Date:
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Contact:
Tonia Buell, WSDOT, 360-705-7439 or buellt@wsdot.wa.gov
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced a call for applications for the 2007-2009 Public Transportation Grant Program. The grant funds are used to help provide access, mobility, and independence to Washington residents.
Grant recipients will purchase new buses and equipment, provide public transportation service for the elderly and persons with disabilities, and improve public transportation in and between rural communities.
Washington State public transportation providers are encouraged to apply. Transit systems, non-profit agencies, organizations serving persons with special needs, tribal governments, senior centers, cities, counties, and private operators are eligible to apply for the grants.
Regional transportation planning organizations are now part of grant process. All projects evaluated by the state competitive process in 2007-2009 must come from a region’s Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan. Regions will provide WSDOT with a list of ranked projects based on community transportation needs.
Public transportation providers compete for grants funded by numerous state and federal sources. Scoring is based on project, applicant, and performance components.
WSDOT will award grants based on available funding. The national transportation budget determines the actual amount of federal funds distributed. The biennial legislative appropriation determines the actual amount of state grant funds distributed. WSDOT awarded approximately $57 million in public transportation grants for July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2007 projects. WSDOT anticipates similar funding amounts for the 2007-2009 grant cycle.
Applications must be received by WSDOT no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2007 and projects selected will begin no sooner than July 2007.
Organizations interested in applying for grants can get the grant application and more information:
· On WSDOT’s Website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/transit
· Or by calling (360) 705-7439
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