SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is seeking public comment regarding its Program Management Plan related to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5310 program. This plan describes the RTC’s policies and procedures for administering FTA’s Section 5310 program. Participants can find more information by looking at the draft plan.

Once the 21-day comment period ends, the RTC will submit the plan update to the FTA for review and approval. The RTC anticipates approval later this fall and will announce a Call for Projects under the new grant program.

This federal funding improves mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation options.

The region’s stakeholders and current subrecipients have expressed a need for increased operating assistance to fund and support local senior/disabled transportation programs.

Under the federal 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, funding is restricted to a minimum of 55% toward eligible Capital projects. In support of stakeholder feedback, instead of using federal dollars, RTC will allocate the equivalent federal 5310 funding appropriations in local sales tax dollars for local programming distribution. This approach will allow for the development of more viable and longer-term senior/disabled transportation projects, reduce the administrative burden and oversight of those programs, increase flexibility, and allow for other efficiencies.

Comments can be submitted to Jennifer Meyers, Public Transportation Department at jmeyers@rtcwashoe.com, and will be accepted through October 2, 2023.