OH-2022-028

This application is to request lapsing FFY2020 Section 5311 funds apportioned to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in the amount of $4,429,150 for the Ohio Rural Zero Emission Pilot (ORZEP). The project includes capital and operating assistance for the purchase of expansion buses, bus stop signage and branding, bus radios, surveillance/security equipment, and the installation of electric charging infrastructure for Chillicothe Transit System (CTS). It also covers preventive maintenance and program administration for Perry County Transit (PCT). The total Section 5311 funds awarded to CTS is $2,983,823, and the total awarded to PCT is $1,445,327. The local share is provided by both subrecipients in the amount of $258,963 from contract revenue and state funds. The award will also utilize Transportation Development Credit (TDC) in the amount of $760,749. The total award amount is $4,688,113.

The local share provided by both subrecipients totals $258,963 in local funds deposited into the Transit Reserve Fund from sources which can include contract revenue and state funds. No other FTA grant funds will be utilized for this project. The period of performance will be July 31, 2022, to March 30, 2028.

Purpose of the award:
The ORZEP is the ODOT transit initiative to demonstrate zero emission vehicles for public transportation in the rural regions of Ohio. The pilot includes Chillicothe Transit System in Ross County and Perry County Transit. The pilot will include procuring zero emission ADA accessible transit vehicles and associated charging infrastructure necessary for a more environmentally sustainable operation.

Activities to be performed:
Funds will be used to cover capital, operating, and preventive maintenance costs for the purchase of electric vehicles, facility updates, training, and program administration.

Expected outcomes:
This ORZEP initiative aims to improve positive health outcomes, decrease health disparities, increase job access and work opportunities, improve air quality, and support the local economies in these counties.

Subrecipient activities:
Chillicothe Transit System and Perry County Transit will coordinate and cooperate with ODOT and the project manager/consultant to plan and implement the ORZEP project. They propose to pilot nine (9) zero emission vehicles that are ADA accessible and install the necessary charging infrastructure at ground-level for both fixed routes and demand response public transportation service.

In executing this grant, ODOT agrees to abide by Section 3011 of the FAST Act (49 U.S.C. 5323(J)(2)(C)) regarding the phased increase in domestic content under the Buy America statute for rolling stock. As the grant agreement includes an FTA-funded transit vehicle purchase, ODOT agrees to comply with the related requirements set forth in 49 CFR 26.49(A). Specifically, ODOT must ensure, as a condition of being authorized to bid or propose on FTA-assisted transit vehicle procurements, that each transit vehicle manufacturer certified that it complied with DOT requirements for submitting a DBE program and goal to FTA prior to bidding. ODOT is also required to submit the name of the successful bidder and the total dollar value of the contract within 30 days of making an FTA-assisted transit vehicle award using the required FTA reporting tool. ODOT understands that failure to comply with these requirements may result in formal enforcement action or appropriate sanction as determined by FTA, including reimbursement of FTA funds used for the vehicle procurement.

The attached supporting documents are:
- ORZEP Program of Projects
- ORZEP TDC ODOT Approval Letter
- ODOT TDC Program Budget
- Ohio SFY 2021-2024 STIP Approval Letter
- Ohio SFY 2021-2024 STIP Project List
- ODOT FFY 2022 DOL Assurance Letter
- ORZEP Electric Charging Station Locations

Ohio Department Of Transportation

20.509 - Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program

FTA Region 5 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Ohio United States

State-Wide

None