Allegany County approves application for up to $4.5 million in 5311 transit funds; adopts Title VI update and CDBG environmental officer

Allegany County’s Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 15 approved an application of up to $4,500,000 in federal Section 5311 transit funding to support mobility-management services and related projects, and adopted updates to the county’s Title VI plan that add a limited-English-proficiency (LEP) language-assistance component required to remain eligible for federal grants.

The committee voted to (1) apply for the 5311 funding, (2) revise the Allegany County Title VI plan to include LEP and language-assistance procedures, and (3) designate a county official as the certifying environmental review officer for existing CDBG grants. Committee members also approved a services agreement related to mobility-funded maintenance at county facilities.

Why it matters: Section 5311 funding supports rural and small urban transit operations and mobility management. Committee discussion said the 5311 application would cover vehicles and mobility-management projects the county has been working on; staff said the grant as written includes funding for 12 vehicles.

Details and county share: A staff member who explained the grant to the committee said the funding breakdown in the application is "80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local." When asked what the county’s share would be on a $4.5 million application, a committee member observed that 10% would equal about $450,000. County staff clarified that, by contract, the transit operator is responsible for the local 10% share on vehicle purchases, which reduces the county’s direct cash outlay for that portion.

Federal approval and state role: Committee members asked whether the federal grant has already been approved. Gwen (staff member) answered, "Already approved? No," and explained that in New York State the federal money typically goes to the state, which then allocates funds to local recipients; she described variation among states in how the funds are distributed.

Title VI and CDBG linkage: The committee approved a revision to the county’s Title VI plan (referred to in the meeting as the "Title 6 plan") to add LEP and language-assistance provisions. The presenting staff member said those provisions are required to receive most federal assistance, including Section 5311 funds. Separately, the committee approved a resolution designating the county’s certifying environmental review officer for all CDBG grants; staff said the county currently has four active CDBG grants.

Related procurement: The committee approved a services agreement (MOE) with Snow Hill, Inc., for lawn care and snow- and ice-removal services at the Park and Ride and the Crossroads Conference Center. Staff said the original contract allowed for optional extension years and that the county is reimbursed for this work through mobility-management funds tied to the county’s transit program.

Formal action: Committee members voted to carry each of the resolutions. Where a mover or seconder was stated on the record, it was recorded in the minutes; each motion was carried by voice vote.

What’s next: The 5311 application requires state and federal approvals; staff and the county’s transit operator will finalize project-level budgets and the operator will handle the vehicle local match for purchases as contractually required.