Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 6/4/2024
Item Status: New
From: Ann Simpson, Director of Transportation; Frank Lundy, County Engineer
Submitted by: Ann Simpson, Director of Transportation
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Fiscal Year 2024 Section 5311 Addendum Application for Rural Public Transportation Grant Program
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Authorize the Baldwin Regional Area Transit System to file the FY 2024 5311 Addendum Application with the Alabama Department of Transportation to purchase transit vehicles at a reduced local match ratio of 10%; and
2) Authorize the Chairman to sign the 5311 Addendum Application Letter; and
3) Approve the purchase of six (6) mid-size buses and sixteen (16) transit vans at a total cost to the Baldwin County Commission of $302,577.00. The total federal and state funding is $2,723,191.00.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Federal Transit Administration requires the condition of the transit fleet to “remain in a state of good repair” as defined by age and mileage. Due to delays in issuing state contracts for transit vehicles, followed by covid, ALDOT and their 5311 subrecipients have fallen short of the targets for replacing vehicles for several years. BRATS did not receive new vehicles from 2018-2022 resulting in 100% of the fleet having exceeded its’ useful life by mid-2023. BRATS received 14 transit vans in 2023-2024 which improved the condition of the fleet to 28% in a state of good repair. This opportunity would bring 72% of BRATS’ fleet into a state of good repair.
To incentivize transit providers across the State to update their individual fleets and to help offset the increase in vehicle costs, ALDOT is contributing an additional 10% federal/state match for transit vehicles for a limited time allowing the Baldwin County Commission an opportunity to order vehicles at a reduced 10% local match ratio instead of the customary 20%.
To expedite the procurement process ALDOT has received permission from state procurement to purchase transit vehicles off an existing State of Georgia Department of Administrative Services Contract.
Previous Commission action/date:
April 18, 2023 - Baldwin County Commission took action to approve the FY2024 5311 Grant Application committing up to $1,404,365.00 as local non-federal match.
September 28, 2023 - Baldwin County Commission took action to approve the FY2024 budget to include $625,000.00 for BRATS vehicles of which $492,414.00 remains.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $302,577.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: 14351930.55500
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: Deadline to submit application addendum to ALDOT is June 14, 2024.
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration, BRATS, and Accounting Staff
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed):
Administration Staff - print Section 5311 Addendum Application Letter on letterhead and obtain Chairman’s signature. Provide copies of signed letter via e-mail to:
Ann Simpson, Brian Underwood and Katrina Taylor
Janice Nicholson, BRATS Grants Technician - submit grant application to ALDOT by deadline of June 14, 2024.
Loren Lucas, BRATS Asst. Director - submit check request to Accounting and complete purchase requisition for vehicles.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A