County approves MDOT FY2027 transit application and pass-through agreements for elderly and disabled services

Muskegon County authorized staff to submit the FY2027 application to the Michigan Department of Transportation seeking operating assistance (MDOT typically reimburses about 29% of operating costs), mobility management support and specialized services funds that the county will pass through to three local nonprofit providers serving elderly and disabled riders. The board also authorized the county administrator to serve as transportation coordinator for the application and instructed staff to publish the required public notice (with small date adjustments to preserve the 30-day public notice period).

Jim Cohen, representing the Muskegon Area Transit System, told the board the application will support day-to-day services and a mobility management program that provides travel training and information to customers. Cohen said capital assistance will be handled differently by MDOT this cycle and that the state will serve as a match when federal awards are secured.

Separately, the board approved agreements to pass specialized services operational funding through to three nonprofit agencies (named by staff) for FY 2026–27; the board amended the motion to specify that final agreements are "pending review by corporate counsel." Commissioners approved the amended motion on roll call.

Next steps: staff will complete the electronic application by the MDOT deadline, finalize pass-through agreements after counsel review, and continue quarterly reporting and oversight responsibilities related to these funds.