TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Application for FY 2020 FTA Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider authorizing the General Manager or his designee to file and execute applications and funding agreements with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Financial Stability and Resiliency
Initiative - Infrastructure Modernization
This grant is one of few available that can be used towards bus facilities infrastructure needs.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
The District plans to apply for up to $5 million in Federal FY 2020 funds to repair and replace roofs on various buildings at Division 6. Awards under the Bus and Bus Facilities Program require a minimum 20 percent match requirement; therefore, the District will need contribute up to $1.25 million in state or District funds as the required match if awarded the full amount.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
On January 30, 2020, the FTA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. This is a competitive funding program that makes $455 million available to replace, rehabilitate, purchase or lease buses and related equipment; and to rehabilitate, purchase, construct or lease bus-related facilities. Staff recommends applying to repair and replace roofs at Division 6.
The roofs and mechanical equipment on several buildings at Division 6 have outlived their useful life. They are currently in poor condition as identified through the District’s asset management program and in need of repair or replacement. The roof on the Training and Education Center at Division 6 is currently being replaced, and the other buildings are also in need of such work as they are of similar condition and age.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Not applying for the funds would cause the District to forgo the opportunity to compete for federal funds to keep the District’s facilities in a state of good repair. The cost for these projects would need to be funded through other funding opportunities or absorbed into current District budgets.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Staff could apply for the funds for bus purchases or other facility improvements and rehabilitations such as bus washers and paint booths. However, Division 6 building roofs have been identified by staff as the most applicable to the funding program and the most consistent with the District’s immediate needs and asset management program.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Prepared by:
Evelyn Ng, Capital Planning and Grants Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
Claudia L. Allen, Chief Financial Officer
Salvador Llamas, Chief Operating Officer
Chris Andrichak, Director of Management and Budget
Cecil Blandon, Director of Maintenance
Joe Callaway, Director of Capital Projects
Derik Calhoun, Director of Transportation