VT-2021-014

This is VTrans FFY2021 Section 5311 ARP funding application in the amount of $7,112,714. There is a $5,000 balance of 5311 ARP (transferred from New Hampshire for the Southeast Vermont Transit Inc) which will be amended into this grant at a future time. Vermont's allocation of $90,487 FFY21 5310 ARP apportionment will be requested in a future grant application.

VTrans competitively selected the following subrecipients to execute the activities in this grant:
- Advance Transit dba Green Mountain Transit
- Marble Valley Regional Transit District
- Premier
- Greyhound

Activities include ongoing operating project administration, preventive maintenance, CMAQ eligible operating costs, intercity 15% requirement for ARP funds for operating associated costs, dedicated intercity 5311(F) to be applied to Greyhound for operating expenses, and RTAP eligible costs for training and technical assistance.

The program of projects (attached) includes a list of projects and/or subrecipients.

Project 1: The activities in Project 1 include operating expenses for the following subrecipients:
- Advance Transit (AT): 100% federal operating expenses, administrative expenses, preventive maintenance, operating Yellow Line route (typically funded with Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Program)
- Green Mountain Transit Rural (GMT): 100% federal administrative expenses, preventive maintenance, operating mid-day US-2 commuter route (typically funded with Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Program)
- Marble Valley Regional Transit District (MVRTD): 100% federal operating expenses, administrative expenses, preventive maintenance
- Greyhound: Eligible operating expenses (15% intercity requirement)
- Premier: Eligible operating expenses (15% intercity requirement)

Project 2: Cover various statewide RTAP training costs including SFY22 Bus Rodeo, SFY22 Tri-State Conference, procurement training, professional staff certifications, and technical assistance.

Project 3: Greyhound eligible operating expenses in accordance with FTAs circulars 9040.1G and 9030.1E. Preventive maintenance and administrative activities are considered operating costs.

Per ARPA Act, the grant requests 100% federal share and the activities in this application are not required to be programmed in the long-range transportation plan or statewide transportation improvement program.

Expected outcomes: The ARP funding allows VTrans to fund program costs at 100% federal, reducing the local match burden to the federal subrecipients. It also allows for continued support for expenses related to COVID-19. The ARP funding will provide operating assistance and support to 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 and supports program costs for the Vermont intercity providers.

Intended beneficiaries: The intended beneficiaries are the federal subrecipients, Vermont intercity providers, and the riding public. The ARP funding helps Vermont to maintain safe, reliable, friendly, and accessible public transit services for all Vermonters. Vermont providers continue to maintain safety protocols on their buses, transit centers, administrative facilities, bus stops, and shelters in an effort to maintain and improve the riding public's confidence in public transit in the wake of some difficult times as a result of the recent pandemic. VTrans and the Vermont transit providers continue to aggressively advertise the benefits and safety of public transit.

VTrans is charged with managing all modes of transportation in Vermont and is authorized to do so under legislation Title 25 5094. (See attached). VTrans has oversight responsibility for the Department of Motor Vehicles, Aviation Section, Rail Program, and all aspects of highways and bridges.

VTrans agrees that if it receives federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or through a pass-through entity through the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, a different federal agency, or insurance proceeds for any portion of a project activity approved for FTA funding under this grant agreement, it will provide written notification to FTA and reimburse FTA for any federal share that duplicates funding provided by FEMA, another federal agency, or an insurance company.

Vermont Agency Of Transportation

20.509 - Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program

FTA Region 1 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Vermont United States

State-Wide

None

COVID-19 $5,000 (0%) percent of this Project Grant was funded by COVID-19 emergency acts including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased from $7,112,714 to $7,117,714.