Job Access & Reverse Commute Program (Section 5316 – JARC) and the New Freedom Program (Section 5317 – NF)

 Grant Application  Grant Funding will be awarded for Fiscal Year 2014

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), Modal Programs Bureau is now accepting Applications for funding consideration through the Section 5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program and the Section 5317 New Freedom (NF) Program. These Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs provide funding for transit related services that assist the state’s population of low income and disabled individuals.

The following organizations are eligible to apply for the Sections 5316 & 5317 programs:
1. Private nonprofit organizations
2. State or local governmental bodies; and
3. Operators of public transportation services, including private operators of public transportation services.

Federal funds administered through ALDOT are only extended to organizations providing transit services in the small urban and rural areas of the State.

Available federal funds for the Section 5316 JARC program are expected to total $1,697,072 for small urban areas and $1,809,501 for the rural areas. Available federal funds for the Section 5317 NF program are expected to total $1,055,230 for small urban areas and $1,356,904 for the rural areas.

A 50% local match is required for operating funds and a 20% local match is required for capital and planning funds.
The selection process will be based on the following criteria: statement of need and organizational capacity; project budget and cost effectiveness; coordination and program outreach; implementation plan; and customer service and accessibility. Projects funded through these programs must be derived from a locally regional coordinated transportation plan. The application package provides specific eligibility requirements, match requirements, and eligible activities. The application and state management plan can be found at http://www.dot.state.al. us/m oweb/transit.htm.

Completed grant applications must be submitted to the appropriate Regional Planning Council in the respective geographic areas of the state in which Sections 5316 and/or 5317 transportation services are proposed. Each Regional Planning Council must review grant applications to ensure compliance with federal coordination requirements prior to formal submission to ALDOT. Only those grant applications submitted for funding consideration by the Regional Planning Councils will be considered for funding. The deadline for submissions to the appropriate regional planning council in the respective geographic areas of the state in which Sections 5316 and/or 5317 transportation services are proposed is 5:00P.M. on May 10, 2013. Applications received after the established deadline will be returned. Postmarked submissions will not be accepted. After applications are reviewed, prioritized, and approved by ALDOT, applications will be submitted to the FTA Region IVofficeforfunding consideration.
For questions or comments concerning the grant application contact: Sharon Coats, ALDOT, Modal Programs Bureau, 1100 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110; (334) 353-6443 or coatss@dot.state.al.us.

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Eligible applicants include private nonprofit organizations; state and local governmental agencies; & operators of public transportation services, including private operators of public transportation services.

The JARC Program is designed to improve access to transportation services to jobs and job related activities for welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals; and to address reverse commute needs.

The New Freedom Program seeks to reduce barriers to transportation services and expand the transportation mobility options available to people with disabilities beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The JARC Program has $1,958,086 for the small urban areas and $1,823,956 for the rural areas. The NF Program has $1,046,438 for the small urban areas and $1,345,598 for the rural areas. Applications requesting operating funds require a 50% local match and the capital program requires a 20% local match. Construction projects, vehicles, & vehicle related equipment will not be considered for funding.

The selection process will be based on the following selection criteria: statement of need and organizational capacity; project budget and cost effectiveness; coordination and program outreach; implementation plan; and customer service and accessibility. Projects funded through these programs must be derived from a locally developed coordinated transportation plan.

The application packages provide specific eligibility requirements, match requirements, and eligible activities. The application and state management plan can be found at www.unitedweridealabama.com/info.cfm .

Applications must be submitted to the appropriate Regional Council based upon the location of the proposed project(s) by 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2012. The Regional Councils will forward all received applications to ADSS by 5:00 p.m. on March 23, 2012.  Applications received after the deadlines will not be considered for processing.

For questions or comments contact: Alabama Department of Senior Services, Transportation Dept., 770 Washington Avenue, RSA Plaza Suite 570,    Montgomery, AL 36130, (334) 353-8548 or at Sharon.Coats@adss.alabama.gov

ADSS does not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry or disability.