Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program

 

To improve, initiate, or continue public transportation service in nonurbanized areas (rural areas and small cities under 50,000 in population) and to provide technical assistance for rural transportation providers. The Section 5311 program supports both the maintenance of existing public transportation services and the expansion of those services through the following program goals: enhancing access in rural areas to health care, shopping, education, employment, public services, and recreation; increasing availability of transportation options through investments in intercity bus services; and encouraging mobility management, and employment-related transportation alternatives The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program is a set-aside form the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program that consists of both a formula and competitive grant program for federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities in rural areas.

Active 20.509 Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation A - Formula Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Approximately 167 million trips in rural areas are provided annually. Additionally, FTA allocated approximately $30 million to 124 tribes for the purpose of expanding transportation services and improving the quality of life for tribes in Indian Country. During the 22nd National Rural and Intercity Bus Conference, FTA’s Acting Administrator presented the Administrator’s Award to three rural transit providers that improved the mobility of Americans in rural areas and enhanced access to employment, health care, and other community services. The award recipients included the following: • Durango Transit in Durango, CO; • Barry County Transit in Hastings, MI; and • Tri-Valley Heartland Express in Crookston, MN
Fiscal Year 2017 Approximately 167 million trips in rural areas are provided annually. Additionally, FTA allocated approximately $30 million to 124 tribes for the purpose of expanding transportation services and improving the quality of life for tribes in Indian Country.
Fiscal Year 2018 The rural transit program is anticipated to continue.
Fiscal Year 2019 The programs continue to provide funding to rural areas in support of public transportation. In 2019, The Native Village of Buckland initiated transit service to provide greater access to jobs, school, healthcare and other services.
Fiscal Year 2020 In Nov 2020, the Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico received$523,693 to maintain transit services and purchase a mobile snow plow. The project supported the continuity of services for tribal members by connecting them to employment, healthcare and social services throughout South Central New Mexico.
Fiscal Year 2022 On February 22, 2022, FTA announced the availability of $8.75 million in Fiscal Year 2022 competitive grant funding to support transit services for American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in rural areas. Federally recognized tribes may use the funding for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural tribal communities. Both the Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Programs have considered relevant approaches to achieving the intended goals and objectives of the respective programs consistent with statutory requirements, including priorities in the November 18, 2021 Executive Order on Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to invest public dollars equitably, create good jobs with high labor standards, ensure goods and services are made in America, and build infrastructure that is resilient and helps combat the climate crisis.
Fiscal Year 2023 On March 26, 2023, FTA announced the availability of $8.9 million in Fiscal Year 2023 competitive grant funding to support transit services for American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in rural areas. Federally recognized Tribes may use the funding for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural Tribal communities. Both the Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Programs have considered relevant approaches to achieving the intended goals and objectives of the respective programs consistent with statutory requirements, including priorities in the November 18, 2021 Executive Order on Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to invest public dollars equitably, create good jobs with high labor standards, ensure goods and services are made in America, and build infrastructure that is resilient and helps combat the climate crisis. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Public Law 114-94, 49 U.S.C. 5311
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Part 49 U.S.C. § 5311, Section IIJA § 30006
