Get documents about "MEASURE BS PECIAL TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH
Shared by: HC121106071019
-
Stats
- views:
- 0
- posted:
- 11/5/2012
- language:
- Unknown
- pages:
- 15
Document Sample
MEASURE B SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES
GAP FUND
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Updated 1/24/08
Adopted for Funding Cycle #4: January 24, 2008
Introduction
Measure B, approved by Alameda County voters in 2000, is a half-cent
transportation sales tax that will finance a multitude of projects to improve
the County’s transportation system. Collections began in April 2002 and will
continue through March 2022.
The Measure B Expenditure Plan outlines which projects and programs will
be funded with the sales tax revenue. Approximately ten and a half percent
(10.45%) of the revenues collected are dedicated to special transportation for
seniors and people with disabilities. These funds are broken into three
funding pots:
3.39 % of the funds are local “pass-through” funds which are distributed
to Alameda County cities to provide non-mandated transportation
services for seniors and people with disabilities allocated to each City
operating paratransit service through a census based funding formula.
5.53% of the funds are local “pass-through” funds which are distributed
to Alameda County’s primary mandated ADA service provider, East Bay
Paratransit Consortium.
1.43% of the funds are for gaps in services “to be allocated by the
Alameda County Paratransit Coordinating Council (PAPCO) to reduce
differences that might occur based on the geographic residence of any
individual needing services.”
These Program Guidelines address the “Measure B Special Transportation
for Seniors and People with Disabilities Gap Funds.” Gap funds provide
Alameda County with the opportunity to be innovative and explore
alternative service delivery mechanisms in the face of a senior and disability
population that is expected to grow substantially over the next 20 years. The
population of people who are likely to need paratransit service is expected to
outpace the growth in sales tax revenues that fund paratransit programs in
Alameda County, including city-based programs and ADA mandated
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 2
services. Gap funds provide an opportunity to minimize the differences in
service experienced by consumers based on their geographic location.
The full Expenditure Plan language for the Gap Fund is included as
Appendix A.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 3
The Program Guidelines include the following sections:
1. Name
2. Purpose
3. Eligible Applicants
4. Location of Projects/Programs
5. Gap Closure Significance Requirement
6. Eligible/Ineligible Types of Projects/Programs
7. PAPCO Priority Project/Programs
8. Viable Project/Program
9. Funding Cycle and Schedule
10. Programming of Funds
11. Total Fund Amount
12. Minimum and Maximum Grant Amount
13. Required Match
14. Governing Body Resolution
15. Evaluation Criteria
16. Balance of Project Types
17. Geographic Equity
18. Timely Use of Funds
19. Funding Agreements
20. Payments
21. Monitoring
22. Loss or Withholding of Funding
23. Audits
24. Number of Submittals Per Agency
Appendix A: Expenditure Plan Language
Appendix B: Contracting with Non-Profits
Appendix C: Technical Advisory Committee and Current Measure B Pass-
Through Fund Recipients for Special Transportation and
People with Disabilities
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 4
1. Name
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Fund Program.
2. Purpose
To reduce difference that might occur based on the geographic residence of
any individual needing paratransit services.
3. Eligible Applicants
Any public agency that operates within Alameda County and provides
special transportation services to seniors and people with disabilities may
apply for funding. This includes (but is not limited to): Cities in Alameda
County, BART, AC Transit, LAVTA/Wheels, and Union City Transit.
Non-profit organizations that meet ACTIA requirements for contracting
with non-profits (see Appendix B) and have a proven documented record
of providing special transportation services for seniors and people with
disabilities may also apply for funding. Non-profit organizations may
apply through a current Measure B recipient or through ACTIA.
ACTIA
Applications may come from a single agency or multiple agencies.
4. Location of Projects/Programs
Projects/Programs must be located in Alameda County and directly serve
Alameda County residents.
5. Gap Closure Significance Requirement
All projects/programs must address gaps in services. Specifically, “gap
closure significance” is defined as a project or program that:
Reduces a difference that might occur based on the geographic residence
of any individual in Alameda County needing Special transportation
service.
