TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Monthly Legislative Report
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the Monthly Legislative Report and approval of legislative positions.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The Monthly Legislative Report helps the District track state, regional and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District's Strategic Plan and the specific goal of having strong public and policy maker support. Policy decisions at all levels of government can positively or negatively affect District operations and revenues and as such, are important to track and influence as needed.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Federal Update
With passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) on March 11, $30.5 billion is now available to support the nation's public transportation systems, including:
* $26.6 billion to be allocated by statutory formulas to urban and rural areas, tribal governments, and for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities, and $2.2 billion to FTA grant recipients in communities that demonstrate additional pandemic-associated needs. Funds will be made available at 100 percent federal share and primarily directed to operations and payroll.
* An additional $1.7 billion is provided for projects in the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program and another $25 million for competitive planning grants.
Bay Area transit operators are expected to receive approximately $1.7 billion in ARPA funding. Staff will update the Board when the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) releases a timeline for when these funds will be apportioned.
Taken together, the emergency funding received via the CARES Act (March 2020), CRRSA Act (December 2020), and the pending...
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