WSDOT’s public transportation grants help provide access, mobility, and independence to Washington residents.
Made possible by the 2005 Transportation Partnership Package and federal funds, these grants provide transit services within and between cities, purchase new buses and other equipment, provide public transportation service for the elderly and persons with disabilities, and improve public transportation in and between rural communities.
Many types of organizations may qualify for WSDOT’s public transportation grants including:
- Transit systems
- Non-profit agencies
- Tribal governments
- Senior centers
- state agencies
- Cities and counties
- Special districts such as schools and ports
- Private, for-profit operators
As the map above right illustrates, the 2007–2009 public transportation grants are at work across the state. WSDOT awarded state and federal grants in July 2007, for a record 136 projects through the state’s competitive and formula public transportation grants program.
The grant funds are purchasing approximately 145 vehicles and providing transportation for people living in rural areas, people with special transportation needs, and the general public in 38 Washington counties.
WSDOT created a consolidated grant application process in 2003 to combine the applications for state and federal public transportation grants. Timelines for all state and federal funding awards were brought in line with the state biennium. This allowed applicants to submit their proposals for all types of grant funding just once every two years instead applying separately for each type of grant program.
Through the consolidated grant program, WSDOT awarded nearly $59 million in public transportation grants for July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009 projects statewide. The funding was provided from a combination of state and federal sources.
WSDOT’s grants staff are responsible for:
- Managing both state and federal public transportation grants including project selection and funding distribution.
- Working with each grantee to finalize project scope, budget, and grant agreements.
- Monitoring grantees for performance and compliance with state and federal regulations through reporting, financial tracking, and site visits.
- Assisting in vehicle purchases and maintaining vehicle inventories.
- Providing training and technical assistance to grant recipients in the form of transportation planning, contract management, and marketing.
- Reporting to the Washington State Legislature and the Federal Transit Administration on performance of state and federally funded projects.
WSDOT accepted grant applications through December 12, 2008 for 2009-2011 projects. The next opportunity to apply will be in the fall of 2010 for the 2011-2013 grant cycle. To get on the grant announcement list, please contact WSDOT’s Public Transportation Division.