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Cedar Rapids council approves transit FY26 consolidated funding application seeking $6.8 million
Summary
City council approved Cedar Rapids Transit’s FY2026 consolidated funding application to the Iowa Department of Transportation, seeking federal and state operating and capital funds totaling about $6.8 million and separately hearing public comment.
Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday approved the city’s FY2026 consolidated transit funding application, authorizing staff to pursue federal and state operating and capital grants to support fixed-route and paratransit service.
The application presented by Sergio Hill, Cedar Rapids Transit manager, seeks approximately $4,550,000 in federal Section 5307 operating funds and $735,750 in state transit assistance for day‑to‑day operations; $243,684 in federal Section 5310 funds for Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit service; $1,037,120 in federal Section 5307 capital funds to replace two heavy‑duty fixed‑route buses; and $232,000 in federal 5307 funds to replace a medium‑duty bus used by the Linn County contract service. “This year’s application will include projects, in the following estimated funding amounts,” Hill said when summarizing the request.
The council held a public hearing on the application; no members of the public spoke. Council member Ashley Van Orni welcomed Hill to his new role and noted his progression from driver to manager; Council member Scott Olsen praised the transit system’s work with the MPO and highlighted recent improvements to stops and the high percentage of riders using the system for free.
The resolution authorizing submission of the consolidated application was moved and seconded by council members and carried on voice vote. The public hearing was opened and closed for the record before the vote.
The funds in the application combine federal and state operating assistance, ADA support for paratransit, and capital replacement of buses that staff said are needed to maintain current service levels and ADA access. City staff will proceed with the application process with the Iowa Department of Transportation as authorized by council.
