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 97 projects through the state’s competitive public transportation grants program.
The grant funds are purchasing approximately 120 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 January 5, 2007 for 2007-2009 projects. The next opportunity to apply will be in the fall of 2008 for the 2009-‑2011 grant cycle. To get on the grant announcement list, please contact WSDOT’s Public Transportation Division.
The Washington State Legislature established a rural mobility grant program in 1993 with a $1.5 million appropriation to WSDOT. Since then, WSDOT has provided state grants to transportation providers serving rural areas.
In 2003, the legislature provided the 10‑year Legislative Transportation Funding Package that significantly expanded the state’s rural mobility grant program and added new ParaTransit/special needs grants. The Legislature provided an additional $5 million in ParaTransit/special needs grants through the 2005 Transportation Partnership Package.
For 2007-2009, WSDOT awarded approximately $33 million in state grants for the following programs:
Rural Mobility Grants - $16.9 million
Rural mobility grants improve transportation in rural areas where public transportation is limited or does not exist. The grants provide a lifeline for many rural citizens who rely on public transportation to hold jobs and maintain their independence. Through a competitive grant application process, $8.4 million was awarded to transportation providers in areas not served by transit agencies. Through formula based grants, $8.5 million was also provided to rural and small city transit agencies.
ParaTransit/Special Needs Grants - $25 million
ParaTransit/special needs grants support public transportation for persons who, because of their age (youth or seniors), disabilities, or income status, are unable to provide or purchase their own transportation. Through a competitive grant application process, $5.5 million was awarded to non-‑profit providers of transportation services for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Through formula based grants, another $19.5 million was awarded to assist transit agencies with providing additional public transportation services for people with special transportation needs.
WSDOT administers several Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant programs. For 2007-2009, WSDOT matched state and local funds with FTA funds and administered more than $21.5 million in federal public transportation grants. Federal grant programs include:
FTA Section 5310 - Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Transportation
$2.3 million
Elderly and persons with disabilities transportation grants were awarded to non-‑profit agencies serving urban and rural areas. In 2007‑2009, approximately $2.3 million was awarded through the competitive grant process to provide vehicles and other equipment.
FTA Section 5311 - Rural Public Transportation
$13.3 million
Transportation providers competed for federal rural public transportation grants. Approximately $13.3 million was awarded for capital, operating, and planning activities for public transportation in rural areas.
FTA Section 5311(f) Intercity Bus Transportation
$500,000
Approximately $1.7 million in intercity bus transportation grants were awarded for the first fiscal year of the biennium to establish, preserve, and enhance rural and small urban intercity transportation.
FTA Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)
$2.9 million
WSDOT started administering job access grants in 2003 and is managing approximately $2.9 million in JARC grants. JARC grants are awarded through a competitive process for employment related transportation. The program recognizes that a lack of transportation prevents low-‑income people from getting to jobs, education, training, child-‑care, and other job related activities.
FTA Section 5317 New Freedom
$2.5 million
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) awarded public transportation grants for 97 projects totaling more than $33 million for July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009. These grants improve public transportation within and between rural communities, provide transportation services between cities, purchase new buses and other equipment, and provide public transportation service for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Learn more...