Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: 2021 Grant Application and Execution of Follow-Up Master Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration, Section 5339(b) Bus and Bus Facility Competitive Grant
End
Fiscal Impact:
$13,600,000 - Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facility Grant 2021 (4136/R36342X)
$3,400,000 - Local Match (Sale of Property, In-Kind Match, FDOT Toll Revenue Credit)
Dept/Office:
Transit Services
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve the following actions to submit and execute a Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facilities (5339b) 2021 Grant Application:
• The Transit Services Director to execute and submit the grant electronically through Grants.gov, including the SF424 Application Form,
• The Transit Services Director to execute and submit the Grant Master Agreement electronically, contingent upon the County Attorney, Purchasing and Risk Management Approvals,
• The Transit Services Director to execute any additional follow-up documentation, resolution and amendments necessary to secure these funds,
• Authorize the County Manager to execute necessary budget change requests.
• To apply for use of FDOT Toll Revenue Credits for local match requirements
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
A developer has shown some interest in the Space Coast Area Transit South Terminal located at 460 South Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne. The interest is high enough that staff has requested for an appraisal of the property to begin the investigation if the property can be sold. As this process was beginning, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced an opportunity to apply for $409.59 million in competitive grants for the Fiscal Year 2021 under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
Funds for this grant program will be awarded competitively to assist in the financing of capital projects to rehabilitate, purchase, construct or lease bus-related facilities. Replacement of the South Terminal would be an eligible project. Over the last three grant cycles, only about 22% of applications were awarded and most awards were in the $10 to $15 million-dollar range for maintenance facilities.
It is the desire of Transit Services to consolidate the majority of daily operations of its services into one location while allowing for the opportunity for future expansion and growth of the overall Transit System and services provided to Brevard County residents and visitors. Space Coast Area Transit operations are based in two separate locations; the main Administration Offices at the Cocoa Terminal and second location at the Melbourne Terminal location. The two locations house and maintain a fleet of 75 buses and other vehicles. The fleet consists of 44 full size (30’ to 40’) transit buses, 31 (22’ to 30’) light transit buses, 20 vanpool vans and 12 smaller support vehicles. It has become increasing difficult to park all of the vehicles safely and securely each night. An additional seven vehicles will be delivered in the early part of 2022.
Within both terminals, there is not currently much room for expansion of the vehicle fleet and related operations. The concern is that this will hinder any future growth or expansion of transit services within Brevard County should the immediate need arise. Staff have been reviewing other comparable Transit Services facilities who have completed construction within the past three years. It is estimated that approximately $20-25 million will be needed to purchase the land and construct the consolidated Administration, Customer Service, Operations facilities and maintenance areas. This project will allow Transit Services to move their Administration and Operations into the one facility and plan for additional expansion over the next 25 years.
We are seeking approval for the submission of an application to the Federal Transit Administration for the funding for planning, design, environmental analyses, permitting and the construction of a new Administrative, Operations and Maintenance facility. This grant funding requirements are 80% federal with a 20% local match of the net project cost. It is proposed to use proceeds generated from the sale of the existing Melbourne Terminal property, payment in-kind, Federal Transit funds and FDOT Toll Revenue Credits for the total project. If a new terminal is constructed, it is important keep the Cocoa Terminal as the terminal is a main transfer point for residents in the Cocoa, Rockledge, and Merritt Island areas.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please send a copy of the Board Memorandum to Transit Services