WA-2022-031

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This federal award application includes $14,529,416 in FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Section 5311 Rural Formula Funding and $121,609 in 5311(B)(3) RTAP funding to maintain operating services in rural areas across the state. In addition, it includes intercity bus RTAP and program administration.

Special Language for Furlough Certification

The recipient certifies that it and any subrecipient or contractor that is a provider of public transportation:

(A) Intend to the maximum extent possible to use ARPA funds to bring back any employees previously furloughed as a direct result of financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency;

(B) Intend to use ARPA funds to rehire any positions of employees who were laid off as a direct result of financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and

(C) Will explain how they have spent ARPA funds on payroll operations or payroll and expenses of private providers of public transportation to the maximum extent possible.

Special Condition for Emergency Related Funding

The recipient 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.

Purpose

The purpose of the grant is to assist with eligible operating expenses necessary to operate, manage, and maintain public transportation services while responding to COVID-19. Associated costs include driver salaries, fuel, minor capital items directly related to COVID-19, and items having a useful life of less than one year, including personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. This funding is allocated to the Washington State Department of Transportation to support the public transportation services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Developing and supporting eligible operating activities to help prevent, respond to, and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitating the most efficient use of all transportation funds used in rural areas through the coordination of programs and services. Supporting intercity bus transportation in order to meet the intercity travel needs of residents in rural areas. Implementing technical assistance, training, and related support services tailored to meet the specific needs of transit operators in rural areas.

Activities to be Performed

These funds will be used to assist with eligible operating activities necessary to operate, manage, and maintain public transportation services to help prevent, respond to, and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. They will also be used to provide technical assistance and related support to various transportation organizations in Washington State. Operating expenses usually include costs such as driver salaries, fuel, minor capital items directly related to COVID-19, and items having a useful life of less than one year, including personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. Agencies, as part of their response to COVID-19, may seek reimbursement for hiring temporary workers, overtime, cleaning/sanitizing of vehicles and facilities, additional material and telework equipment, hazard pay, training, increased security, and other expenses.

Expected Outcomes

This funding will help the recipient and various subrecipients to respond to and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as maintain an adequate level of public transportation service in rural areas across Washington State. It will enable the general public and people with special needs to access destinations essential for their daily lives, safety, and well-being.

Intended Beneficiaries

Public transportation customers who utilize public transportation services in rural areas across the state of Washington, including the elderly, persons with special needs, low-income individuals, and the general public.

Subrecipient Activity

Operate, manage, and maintain public transportation services. Ensure adequate funding and financial planning to support the annual operating needs of rural public transportation services and various items directly related to COVID-19, including personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. Offer hourly transit services providing access to medical, retail, and social services.

Recipient: WSDOT

Subrecipients:
- Central Transit
- Clallam Transit
- Columbia County Public Transportation
- Garfield County Public Transportation
- Grant Transit Authority
- Grays Harbor Transit Authority
- HopeSource
- Island Transit
- Jefferson Transit Authority
- Mason Transit Authority
- Okanogan Co. Transit Authority (TRANGO)
- Pacific Transit System
- People for People
- Pullman Transit
- Twin Transit

Washington State Department Of Transportation

NOT APPLICABLE

20.509 - Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program

FTA Region 10 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Washington United States

State-Wide

NOT APPLICABLE

COVID-19 $14,651,025 (100%) percent of this Formula Grant was funded by COVID-19 emergency acts including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.