TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John Titkanich, Jr.; County Administrator
THROUGH: Brian Freeman, AICP; MPO Staff Director
FROM: Jarrod McCarthy, Senior Planner
DATE: February 09, 2026
SUBJECT: Application for Operating Assistance (Section 5307) from the Federal Transit Administration
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BACKGROUND
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5307 (Urban Area Formula Grant) program provides funding assistance for capital and operating costs associated with Indian River County’s public transportation system. The GoLine (fixed route) and the Community Coach (demand response) transit services are operated by the Senior Resource Association (SRA) under contract with the county. The Section 5307 program covers approximately half of the operating costs of the public transportation system, with the remainder covered by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grants and local funds.
Recently, FDOT notified County staff regarding the availability of leftover FY 2021 funds from the Section 5307 program. Subsequently, County staff was able to obtain $712,014 of the leftover funds to be used for operating assistance.
ANALYSIS
According to federal regulations, Section 5307 program grants may be used for the planning, acquisition, construction, improvement, and operating costs of facilities, equipment, and associated capital maintenance items used in public transportation. Operating expenses require a 50% nonfederal match, which is provided through a combination of local funds and FDOT public transportation grant funds.
Attached to this report is a copy of the County’s proposed grant application for the Section 5307 leftover funds. As required by FTA regulations, the grant application was prepared using FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) software.
For the FTA Section 5307 application for FY 2021 leftover funds (Attachment #1), the total proposed budget amount is $1,424,028. For the nonfederal share of operating expenditures (50%), the match will consist of $356,007 in FDOT grants and $356,007 from Indian River County. In this case, the County’s contribution consists of previously approved general fund monies budgeted specifically for this purpose.
According to federal grant requirements, the designated recipient (Indian River County) must hold a public hearing to obtain the views of citizens on the proposed grant application. In keeping with that requirement, staff has published a notice of the public hearing.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Grant revenue and expense, in the amount of $712,014, will be allocated via budget amendment to the General Fund /Community Transportation Coordinator/Senior Resource Association account, number 00111041-088230-54001. These funds are part of the allocation given to the Senior Resource Association to provide transit service in the County.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
Since the 1990s, the Board has approved annual Section 5307 grant applications. On June 17, 2025, the Board approved the previous Section 5307 grant application for FY 2025.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Staff anticipates that the Board will approve Section 5307 grant applications in future years.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
The operation of the transit system is consistent with the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transit Development Plan (TDP), which was most recently updated in 2023.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the resolution authorizing the filing of the grant application for the Section 5307 funds.