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Public Hearing - FY2027 Combined Capital Transportation Grant Application
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Theresa Torres, Human Services Agency, Transportation Director, 704-283-3598
ACTION REQUESTED:
Conduct a public hearing to accept public comments regarding the application for funding through the FY2027 Combined Capital Grant program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The annual Combined Capital program grant is intended to provide financial assistance for the support of public transportation services, which are open to the general public on a regular and continuing basis. Combined Capital funding will provide reimbursement for replacement vehicles that have met NCDOT's useful life of 100,000 miles for conversion and lift vans, minivans, and Light Transit Vehicles. Additionally, it will reimburse other capital needs, such as lettering of vehicles (NCDOT required), radio equipment, etc.
The Combined Capital application utilizes funds from the 5311, 5307, 5339 federal programs, which allows Community Transportation (CT) systems, like Union County Transportation, the opportunity to apply for funding for capital projects on a single application, and provides NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) the flexibility to fund the approved projects with the type of funds which best suit the projects and manage the funds in the most efficient and effective manner. The Combined Capital application will be reviewed by our NCDOT Mobility Specialist, who will then provide a recommendation to the NC Board of Transportation, which is responsible for determining the final award amounts.
The federal share for eligible capital costs may not exceed 80% of the project's net cost. The State and local share of eligible capital costs is 10 percent each; however, State funding is subject to State appropriations and availability of funds. Historically, State funds have been made available, but starting in FY2021, NCDOT has directed local governments to be prepared to cover the full 20 percent share, with the assumption that State funds may not be available.
The County's Combined Capital funding request for FY2027 will cover the replacement of three (3) 22’ LTV vehicles with wheelchair lifts for a total request of $427,701, which includes 80 % Federal funding ($342,160) and County funds of a maximum 20% ($85,541). If State funding is awarded at the expected 10% ($42,770), then the local share would be reduced to 10% ($42,771).
The FY2027 grant application for Combined Capital funds is due October 4, 2025, and will cover a one-year period of performance from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Vehicles funded by this grant and authorized in the FY2027 budget will be purchased utilizing a North Carolina State contract. If vehicles cannot be purchased utilizing a North Carolina state contract, they will be purchased pursuant to applicable law and policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.