Meets a priority established by the Alameda County Paratransit Advisory
and Planning Committee (See Item 7 of this document for a list of
Priority Projects)
Applicants are encouraged to work in coordination with Measure B and non-
profit providers in their planning areas. If multi-county projects are
submitted, Measure B funding and service delivery must directly benefit the
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 5
Alameda County portion of the project and must be clearly reported and
measured. Current Measure B ADA and city-based paratransit programs are
encouraged to work with non-profit organizations who can help to provide a
spectrum of services in their community.
6. Eligible/Ineligible Types of Projects/Programs
Eligible projects/programs must close existing gaps in paratransit services in
Alameda County. Types of projects/programs include (but are not limited
to):
Accessible special transportation services for seniors and/or people with
disabilities
Outreach and Education programs and materials
Planning and Assessment Studies
Projects/programs which result in improved coordination between
Measure B ADA and city-based paratransit programs
Capital projects including paratransit waiting area shelters and projects
generally defined by the Federal Transit Authority Section 5310 funds
such as accessible vans, buses, communication equipment, and computer
hardware and software that provide support for the transportation
systems.
Ineligible Projects/Programs include:
Routine maintenance
On-going operations of existing services that are not expanded
Funding to replace funds for existing ongoing programs
7. PAPCO Priority Projects/Programs
Priority projects/programs that:
1. Expand the spectrum of transportation services and
resources available to seniors and people with disabilities in
Alameda County. This may include, but is not limited to:
a. Implementation of a range of services, including
demand-responsive options, senior shuttles, older
driver safety, walking clubs
b. Provision of more options for accessible emergency or
short notice transportation, specifically, outside of
daytime hours
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 6
c. Continuation and/or expansion of Emergency
Wheelchair Breakdown Service, Hospital Discharge
Transportation, and Paratransit Waiting Areas
d. Measures initiated to address wheelchair breakdown
issues while on transit (i.e. a need to charge
wheelchairs or scooters on ferries, BART, etc.)
2. Maximize the use of accessible transit options. This may
include, but is not limited to:
a. Expansion of travel training opportunities
Countywide, using curriculum developed through
Cycle 3 Gap grant
b. Implementation or expansion of shuttle programs for
seniors and people with disabilities
c. Collaboration to promote more effective use by
seniors and people with disabilities of a greater
variety of transportation modes, through identification
of areas where providers can be more attentive to
special needs
3. Expand communication, education, and outreach. This may
include, but is not limited to:
a. Continuation and expansion of Mobility Coordination
– Education and Outreach activities (including
potential new emphases on education related to
housing decisions and walkability that, in turn, affect
transportation use and opportunities)
b. Implementation of a Consumer Survey of city-based
programs in 2009
c. Establishment of a program, process, or mechanism to
address paratransit customer complaints and complex
problems
4. Promote walkability and pedestrian accessibility. This may
include, but is not limited to:
a. Collaboration with Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs
to improve accessibility of the pedestrian environment
for seniors and people with disabilities
b. Development and implementation of organized
walking clubs that advance healthy lifestyles for
seniors and people with disabilities
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 7
5. Expand the level of emergency preparedness among
Alameda County paratransit providers and consumers. This
may include, but is not limited to:
a. Continuation of the individual preparedness program
established in Cycle #3
b. Continuation of agency preparedness activities begun
in Cycle #3
6. Other projects/programs that will improve mobility for
seniors and people with disabilities in Alameda County.
PAPCO has discussed these priorities over the past year.
Eligible costs include:
1. Project Planning
a. Community Outreach
b. Feasibility and/or Design Studies
c. Technical Studies
2. Project Monitoring
a. Pre- and post-project travel counts
3. Planning Costs
a. Direct costs (labor, contractual services, materials)
4. Service delivery
a. Direct costs for operations (labor, contractual costs,
materials)
8. Viable Project/Program
In order to be eligible for funding, the project/program must be viable. It
must:
1. Have sufficient existing or planned staffing and funding resources to
accomplish the project, and
2. Have been reviewed by all project applicable staff and by affected
public agencies.
9. Funding Cycle and Schedule
Call for projects issued January 31, 2008
Gap Grant Program Workshop, February 15, 2008
Application for Gap projects due March 7, 2008
Application review, March-April, 2008
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 8
PAPCO formal Gap program funding recommendation to ACTIA Board,
April 28, 2008
PAPCO recommendation forwarded to ACTIA Board, May 22, 2008
Gap grant program funding available, July 1, 2008
10.Programming of Funds
Funds will be programmed only for two years at a time.
