Michigan City council approves FTA 5307 grant application and local match for municipal transit

The Michigan City Common Council approved a resolution supporting submission of an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for 5307 urbanized-area funding and pledging the local match necessary for continued operation of the Michigan City Municipal Transit System. The motion passed 8-0.

The resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Tillman, says the 5307 funds would be used for operating assistance including labor, fuel, administrative and maintenance costs, rolling stock and related supplies. Robin Barzoni Tillman, director of Michigan City Transit, told the council the 5,307 urbanized formula grant is routed through the regional planning body and that annual applications are required.

"We are currently two years behind due to COVID funding," Tillman said. She told the council the funds are available to the city for the next five years and that state STBG (Surface Transportation Block Grant) funds are sometimes flexed into federal funds to help pay for vehicle replacement.

Council discussion and public comment focused on ridership and service improvements. Councilman Przybylinski pressed for details about low ridership on the PNC route; Tillman said the route averages about 14 to 16 riders across six daily trips. Public commenters urged the city to add features such as a real-time transit app and cashless fare payment, and one commenter recommended converting the fleet to propane buses and adding a route to serve the city’s east side.

Councilman Beatrice moved the resolution; Dr. Cora seconded the motion. The clerk recorded eight votes in favor and none opposed. The resolution directs staff to proceed with the grant application and support the required local match.