MA-2026-029

Application purpose: This is a Merrimack Valley Transit (MEVA) super grant request for $1,044,480 in 5307 Boston-MA-NH urbanized area formula FY25 carryover funds and $7,194,360 in 5339(c) discretionary low-no funds for a total of $8,238,840 in FTA support.

These funds are for a program of capital projects needed to keep MEVA vehicles, equipment, and facilities in a state of good repair and optimally serve the culturally and linguistically rich Merrimack Valley communities we operate in.

This grant includes matching funds from MassDOT of $261,120 in FY26 RTACAP and $1,438,872 (20% of project) in transportation development credits aka toll credits made available by MassDOT to defray the non-federal share for this capital project.

As a result, this project shows a 100% federal share.

MEVA, along with all other designated recipients in the Boston-MA-NH UZA, executed a split letter for FY25 5307 urbanized area formula funds on 9/5/25 (attached).

All activities in this application are programmed in the FY26 element of the MA STIP, of which the most recent amendment was endorsed by the Merrimack Valley MPO and approved by FTA on 4/22/26.

MEVA signed the FY26 certifications assurances in TRAMS on 4/16/26.

MEVA DUNS #090159711 has been entered into TRAMS.

MEVA is current with all civil rights submissions.

In addition to FTA's Buy America requirements under 49 U.S.C. 5323(j) and 49 CFR 661, which mandate that the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in FTA-funded projects are produced in the United States, the Build America Buy America Act (BABA) (Public Law 117-58 Div. G 70914(a)) also requires that construction materials used in infrastructure projects are produced in the United States.

Refer to terms and conditions in FTA's master agreement section 15.

The BABA requirement for construction materials applies to this grant in addition to the Buy America requirements, except to the extent a waiver of requirements may apply.

Portions of the grant activities and expenditures will contribute to the 1% security requirement for 5307 funds at the UZA level.

MEVA's capital projects for facility improvements, acquisition of support equipment, and preventive maintenance satisfy the 0.75% requirement under the 5307 urbanized area program.

Activities performed:

1. Acquisition of non-revenue vehicles consisting of one (1) replacement supervisory vehicle and one (1) tow truck: $248,000 in FTA funds ($305,600).

2. Miscellaneous capital support equipment and facility repair at MEVA's stations, garages, administrative, and maintenance facilities in Haverhill, Lawrence, and Amesbury: $800,000 in FTA funds ($1,000,000 total).

3. Acquisition of six (6) expansion 40-ft hybrid-electric buses: $7,194,360 in FTA funds (includes $1,438,872 in MassDOT TDC credits defraying the local match).

Expected outcomes: This program of capital and operating projects will enable MEVA to continue providing a reliable, responsive, and safe service to the public that will help keep existing riders and attract new riders by keeping our vehicles, equipment, and facilities in a state of good repair and optimizing service in order to fully respect our riders' time and provide the communities we serve with the level of transit service they need and deserve.

Intended beneficiaries: Consistent with MEVA's mission to put our customers first, the primary beneficiaries will be transit riders across the Merrimack Valley.

Our service area depends on quality transit for critically needed essential travel to work, medical appointments, education, training, and everyday life.

The largest city in our service district, Lawrence, is 83% Latino according to the most recent census data and has the lowest per capita income of any municipality in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

MEVA's service area encompasses the three gateway cities of Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill, as well as Amesbury and Newburyport, and the towns of Andover, North Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, West Newbury, Salisbury, Newbury, Rowley, and North Reading, which has a population of over 300,000.

Subrecipient activities: N/A

Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority

THE LOW-NO PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OR LEASE OF ZERO-EMISSION AND LOW-EMISSION TRANSIT BUSES INCLUDING ACQUISITION CONSTRUCTION AND LEASING OF REQUIRED SUPPORTING FACILITIES SUCH AS RECHARGING REFUELING AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.

20.526 - Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs

FTA Region 1 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Massachusetts United States

State-Wide

Fiscal Year 2025 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Low- or No-Emission Program (FTA-2025-008-TPM-LWNO)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 18% from $7,194,360 to $8,499,960.