11.Total Fund Amount
A total of $4 million is allocated for the fourth funding cycle for all gap
grant projects.
12.Minimum and Maximum Grant Amount For the Grant Cycle
The minimum grant award amount will be $10,000.
The maximum grant award amount will be no more than half the total fund
amount or $500,000, whichever is lower. Exceptions may be allowed based
on PAPCO recommendations and Board approval.
13.Required Match
A local match of 5% of the total project budget (either in kind or actual
funds) is required for non-Measure B pass-through fund recipients to
demonstrate commitment. The local match can come from current Measure
B Recipients (see Appendix C).
14.Governing Body Resolution
Project Sponsor must submit either:
(1) A Resolution adopted by their Governing Body authorizing
acceptance of the Measure B grant, or
(2) A Resolution adopted by their Governing Body specifically
supporting the project or program, which does not refer to the
Measure B grant application. (This could be a resolution authorizing
the submittal of a grant application for the same project, but for a
different grant source.)
15.Evaluation Criteria
All projects will be evaluated using the following criteria. The criteria are
weighted and are listed in order of weighted importance below:
1) GAP CLOSURE AND/OR PAPCO PRIORITY
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 9
The project should directly alleviate a gap in transportation
services for seniors or disabled or directly respond to a PAPCO
priority.
2) PROGRAM AND COST EFFICIENCY
The project must demonstrate it is an appropriate way of
meeting the need and is cost-effective with clearly identified
and measurable performance measures to track the
effectiveness in meeting the identified goals. A plan should be
provided for on-going monitoring and evaluation and include
actions to be taken if goals are not met.
3) EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY OF APPLICANT
For all projects/programs, applicants must demonstrate the
ability to effectively manage and operate a transportation
program or project, including previous experience, staff
availability, and institutional capability to carry out all aspects
of the projects/programs described.
For service provision, applicants must clearly define operation
plans including driver training, reservation and dispatch plans,
certification and testing, First Aid/ CPR, sensitivity training,
vehicle maintenance and contingency plans and adequate
operating funds to carry out the service delivery as described.
4) DEMAND
The project must demonstrate that it will serve and render
benefits to a high number or underserved seniors and/or
disabled as a result of implementation of the service/program.
5) IMPLEMENTATION READINESS
For service provision projects, a realistic service operation plan,
implementation steps and timelines, estimates for the number of
persons expected to be served, and number of trips must be
provided.
For programs and capital projects, a realistic implementation
plan and timelines for completing the project must be provided.
6) COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND PROGRAM OUTREACH
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 10
Applicants must demonstrate public support through consumer
outreach to local advisory committees, senior and disabled
commissions and the target community and identify a plan to
promote public awareness of project/program to stakeholders
during the grant period.
7) AGENCY COORDINATION
The applicant must demonstrate that the project coordinates
activities with other planning areas or, if a pilot program, has
the potential for being expanded to other areas, public agencies
and non-profits and has a plan to keep stakeholders informed
throughout the project/program.
8) SUSTAINABILITY
A clearly defined project budget, indicating anticipated project
expenditures and revenues is required and should address long-
term efforts, including identification of potential funding
sources for sustaining the service beyond the grant period.
9) INNOVATION
Projects will be evaluated whether they provide unique or
original service in Alameda County that can meet program
goals effectively.
10) LEVERAGE OUTSIDE FUNDS
At least 5% of outside funds must be secured relative to cost of
project for non-Measure B recipients to demonstrate
commitment.
These evaluation criteria will not solely determine which projects are
funded. Staff will work with PAPCO to apply the balance of project types
and equity criteria (described below) after projects have been scored to
determine the final list of recommended projects.
16.Balance of Project Types
The program goal is to fund projects that will best serve the County. A part
of the evaluation process will be to consider all project types, paratransit
service, outreach and education projects and programs, planning and
assessment studies, capital projects and coordination activities.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 11
17.Geographic Equity
In each funding cycle, the PAPCO will review the projects recommended for
funding to ensure that Program funds are being distributed equitably
throughout the County over the life of the Fund.
18.Timely Use of Funds
Project must begin within a year of when Board approved funding is
available (July 1), and must be completed within two years of this date,
unless a longer period is approved in advance by ACTIA. Grant funds may
be rescinded if a project is not initiated within the first year. Rescinded funds
will be returned to the Countywide Gap Fund to be distributed in a future
grant cycle.
