Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 5/21/2026
Item Status: New
From: Ann Simpson, Director of Transportation
Submitted by: Ann Simpson, Director of Transportation; Janice Nicholson, BRATS Grants Technician
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ITEM TITLE
Title
FY 2027 Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation Grant Application
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Adopt Resolution #2026-093 authorizing the Baldwin County Commission to commit up to $1,529,719.00 as local non-federal match for operations, administration, and capital (preventative maintenance) expenditures under Section 5311 Non-urbanized Public Transportation Program during FY 2027 with approximately $310,480.00 generated from fares, contract services, and advertising; and
2) Adopt Resolution #2026-094 authorizing the filing of the FY 2027 Section 5311 Grant Application with the Federal Department of Transportation and the Alabama Department of Transportation under the Federal Transit Act; and
3) Authorize the Chairman to sign the application documents.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Beginning in 1985, BRATS has applied for and received an annual 5311 grant from the Federal Transit Administration, administered by ALDOT to provide public transportation to the citizens and visitors of Baldwin County.
The FY 2027 5311 Rural Transportation Program is estimated to cost $3,821,073.00. The application reflects $2,291,355.00 of the program cost to be funded with 5311 Federal Transit Administration funds. An estimated $1,219,239.00 in local matching funds will be required in addition to the estimated $310,480.00 revenue generated from the transit system.
The grant funding amount requested is inflated to ensure that sufficient funds are awarded to provide the Baldwin County Commission with maximum flexibility for operating BRATS.
The FY 2027 5311 Rural Transportation Grant Program will provide federal funding of 80% for administrative and preventative maintenance expenses and 50% for operating expenses.
Capital expenditures for transit vehicles are not included in this 5311 Rural Grant Application. Requests for funding of transit vehicles at an 80/20 split are included in the FY 2027 5307 Urban Transportation grant application to utilize lapsing 5307 funds.
This 5311 Rural Grant Application is to request 83.4% of the estimated FY 2026 operating, administrative, and preventative maintenance costs to fund the public transit service. The 5307 Urban Grant Application to request the remaining 16.6% of the estimated FY 2026 operating, administrative, and preventative maintenance costs and capital for transit vehicles will be presented in a separate agenda action item.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $1,529,719.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: Fund 143 Transportation budget expense line items.
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? Public Notice requirements were met and documentation is included in grant application.
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 for grant application submittal is June 1, 2026.
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Commission Administration and BRATS staff
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Admin - print letters on letterhead and obtain signatures (in blue ink) and apply seal where appropriate. Forward original documents to Ann Simpson with copies to Brian Underwood, Katrina Taylor, Aislinn Stone, Christe Bezoari, and Dana Austin.
BRATS Grant Staff will ensure documents are in proper order and complete for submittal of the grant package to ALDOT. BRATS Staff will provide the fully executed agreement to Admin when received.
Grant documents requiring Administration Staff attention:
1) Letter of Designated Transit Provider - Requires Letterhead and Chairman’s signature.
2) Certification of Participation in RTAP (rural transportation assistance program) Training Events - Requires Chairman’s signature
3) Grant Application Letter - Requires Letterhead and Chairman’s signature.
4) Local Match Commitment Letter - Requires Letterhead and Chairman’s signature.
5) Local Match Certification - Requires Chairman’s signature.
6) Resolution 2026-093 Authorizing Local Matching Funds - Executed by Chairman and County Administrator.
7) Resolution 2026-094 Authorization to File Grant Application - Executed by Chairman and County Administrator.
Please ensure page numbers are maintained on all pages and signatures are in blue ink.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A