R2013-63 AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL ASSISTANCE GRANT

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Mass Transit Memorandum No. 060713-3 June 7, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor McElroy and City Council Members FROM: Ryan McCrady, City Manager Paul McChancy, Mass Transit Administrator SUBJECT: FY13 IDOT Downstate Capital Assistance Grant Application SUMMARY Staff recommends that Council approve a Resolution to authorize RECOMMENDATION: the filing of an application for an FYI downstate capital assistance grant agreement with the Division of Public and Intermodal Trans- portation of the Illinois Department of Transportation(IDOT) in the amount of$3,000,000. BACKGROUND: The State of Illinois is offering capital assistance grants to down- state transit systems through IDOT's Division of Public and Inter- modal Transportation. Staff obtained City Council approval in November, 2012, and submitted the required application to IDOT to request $3,000,000 for the purchase of buses and bus passenger shelters. Based on the requests it received in November, IDOT appropriated funds to the various transit systems as shown on the attached Program Award Table. Decatur's award includes: • $2,970,000 for 9 buses, at the State's estimated cost of $330,000 per bus; and • $30,000 for 26 bus passenger shelters, out of the total estimated cost of$220,000. Attached is a listing of the 9 buses to be replaced. Note that the amounts awarded by IDOT may not be sufficient to purchase 9 buses and 26 shelters. If the cost per bus exceeds IDOT's estimate, Decatur can use its remaining FTA grant funds to cover 100% of the excess cost. And since IDOT has awarded only$30,000 for the purchase of shelters, staff plans to use FTA grant funds to cover the remainder. No City funds will be required. IDOT now requires a second application to be submitted in order to receive these awarded funds. With the approval of City Council staff will prepare the application materials and submit them to IDOT. POTENTIAL There are no known or expected objections to this grant application. OBJECTION: A public hearing was held on May 30th from Noon to 2:00 PM. No one attended the hearing.