CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 3, 2008
TO: D. Mike Good, City Manager
FROM: William Brant P.E., Director, Public Works, Utilities & Engineering
PURPOSE
The purpose is to request that the Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing an application for a Florida Department of Transportation Discretionary Grant. The grant would provide funding to assist in the implementation of a new minibus route.
BACKGROUND
Each year the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) makes available to municipalities and other public entities several different types of grants through its Discretionary Grant Program. Among the specific grants offered is the Public Transit Service Development Program, which provides initial state funding for new transit services.
Next fiscal year the City purposes to expand its minibus operations to include a fourth route. This new route will service an area of Fashion Row that is currently not reached by the existing routes. In addition, the establishment of Route No. 4 will help reduce the headway on Route No. 2 which is currently 60 minutes. This new route will mainly service the northeastern section of the City and will provide direct access to Fashion Row. Staff has been working together with Broward County to obtain County funding to cover some of the cost for this service. However, Broward County funding is uncertain. This FDOT grant will fund up to 50% of capital and operating expenses for the first year of operations.
DISCUSSION
Capital and operations costs for the first year of the new route are estimated at $139,500. These costs are based on a rate $38.50 per hour for 12 hours days with 6 days a week service. The hourly rate of $38.50 includes leasing the bus from Limousines of South Florida, the company that is currently contracted by the City to operate the Community Bus Service.
If awarded, the FDOT grant would fund 50% of this total, or $69,750. Staff is requesting a total of $140,000 in the FY 2008/09 budget. If both grants are obtained, the City may not have to incur any cost for Route No. 4. However if the County grant is not obtained, the City will be responsible for at least $69,750 (50%).
Total Cost FDOT County City
Cost for operations $139,500 $69,750 $69,750 $0
(with County Grant)
Cost for operations $139,500 $69,750 $0 $69,750
(without County Grant)
The grant application was due June 11, 2008. It has been submitted subject to approval of the City Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
The City Commission adopt a Resolution authorizing an application for a Public Transit Service Development Grant under FDOT’s Discretionary Grant Program and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant application and implement the grant program .
Prepared By: ________________________
Mary Francis Jeannot
Administrative Analyst II
Reviewed:
______________________________ _____________
D. Mike Good, City Manager Date
___ Approved ___ Denied ___ Hold for Discussion
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________
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