Minnesota Intercity Bus Program Industry Consultation Megan Neeck

Minnesota Intercity Bus Program Industry Consultation Megan Neeck| Transit Program Coordinator Office of Transit & Active Transportation July 9, 2019 mndot. gov

Agenda 10: 30 a. m. to 12: 30 p. m. § § § Introductions Program overview Intercity bus program policy Discussion of Unmet needs Upcoming application/solicitation opportunity Q&A

Introductions

Intercity Bus programs at a glance The 5311 (f) program provides funding assistance to support long distance transit service within and amongst states. Operations Capital

As it is translated, this means ICB: ICB is targeted to support mobility from small towns and rural areas by In Minnesota Ø Connecting these places with the larger regional and national system of intercity transportation service; Ø Investing in the development of infrastructure crucial to a robust bus transportation network through planning, and capital investments. Nationally Ø FTA has 3 Objectives for Funding the ICB program 1) The connection between nonurbanized areas and the larger regional or national system of intercity bus service. 2) The infrastructure of the intercity bus network through planning and capital investment in facilities. 3) Services that meet the intercity travel needs of residents in nonurbanized areas.

What does Intercity bus look like?

Intercity bus This program defines “intercity bus” as service that meets all of the following criteria: • Regularly scheduled bus service • Open to the general public • Operates with limited stops over fixed routes • Connects two or more communities not in close proximity • Has the capacity for transporting baggage carried by passengers • Makes meaningful connections with scheduled intercity bus service to more distant points, if such service is available

Eligible Participants �Private intercity bus companies �Companies wishing to start intercity bus service �Public transit agencies either operating or proposing to operate intercity bus services �Local communities wishing to support intercity bus connections to their community.

Intercity Bus Program Policy �Purpose: � To support public transportation in rural areas � To ensure compliance with the Minnesota State Management Plan (Section 5311). �To clarify management procedures that apply uniquely to intercity bus service. * • Subrecipients must understand follow applicable Federal, State, and Local requirements with support of staff in the Office of Transit. The Intercity bus program policy appears at: http: //www. dot. state. mn. us/transit/grants/5311 f/index. html

Policy Implications: Fund Match �In-Kind Match provisions 1. Beginning in 2018, 15% local share will be required even with state matching funds. 2. In-Kind matching routes not limited to State boundaries.

Unmet Needs �Gaps in Service ◦ (does not exist) �Insufficient Service ◦ (inadequate for market) �Changes/needs?

2020 -2021 Application/Solicitation Opportunity

Application Opportunity Ø Basic information about solicitation ◦ Solicitation period: July 15 – August 30, 2019 ◦ 2 year contracts ◦ Applicants will use Black. Cat, Mn. DOT’s web-based grant administration system Ø Eligible Projects: ◦ Operating (50 -100% Federal / State share

Federal 5311 (f) Appropriation Subsection (f) of Section 5311 requires each state to spend 15% of its annual 5311 apportionment. Statewide Available 5311 (f) Funds: 2017: $745, 000 2018: $2, 469, 000 2019: $2, 687, 000

Program Management Process • Reporting is monthly with Payments on a QUARTERLY basis consistent with 5311 Rural Public Transit • State Payments: January, April, July & October – this is an automatic payment • Federal Payments: March, June, September & December – payment made after 3 months of reports are ALL approved. • Contracts will be on a 2 year basis • Blackcat Grants (Web) to enter application information, manage projects, extend funds.

Calendar Date Phase of program July 9 Consultation and Workshop July 15 Release of solicitation August 30 Deadline for submission Beginning of Sept* Review and selection Sept 16* Award Announcement Mid-October* Contracts prepared/released January 1, 2018 Grant contracts effective * Denotes Tentative Dates

Application Opportunity �Basic information about solicitation ◦ A user account is required to make an application in Blackcat, Mn. DOT’s transit grant management system ◦ If you are interested in making an application, it is important that you obtain access to Blackcat grants ASAP. To do so send a request to charles. a. morris@state. mn. us as soon as possible.

Questions?

Next Steps? Comments accepted anytime – contact me! This presentation will be uploaded to the OT website and placed in Blackcat grants by the opening of the solicitation on July 15 (next week). For additional information about the program: www. dot. state. mn. us/transit/grants/5311 f/index. html Megan. neeck@state. mn. us 651 -366 -4174 Intercity Bus Program Coordinator

Thank you again! Megan Neeck Megan. neeck@state. mn. us 651 -366 -4174 12/18/2021 mndot. gov 20