AL-2021-021

Purpose:
This application is for a new award to move lapsing funds from Section 5307 Urbanized Formula FY 2016 apportionment in the amount of $5,487,301 in federal funds transferred to Section 5311 (Non-Urban Formula). The total amount of federal funds to be added to the grant is $5,487,301 and local match of $1,371,825 totaling $6,859,126. Activities in the project will consist of planning assistance and capital support equipment during FY 2022. See attached POP for details per sub-recipient. Scopes and ALIs are as follows:

ALI-11.42.08 Cost $4,327,301 Federal (Support Equipment)
ALI-44.22.00 Cost $1,160,000 Federal (Planning)

*The Alabama Department of Transportation is the Governor of Alabama's designated recipient of Section 5311 Non-Urbanized Transportation Allocation.
*No, the Alabama Department of Transportation does not charge indirect cost.
*The start date is the award date of this application and the end date is 3/30/2023.
*No funds are requested for research and development.
*No union involvement for the state of Alabama.
*Attached documents are as follows: Program of Projects (POP).

Activities to be performed:
Due to the current and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Alabama Department of Transportation will launch a statewide safety initiative and outreach effort on behalf of our most valuable Alabama public transit passengers and frontline transit employees. A critical ongoing and growing need for personnel and resources, such as statewide virus protection protocols, consistent sanitation procedures, proper PPE training, and protective equipment, vehicle operators, and transit staff must be addressed in order to provide safety, improve passenger confidence, and increase ridership. The Alabama Department of Transportation and its project partners will work towards providing solutions to the crisis presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. It's through such vital partnerships and collaborations that we achieve our goals of a safer and more secure Alabama public transit system.

Expected outcomes:
A. Regional maintenance training facilities upgrades (donated facilities from ACCS and large urban 5307 agencies)
B. PPE sanitation equipment and sanitation plans for all transit agencies
C. Transit agency facility site repairs and safety security evaluations
D. Fencing gates and camera installations for needed agencies
E. Illuminometers/test kits, sanitation misters, and supplies
F. Site reviews to ensure a statewide sanitation standard
G. Catalytic converter protectors installation
H. Outreach videos for agencies to build confidence and reassure the public
I. Development of recruitment videos
J. County economic coordination with officials to help in providing services in counties that lack services
K. Maintenance facility parts and regional mobile response units
M. Rebranding ALTRANS for a greater statewide consistency

Intended beneficiaries:
The intended beneficiaries are listed below with descriptions:

Frontline transit employees:
Transit professionals will receive PPE supplies, training, and equipment to ensure safety and give our frontline all the tools they need to stay safe.

Public transit passengers:
Passengers will receive a sanitary and safe travel experience through enhanced quality service from trained drivers, nurses on some medical trips, and improved service.

Public transit agencies:
Agencies will receive facility inspections and enhancements. Agencies will also receive illuminometers/test kits, sanitation misters, and supplies. This will ensure a measurable standard of clean to promote ridership and a safe work environment. Agencies will also receive catalytic converter protectors and enhanced security equipment to protect personnel and equipment.

Counties that lack services:
Not every county in Alabama has transit services. Coalitions will meet with county officials and community leaders to define the process and evoke partnerships to create services where there are none.

Alabama Community College System (ACCS):
ACCS will receive facility enhancements as well as education and workforce development.

Subrecipient activities:
This will be a partnership between several subrecipients. The University of Alabama Huntsville will be the lead on the project with direct oversight from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Some 5307 urban and several 5311 agencies will also be involved with pertinent issues when relevant.

Alabama Department Of Transportation

20.509 - Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program

FTA Region 4 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Alabama United States

State-Wide

None