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CAMPO approves submission of competitive FTA bus grant; project would add ADA‑compliant vehicle
Summary
CAMPO authorized staff to apply for a competitive FTA Section 5339(b) bus and bus facilities grant for $111,141 (including a 20% local match) to partially fund the purchase of an ADA‑compliant fixed‑route bus; the board also discussed procurement timing and local match challenges.
The Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization on July 9 authorized staff to submit a competitive Section 5339(b) Buses and Bus Facilities Program grant application to the Federal Transit Administration seeking federal funds to help replace a fixed‑route vehicle.
Marcus Myers, transit coordinator for Carson City Public Works, told CAMPO staff would request $88,913 in federal funding with a required 20% local match estimated at $22,228, for a total request of $111,141. Myers said that if awarded, those funds would be supplemented by $122,280 in Section 5339(a) funds from a separate grant application submitted in June, producing a project total of $255,000 to purchase a new ADA‑compliant transit bus.
Board members asked about fuel type and procurement timing. Myers said the agency had not selected a propulsion technology and was planning to procure a “regular combustion engine” vehicle now; he also warned that lead times for buses can extend procurement out multiple years. One member cautioned that matching funds and budget cycles can complicate a multi‑year procurement, because a federal award tied to a federal fiscal year may not line up with local budget appropriations when the bus is delivered.
The body voted unanimously to approve the submission as presented and authorized the transit manager to proceed with the application. No public comments were offered during the item.
Public input received later in the meeting touched on transit service gaps. Didi Foremaster of the Rural Center for Independent Living urged CAMPO to explore service to the Arrowhead warehouse area and Mound House, suggesting coordination with employers on shift‑timed service to improve access for workers. The suggestion was recorded during the meeting's final public comment period and will be available for staff consideration.
What happens next: staff will file the 5339(b) application with the FTA. If an award is made, CAMPO and Carson City will need to confirm local match availability and finalize vehicle specifications and procurement timing.
