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BACKGROUND: |
On March 11, 2021 ARPA was signed into law. The ARPA provides emergency funding for a variety of industries affected by COVID-19, including the transit industry. To support the transit industry’s response to COVID-19, beginning January 20, 2020, all activities normally eligible under the Urbanized Area 5307 formula program, including planning, capital, and operating, are eligible for ARPA funding. Operation expenses can include paying administrative leave of operations personnel due to reductions in service or quarantine. Other operations expenses could include drivers’ salaries, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), fuel, and other expenses related to keeping the system operating on a day-to-day basis. Examples of eligible capital activities include preventive maintenance, vehicle replacement, equipment purchasing, and facility repairs/new construction. |
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DISCUSSION: |
FTA, through ARPA funding, has apportioned $167,777,477 for UTA’s Urbanized Area Section 5307 Grant Program. The funding will be provided at 100% federal share, with no local match required. FTA is encouraging public transit agencies to obligate the funds as soon as possible. Staff will execute the funds for operations and/or capital items already approved in the five-year budget. This resolution is to provide the Executive Director the authority to execute grants up to the total apportioned amount for ARPA funding. This resolution reduces the timeline for executing the ARPA grants, and it is in UTA’s best interest to execute the grants expeditiously. |