TITLE
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, supporting the application of the grant for Section 5311 Rural Transportation Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Arizona Department of Transportation in an amount not to exceed $247,546 to continue operations of a transit system and authorizing the City Manager to sign any further documents. The City's match requirement for this grant application is $116,032 and will be taken from the General Fund, Transportation (10044146) pending the adoption of the tentative FY 14/15 budget. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
Section 5311 is a grant program providing public transportation funding for capital, administrative and operating assistance in rural and small urban areas. The purpose of this program is to provide and strengthen public transportation services in rural areas and in communities under 50,000 in population. Many rural Americans do not have access to an automobile and need transportation in order to access services, employment and medical care. Federal funds are apportioned among the States, which have the primary responsibility for administering the program. In Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is the agency responsible for the overall administration of the Section 5311 Program, which is also referred to as the Rural Public Transportation Program.
Funds are available on a competitive basis. Services must be focused on the mobility needs of the general public and are expected to be coordinated with human service transportation and other providers. The Rural Public Transportation Program funds transit systems operating in local communities or between rural communities and urban areas. Some services have been operating for many years, some have recently begun, and others are being instituted as pilot projects.
Rural Transportation in the form of Section 5311 has come before the Mayor and City Council numerous times each year since 2007. Below is a brief history of the Rural Transportation Grant Program in the City of Maricopa.
In the Circulation element of the City's 2006 General Plan, improving roadway conditions was the focus, but a critical goal was creating a highly diversified multi-modal transportation system that includes transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian facilities. Specifically, the Circulation element recommended enhancing transit services to connect Maricopa with Phoenix, Casa Grande, and Tucson. In 2005, the City hired a Transportation Manager to address these issues. A transit feasibility study and implementation plan was completed in 2007 with the recommendation to begin a commuter transit service and hire a Transit Coordinator. The City of Maricopa began providing transit services to the residents of Maricopa in April 2008 and has been providing transit services to the residents for nearly 4.5 years. On October 1, 2010, the route changed for the MaricopaXPRESS and the local circulator City of Maricopa Express Transit (COMET) was created. In fall 2011, Maricopa began providing a demand response system through the Section 5311 grant program.
The City of Maricopa has included a grant contract with this staff report which allows Council to formally designate the City Manager to sign the contact when/if the grant is awarded.
The City of Maricopa is requesting to continue operation of the demand response system and begin a deviated-fixed route operating 2 hours each morning and 2 hours in the evening five days a week. A request for a change in the transit services and an increase in the City match for the COMET is based on new significant sources of transit demand from Central Arizona College, Pinal County Public Health, Copper Sky Multi-generational Center, and increased marketing. The COMET will also be increasing the local service currently provided. We are at or near capacity in our ability to serve the community's transit needs. The increase in service allows us to continue the vital regional shuttle to Chandler Regional Hospital and Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, while also providing local service on those days (Tuesday and Thursday) Local service on those days is not currently offered. The expansion requires the purchase of three mini-vans and an additional driver.
The City of Maricopa is applying for funds under administration and operating expenses. The City's matching requirements for administration is 20%, and for operating expenses it is 42%. The matching requirement has historically come from the General Fund and the matching requirement for this grant will be included in FY14-15 budget request. The requested grant application submitted to the Arizona Department of Transportation will be in amount not to exceed $247,546 requiring a $116,032 City match.
This item is presented by David R. Maestas, Transportation/Transit Planner and Mary Witkofski, Community Programs Manager.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, supporting the application of the grant for Section 5311 Rural Transportation Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Arizona Department of Transportation in an amount not to exceed $247,546 to continue operations of a demand response system and authorizing the City Manager to sign any further documents. The City's match requirement for this grant application is $116,032 and will be included in the FY14-15 budget.