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Public Law 117-58, 49 US Code 5311 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) on December 27, 2020 and the American Rescue Plan of 2021 (ARP) on March 11, 2021 made a significant amount of supplemental funding available under the Rural Area Program (Section 5311) in support of the transit industry’s operating expenses or other expenses generally eligible under this program to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. The CARES Act provided approximately $2.2 billion; CRRSAA provided approximately $678 million; and ARP provided roughly $317.2 million to the 5311 Program, including the Tribal Transit Program. ARP also collectively provided $100 million in formula funding to intercity bus operators. ARP also provided $2.2 billion for Additional Assistance to Section 5307 and Section 5311. Only designated State agencies and Indian Tribes may apply directly to FTA for grants. Eligible sub-recipients may include State agencies, local public bodies and agencies thereof, nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, and operators of public transportation services, including intercity bus service, in rural areas. Private for-profit operators of transit or paratransit services may participate in the program only through contracts with eligible recipients. Private intercity bus operators may participate as subrecipients or through contracts. Urbanized areas, as defined by the Bureau of the Census, are not eligible. For the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. Additionally, applicants must be located and provide service in a rural area with a population of 50,000 or less. The general public, both users and nonusers, and private and public providers of public transportation in nonurbanized areas. The State agency must be designated by the Governor to administer the program. Projects must be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and approved by FTA and FHWA. The state must also have a State Management Plan in place. The state and sub-recipients must agree to the standard labor protection warranty for the program. Environmental assessments may be required. Compliance with FTA's annual list of Certifications and Assurances is required. Eligible costs must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200. The state must submit a program of projects listing all sub-recipients and projects in accordance with FTA Circular 9040.1G issued October 24, 2014. FTA annually issues a Federal Register Notice of apportionments, allocations, and program information. This information can be found on the FTA website at www.transit.dot.gov or by contacting the appropriate FTA regional office to obtain copies or publication dates. 2 CFR 200 applies to this program. For the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program as evidence of Federal recognition, an Indian tribe may submit a copy of the most up-to-date Federal Register notice published by BIA: Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Service from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs at https://www.bia.gov/service/tribal-leaders-directory/federally-recognized-tribes. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Eligible sub-recipients should submit applications to the State agency designated by the Governor to administer the program. This agency will evaluate and select eligible applicants and submit a program of projects to the Federal Transit Administration. In order to receive Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program formula funds, a tribe must report to the National Transit Database on an annual basis. The steps for applying to the competitive discretionary program are listed yearly in the Notice of Funding Availability published with the Federal Register. The Federal Transit Administration approves the State's or tribe's program of projects. An FTA grant award obligating Federal funds is reflected in a grant agreement. To access funds, the state or tribe must execute the grant agreement. The state implements grant agreements or other instructions with the subrecipients. The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations competitive discretionary grant project selections are announced and implementation procedures to begin the process outlined above are provided at the time of announcement. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. The criteria for selecting projects under State allocations are described by the State designated agency in its procedures or State management plan. There are no criteria for selecting projects under Tribal Transit Formula as allocations are made directly to the tribes. The criteria for selecting projects under the Tribal Transit competitive program are listed yearly in the Notice of Funding Availability published in the Federal Register. Section 5311 funds may be used for eligible planning, capital, and operating expenses to provide efficient and coordinated public transportation service in non-urbanized areas. States may use up to 10 percent of the annual apportionment for planning and program administration. Job Access and Reverse Commute projects are also eligible under the program. Fifteen percent of the State's annual apportionment must be spent to support rural intercity bus transportation, unless the governor certifies that such needs are adequately met. Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) funds may be used for technical assistance, training, research, and related support services. Performance Reports: National Transit Database reports are required annually. Not applicable. Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final expenditure report, all contract documents, financial records, and supporting documents. Statutory Formula: Title 49 Part 18 For the Public Transportation on Indian Reservation Program, no local match is required for the formula program. For the discretionary program, follow the requirements outlined in the corresponding NOFO.

