The board authorized Iredell County Area Transit Systems (ICATS) to apply FTA Section 5307 unobligated funds totaling $4,142,123 (dating back to FY2021) toward renovations at the Winston Avenue Center and approved a $150,000 transfer from the county’s CIP to the facilities improvement fund to cover work that the federal grant would not allow.

Brianna, presenting for ICATS, said the county must obligate older 5307 funds within five years and described a priority list that includes on-site maintenance bays (to enable using operating funds for capital under 5307 rules), training and safety space, larger meeting space for 50-plus attendees, employee wellness (a small gym), and parking for up to 32 vehicles. "So given the space, you know, the bathroom's already there, so that's something that provides us overall operation efficiency," Brianna said.

Caroline Taylor from Finance explained the $150,000 transfer request: the county purchased an existing building and can use 5307 funds for ICATS-specific improvements but not for some other building repairs such as roofing and plumbing. Taylor said staff proposes moving $150,000 from CIP into the facilities improvement fund to start those non-grant-eligible repairs. "We had budgeted in order to build a new facility. We were able to purchase one and save a lot of funds that way," Taylor said.

Brianna noted a 20% local match is required for the 5307 funds and that the unobligated amount would require the county to provide matching funds. She also said the list of desired improvements is contingent on costs and that the parking lot (a tiered lot) is the top priority. Staff confirmed a public-safety center wash bay is available for ICATS use, reducing the immediate need for an on-site wash bay.

Both the ICATS request to use 5307 funds and Finance's transfer of $150,000 were approved on the consent agenda.

Next steps include design, site work and confirmation of exact match funding commitments before final project scope and contracts are executed.