Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-25 16-171 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION Item No. 16-171 Date: ARIL 25, 2016 Item/Subject: ORDER, Authorizing Application for Transit Bus Funding under the Federal Transit Administration Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Responsible Department: Community Connector Commentary: This Order will authorize an application for funding under the Federal Transportation Administration, Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, to replace up to five Orion Community Connector transit buses. These buses meet both the age and mileage requirements for replacement under FTA rules, and if successful, would be the first new buses added to the fleet since 2011 when federal stimulus funding was made available. It is estimated that new transit buses cost in the range of $400,000-$425,000 per bus. Under the terms of the funding program, if the buses are ADA compliant, a local match of 15% would be required. Given the age and condition of the fleet and limited funding opportunities, it is recommended that the city apply for the FAST funding. This was reviewed and recommended for approval at the April 11, 2016 special Finance Committee meeting. Manager's Comments: Department Head ('—'-d L) 6 r7 ManagerCity Associated Information: Background Memorandum Budget Approval: Finance Director Legal Approval: City S licitor Introduced for X Passage — Consent Agenda First Reading Page _ of _ Referral Assigned to Councilor Nichols CITY OF BANGOR 16-171 APRIL 25, 2016 (TITLE.) Order, Authorizing Application for Transit Bus Funding under the Federal Transit Administration Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act By the City Council ofthe City of Bangor: ORDERED, THAT, the City Manager, or her designee, is hereby authorized to take any necessary action to apply for transit bus funding under the Federation Transit Administration Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to replace up to five 2002 Community Connector Orion buses, in accordance with the terms, conditions and requirements of the FAST grant program. IN CITY COUNCIL APRIL 25, 2016 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED FOR PASSAGE PASSED CITY CLERIZ To: Finance Committee From: Bob Farrar, Ass't City Manager, Laurie Linscott, Bus Superintendent Subject: FTA Grant Funding Opportunity—Community Connector Date: April 8, 2016 The US Department of Transportation – Federal Transit Administration has just announced the availability of bus and bus facility funding under the FAST (Fixing America's Surface Transportation) Act. The total amount of grant funds to be awarded is $266 million. (In the summer of 2014, the city previously applied for federal grant funding under the $100 million Ladder's of Opportunity Initiative, but was unsuccessful.) This grant opportunity is based upon a formula of 85% federal and 15% local funding as long as the buses meet certain American's with Disability Act (ADA) requirements. Grant applications are due on May 131n As the Committee is aware, the current fleet of transit buses is bother older and has high mileage. While we have recently been working with Maine Military Authority in Limestone to rehabilitate two buses, and we obtained several used buses from Westchester County, NY, and Portland, ME, we have not purchased any new buses since 2011. Funding for the five Gillig buses purchased in 2011 was provided through the Federal Stimulus Program. Rehabilitating buses and acquiring used buses have been generally seen as measures to augment the fleet while we wait for federal funding opportunities. Depending upon final configuration and design, new transit buses cost in the range of $400,000+ per unit. If approved by the Committee, the grant application would request funding to replace five 2002 Orion buses which meet both life -span and mileage requirements for replacement. As with the 2014 grant funding program, we expect the process to be highly competitive. In the last round, there were no grants awarded to smaller transit systems, as we recall. We are planning to use either staff from the State Department of Transportation -Bureau of Planning, or possibly a grant writer at EMDC to assist with preparing the actual grant document, which is both lengthy and requires a significant amount of supporting and background data. Given the Transit System's on-going need to upgrade the fleet, we recommend that the Committee support applying for transit bus funding under the FAST Act. Staff will be at the Committee meeting to answer any questions you may have.