Matching is mandatory. The program operates under the statutory formula prescribed in 49 USC 5335. The federal share is not to exceed 80 percent of the net project cost for capital projects. The federal share may be 90 percent for the cost of vehicle-related equipment attributable to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act or 85 percent for the cost of a vehicle that complies with these requirements. The federal share may also be 90 percent for projects or portions of projects related to bicycle facilities. The federal share may not exceed 50 percent of the net cost for operating assistance. Recipients may use up to 20 percent of the amounts apportioned under Section 5311 for ADA complementary paratransit at an 80 percent federal share if certain conditions are met.

This program has MOE requirements, see funding agency for further details. Additional Information: This program has MOE requirements; see funding agency for further details. Formula funds are apportioned annually to the States or tribal recipients. Amounts apportioned are available for obligation by the State designated agency or tribal recipients for a period of three years (two years following the close of the fiscal year for which sums are apportioned) and amounts remaining unobligated at the end of such period shall be apportioned among the States or tribal recipients for the succeeding fiscal year. States usually fund local recipients on an annual cycle or at their discretion. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Lump. See https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/regional-offices/regional-offices for the address of Federal Transit Administration Regional Offices. State Designated Agency: The Governor in each State has designated a State agency to administer the Section 5311 program. This designated state agency should be an applicants initial point of contact. Regional Offices: A person from each Federal Transit Administration Regional Office is available to answer questions about Federal regulations related to the Program. Matt Lange, Office of Program Management
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Washington, DC 20590 US
matthew.lange@dot.gov
Phone: (202) 366-2053

Elan Flippin-Jones, Office of Program Management
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Washington, DC 20590 US
elan.flippin@dot.gov
Phone: 2023663800 http://www.transit.dot.gov 69-1129-0-1-401 (Formula Grants) FY 22$743,770,000.00; FY 23 est $805,281,000.00; FY 24 est $882,397,000.00; FY 21$688,752,000.00; FY 20$598,823,510.00; FY 19$810,413,298.00; FY 18$665,576,907.00; FY 17$754,361,641.00; FY 16$619,956,000.00; - (Formula Grants) FY 22$37,854,000.00; FY 23 est $9,231,000.00; FY 24 est $4,498,000.00; FY 21$322,441,000.00; FY 20$1,859,100,695.00; - CARES 2020 (69X2812)(Formula Grants) FY 22$115,872,000.00; FY 23 est $64,455,000.00; FY 24 est $3,506,000.00; FY 21$89,858,000.00; FY 20 - ARP Act 2021 (69-2812-21/24)(Formula Grants) FY 22$207,294,000.00; FY 23 est $96,722,000.00; FY 24 FY 21$493,072,000.00; - CRRSA Act 2021 (69X2812) For FY 2023, the average award for a formula grant received under the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program was $747,417 ranging from $1,283 to $1,493,552. Competitive grant program selections were announced in October 2022 and the average award was $812, 085 with a range from $16,185 to $1,607,986. In 2021, the average award under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas was approximately $24,194,874, ranging from approximately $349,046 to $48,040,703. FTA Circular 9040.1, Nonurbanized Area Formula Program Guidance and Grant Application instructions. Fiscal Year 2016 The Formula Grants for Rural Areas projects will continue to support capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000, where many residents often rely on public transit to reach their destinations. The program also provides funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program. The Formula Grants for Rural Areas projects supported capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000, where many residents often relied on public transit to reach their destinations. The program also provided funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program.
Fiscal Year 2018 The Formula Grants for Rural Areas projects support capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000, where many residents often rely on public transit to reach their destinations. The program also provides funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program. In 2018, the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program awarded $30,000,000 in formula funds to 121 tribal recipients and selected 36 projects for 35 tribes in 14 states for $4,998,028 in competitive grant funds.
Fiscal Year 2020 The Noorvik Native Community, in Noorvik, Alaska received $1,830,000 to build a storage facility to house its paratransit fleet. This project improved safety, reliability and ensured a continuation of services for its tribal members in Noorvik.
Fiscal Year 2022 On January 19, 2022, FTA announced approximately $10.3 million in Tribal Transit Program grant awards to 36 tribal governments for projects that support transit services for American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages in rural areas. The Kenaitze Indian Tribe in Alaska will receive $1,172,153 in funding to pilot a fixed-route service for its tribal members across Alaska's central Kenai Peninsula. The pilot program will supplement existing services provided by the Central Area Rural Transit System and Alaska Cab by providing an affordable transportation option. On May 24, 2022, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of over $896 million in Fiscal Year 2022 formula grant funding to provide capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000. This funding supports reliable and affordable public transit in rural areas where many residents often rely on public transit to reach their destinations. In FY 2022, the state of Texas was apportioned $59,432,768 to support public transit service in rural areas throughout the state.
Fiscal Year 2023 In October of 2022, FTA announced approximately $8.6 million in Tribal Transit Program grant awards to 25 Tribes for projects that support transit services for American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages in rural areas. The Native Village of Unalakleet will received $1,607,986 to build a bus garage and maintenance facility, which will improve the state of repair of its fleet by providing sheltered indoor space to store and repair buses.