19.Funding Agreements
Funding Agreements between ACTIA and the Project Sponsor will be
developed for each approved grant and will include, among other items:
- Detailed Project Description
- Project Costs
- Implementation Schedule
- Monitoring Requirements
- Performance Measures
- Audit Requirements
- Requirement to adhere to all applicable regulations
- Agreement to acknowledge Measure B funding on project signage
- LBE/SLBE reporting-only requirements for projects over $50,000
which have contracted out work
20.Payments
Payments to sponsors will be made on a reimbursement basis, after submittal
of invoices. Requests for reimbursements are required, at a minimum, every
six months. However, sponsors may submit requests for reimbursement
more frequently. Project Sponsors may begin incurring project costs
beginning July 1 after the ACTIA Board approves the final allocation of
funds. No reimbursements will be made prior to the execution of the
Funding Agreement.
21.Monitoring
Reports will be required every six (6) months illustrating project progress
and funds spent. A copy of the reports for another funding agency may be
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 12
submitted, with prior approval. A final report, once project is completed,
will be required.
22.Loss or Withholding of Funding
Failing to meet timely use of fund requirements, meet the project schedule
without compelling reason, file required monitoring reports, or comply with
applicable regulations could result in loss or withholding of funding.
23.Audits
Recipients must maintain records that could be audited at ACTIA’s
discretion. Records must be retained per the sponsors’ record retention
requirements, but no less than three years after grant completion.
24.Number of Submittals Per Agency
A limit of three applications per agency is allowed. Exceptions may be
allowed based on PAPCO recommendations and Board approval.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 13
Appendix A
Excerpt from:
Alameda County’s
20-Year Transportation
Expenditure Plan
July 2000
“Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities (10.45
% overall)”
Program provides $148,643,224 for services mandated by the Americans
with Disabilities Act to fixed route public transit operators who are required
to provide that service. Funds are also provided for non-mandated services,
aimed at improving mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. These
funds are provided to the cities in the County and to Alameda County based
on a formula developed by PAPCO.
This program designates 1.43% of overall net sales tax receipts to be
allocated by PAPCO to reduce differences that might occur based on the
geographic residence of any individual needing services.
(The complete text can be found at www.actia2022.com.)
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 14
Appendix B
Contracting with Non-Profits on ACTIA Grant Programs
In order to protect ACTIA and ensure appropriate accountability of
programs/services delivered by non-profits, any non-profits applying for
grants must meet and demonstrate in their application the following four
organizational requirements prior to receipt of a grant:
1. Formal IRS Recognition: A non-profit must document itself as a
formally recognized IRS organization for a minimum of three years.
2. Independent Audits: A non-profit must engage independent auditors
and receive an unqualified opinion on the annual financial statements.
A sample of a previous audit is required.
3. Independent Board: A non-profit must have a governance structure
that independently oversees the management of the non-profit.
4. Insurance Requirements: A non-profit must be able to provide
adequate insurance to cover program/service activities, list ACTIA as
an additional insured and indemnify ACTIA.
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
Measure B Special Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Gap Grant Program Guidelines, Cycle #4 Page 15
Appendix C
Current Technical Advisory Committee Members and Measure B
Recipients Pass-Through Fund Recipients of Special Transportation for
Seniors and People with Disabilities Funds
Program Contact Phone
City of Alameda Gail Payne 510-749-5918
City of Albany Isabelle Leduc 510-559-7226
City of Berkeley Angellique DeCoud 510-981-5428
City of Emeryville Cindy Montero 510-596-3770
City of Fremont Shawn Fong 510-574-2033
City of Hayward Victoria Williams 510-583-4230
City of Newark Margrith Reichmuth 510-742-4844
City of Oakland Jeff Weiss 510-238-2311
City of Pleasanton Pam Deaton 925-931-5367
City of San Leandro Joann Oliver 510-577-3463
East Bay Paratransit Susie Gallagher 510-464-6184
Consortium (BART)
Francis Masson (AC 510-891-4853
Transit)
Livermore Amador Kadri Külm 925-455-7575
Valley Transit
Union City Paratransit Wilson Lee 510-675-5409
D:\Docstoc\Working\pdf\9dd3fa8b-292f-4203-a566-a72c197c84a3.doc
