vehicles and accessories.

Activities

Funds will be used to procure two (2( ADA vehicles in compliance with federal and state requirements contract execution and vehicle inspection and acceptance. Additional activities include vehicle delivery registration and deployment into service as well as staff training preventive maintenance setup and ongoing monitoring to ensure safe reliable operations.

Expected outcomes

The acquisition of vehicles for lrgvdc valley metro transportation service will result in improved reliability reduced service interruptions and enhanced rider safety. New vehicles will lower maintenance costs extend fleet life and support consistent on-time performance. The project will also increase capacity to meet growing demand improve access for rural and underserved populations and ensure compliance with federal performance and reporting standards while enhancing overall service quality.

Intended beneficiaries

Populace of the lrgvdc valley metro transportation service area and local area commuters