Public Transportation Projects
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 Program
Section 5311 of the
Federal Transit Act, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to
apportion funds to the Governor of each state for public transportation
projects in non-urbanized (rural) areas. The funds, appropriated annually, are
apportioned on a population-based formula to each county, and may be used for
transportation planning, capital purchases, operating expenses, and
administrative assistance. CFRPC administers the Section 5311 program for
Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties and submits a grant application
annually to the District Florida Department of Transportation.
The CFRPC uses Section
5311 funds to provide public transportation trips to the general public. Service is scheduled through the
Transportation Disadvantaged Community Transportation Coordinated System. The
Section 5311 program supports the national policy stated in the Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA): "to develop a National
Intermodal Transportation System that is economically efficient and
environmentally sound, (and which includes) significant improvements in public
transportation necessary to achieve national goals for improved... mobility for
elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged
persons in urban and rural areas of the country."
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Program
The Central Florida
Regional Planning Council also administers the Federal Transit Administration Section
5310 Capital Procurement Grant program. Capital equipment must be used to
transport elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Each District
Department of Transportation solicits grant applications annually. Funds
are awarded based on evaluation criteria and a review team's prioritization of
the projects. These funds are provided at 80% Federal, 10% State, and 10%
local.
The Council has been
awarded funds to purchase vehicles which are used to provide public transportation
trips. The vehicles are utilized and
trips are coordinated within the Coordinated Community Transportation System in
Hardee, Highlands, and Okeechobee Counties. Staff monitors maintenance
records and conducts safety reviews in accordance with state laws and
regulations.