Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
49 U.S.C. §5310

Program Description:
The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabiltiies Program provides grant funds to private non-profit and eligible public organizations to assist them in meeting the transportation needs of elderly and disabled persons where public transportation services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. This program is designed to supplement FTA’s other capital assistance programs by funding transportation projects for the elderly and disabled in all areas – urbanized, small urban, and rural. The funds are used to purchase vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts. This grant provide up to 80 percent of the purchase price of the equipment.

Program Eligibility:
Private non-profit organizations who have been providing services to elderly and disabled individuals for at least one year prior to application are eligible to apply for program funds. While the assistance is intended primarily for private non-profit organizations, public bodies who coordinate services for the elderly and disabled, or any public body that certifies to the State that non-profit organizations in the area are not readily available to carry out the services, are eligible for funding.

Application Process:
Eligible public bodies or private non-profit organizations must apply directly to the DOTD for assistance under this program. Upon receipt of the completed application and supporting documentation, a Review Committee consisting of several appropriate state agencies, will review and grade applications utilizing a point system.

Federal/Local Share:
The federal share is 85 percent and the local share is 15 percent. Matching funds are required. All of the local share must be provided from sources other than Federal funds.

Rural Public Transportation Program
49 U.S.C. §5311

Program Description:
The Rural Public Transportation program provides grant funds to public bodies to assist them in providing public transportation services in non-urbanized areas where existing services are either insufficient, unavailable, or inappropriate. Operating grants are available to encourage the development and continuance of non-urbanized transportation systems on a cost reimbursement basis. The grants provide up to 50 percent reimbursement of net operating expenses. Capital grants can be used to purchase vehicles, wheelchair lifts, and related support equipment. These grants provide up to 80 percent of the purchase price of the equipment.

Program Eligibility:
Public bodies in non-urbanized areas may apply for program funds. Approved applicants may elect to subcontract with private providers or social service agencies for the provision of service. The applicant must certify that both the recipient itself and any sub-recipient comply with all state and federal requirements

Application Process:
Public bodies in non-urbanized areas must submit applications to DOTD to be considered for funding.

Federal/Local Share:
Operating Assistance – The federal share is 50 percent and the local share is 50 percent.

Capital Assistance – The federal share is 85 percent and the local share is 15 percent.

Matching funds are required. Federal funds from other programs which are received by a local Section 5311 operation through a purchase of service contract may be used for a portion of the required local match.