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Transportation Grant Application - FY2026 5311 Administrative (Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program)
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Theresa Torres, Human Services Agency Transportation Director, 704-283-3598
ACTION REQUESTED:
1) Approve request to apply for the FY2026 5311 Administrative Grant, 2) adopt the FY2026 Public Transportation Program Resolution authorizing the County Manager to submit grant applications for Federal and State funding, make all necessary assurances and certifications, and enter into agreements with the NCDOT to provide rural, small urban, and urban public transportation services, 3) upon award, authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute agreements substantially consistent with this Agenda Item, and 4) upon receipt of the grant award, recognize, receive, and appropriate the funding to the Human Service Agency’s Transportation budget.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
September 3, 2024, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item # 24-586 - Conducted Public Hearing - FY2026 5311 Administrative Grant Application
BACKGROUND:
The annual 5311 Administrative (Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program) is intended to provide financial assistance in support of public transportation services which are open to the general public on a regular and continuing basis, and to enable maximum feasible coordination with other rural transportation services. 5311 funds can be used for the costs of transit planning activities, transit operations, and the purchase of capital equipment or facilities to aid in the provision of transit services in rural and small urban areas as well as provide funds for state-level administration activities. Union County Transportation's 5311 application is submitted only for administrative expenses and includes no operational components.
After submission our NCDOT Mobility Specialist will review the 5311 Administrative application and provide a recommendation to the NC Board of Transportation, who is responsible for determining the final award amounts.
The federal share for eligible 5311 administration costs may not exceed 80% of the net cost of the project. The State share is 5%, and the local share is 15% of eligible costs. However, State funding is subject to State appropriations and availability of funds. Historically State funds have been made available, but starting in FY2021 NCDOT directed local governments to be prepared to cover the full 20% share with the assumption that State funds may not be available.
Union County's FY2026 5311 Administrative funding level will be $260,877 (if approved as submitted), which is 80% Federal ($208,701), 5% State ($13,043) and 15% local ($39,133).
This application for 5311 Administrative funds covers a one-year period of performance from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$260,877 total includes an 80% Federal share ($208,701), an estimated 5% State share ($13,043), and 15% required local match ($39,133). If the State cannot cover their portion, the local share would increase to 20% ($52,176). The local share will be covered by funding included in the County’s approved FY2026 budget.