Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

To provide financial assistance in meeting the transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities where public transportation services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate. The Section 5310 program is designed to supplement F

This program serves older adults and people with disabilities, providing alternative transportation solutions to overcome barriers to accessing vital and necessary life sustaining services and to enhance their quality of life.

Eligible sub-recipients include private nonprofit organizations, public bodies approved by the State to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities and public bodies which certify that no nonprofit organizations or associations are readily available in an area to provide the service.

The State Department of Transportation or the Governor, or other Official Designee, appointed public entity that has been identified to be the recipient of Section 5310 funds. Federally recognized Indian tribes may apply directly to FTA for Section 5310 funds that a state or designated recipient has awarded to the tribe.

FTA apportions the funds to the States and large urbanized areas on an annual basis. The Governor of each State or an official designee designates an agency to administer the program. Projects must be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) approved by FTA and FHWA and must be included in a locally developed Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan. Compliance with FTA's Annual list of Certifications and Assurances is required. Eligible costs must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200. The state or designated recipient must submit a program of projects (POP) listing all subrecipients and projects in accordance with FTA Circular 9070.1G. FTA annually issues a Federal Register Notice of apportionments, allocations, and program information. Notices can be found on the FTA website at www.transit.dot.gov/ or by contacting the appropriate FTA Regional office to obtain copies or publication dates. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Section 5310 funding may be used for eligible capital or operating expenses needed to provide specialized transportation service for older adults and persons with disabilities. Up to 10 percent of funds apportioned to a recipient may be used to administer, plan, and provide technical assistance for projects funded under the program. Projects must provide for the maximum feasible coordination of transportation services funded under this section. A minimum of 55 percent of funds must be used for capital projects as listed in Federal Circular 9070.1H. The remaining 45 percent may be used for other capital or operating projects.

Section 5310 program funds are available for three years from year of apportionment. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Reimbursement of eligible project expenses.

Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. All projects must be included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human service transportation plan.

Local agencies in small urbanized or rural areas should submit applications to the State agency designated by the Governor to administer the program. Local agencies in large urbanized areas should submit applications to the designated recipient for the large urbanized area. The designated recipient agency will evaluate, select and approve eligible applicants and submit a program of projects to the Federal Transit Administration. For discretionary funding, applicants are required to submit a complete proposal in response to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that is published in the Federal Register.

As described by the State or designated recipient in the state or project management plan.

The Federal Transit Administration approves the program of projects (POPs). An FTA grant award obligating federal funds, includes the POPs in a grant agreement. The grant agreement is subsequently executed so that funds can be used.

As determined by the designated State agency.

Interested persons are afforded the opportunity of a public hearing for capital projects.