CDOT Accepting Applications for Transit Grant Funds

CDOT is now accepting applications from transit operators providing either public transportation or transportation for the elderly and disabled. The transportation department has $2 million set aside to fund buses, minibuses and vans.

Photo courtesy of the Regional Transportation District

The Colorado Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for replacement or expansion of rolling stock for transit programs available through the Federal Transit Administration.

CDOT has $2 million set aside to fund buses, minibuses, vans and other similar vehicles as part of the Strategic Transit Program, funded by Senate Bill 1 funds. 

“The Strategic Transit Task Force recognized the need for rolling stock to supplement capital funding available from the FTA, given that the FTA cannot keep pace with rolling stock needs,” said Tom Mauser, CDOT Modal Programs manager. “The task force also received much input encouraging funds to be set aside for rolling stock. As a result, CDOT has established a competitive process to award these funds.”

CDOT will accept applications from transit operators providing either public transportation or transportation for the elderly and disabled. The service must be available to the general public or to any elderly or disabled person. Services open only to specific clients or populations are not eligible.  Eligible projects include all standard forms of rolling stock and must meet ADA and Federal Motor Carrier Vehicle Safety System requirements.

Applicants must be able to provide at least a 20% local cash match and recipients of the awarded funds must be able to begin their bidding/procurement process within two months of an awarded contract. CDOT will be accepting applications for replacement or expansion rolling stock.

Applications can be obtained by contacting Adam Rolstad, adam.rolstad@dot.state.co.us and all applications must be submitted to Rolstad by 4 p.m. on May 30.

CDOT will then review the applications and recommend funding to the Colorado Transportation Commission.  It is estimated that funding decisions will be made in July 2008.

The Strategic Transit Task Force, appointed by the Transportation Commission, consists of 12 members from various transportation and local agencies across the state, allowing for a statewide consensus.  Organizations represented on the Task Force include the Regional Transportation District; the Federal Transit Administration; Boulder, Larimer and El Paso counties; Eastern Colorado; the I-70 Mountain Corridor; as well as several members from western Colorado.