DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Housing & Community Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute 2025 Federal Transit Administration Annual List Of Certifications And Assurances
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of 2025 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Annual List of Certifications and Assurances.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 23-305 (July 18, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the County Manager to execute a Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled Assistance grant with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to improve access to transportation service and public transportation alternatives to seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals who are system involved and transportation dependent.
Before the FTA may award federal assistance for public transportation in the form of a federal grant, cooperative agreement, loan, line of credit, or loan guarantee, it requires applicants to complete certain pre-award certifications and assurances (“Certifications and Assurances”), including affirmations from the applicant’s attorney that the applicant has the authority under the applicable law to make and comply with those Certifications and Assurances, and that in the attorney’s opinion, the County authorized representative has legally made those Certifications and Assurances which are legal and binding obligations on the County. The Certifications and Assurances are required annually, encompassing a wide range of funding programs overseen by the FTA.
The Community Services Division Contracts Unit staff have reviewed and determined that Dakota County is capable of following applicable federal guidance, and complying with the Certifications and Assurances as applicable to each application an authorized County representative makes to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in the federal fiscal year, as set forth in 2025 FTA Certifications and Assurances. (Attachment: 2025 FTA Certifications and Assurances). Additionally, as required by the FTA, the County Attorney’s Office, as legal counsel to the County, will be required to affirm to the FTA that the County has the authority under state or local law to make and comply with those Certifications and Assurances, and that the County can legally make those Certifications and Assurances, which once signed will constitute legal and binding obligations on the County.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization to execute the 2025 FTA Annual List of Certificates and Assurances.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Reviewing and signing off on these Certifications and Assurances is a recurring requirement in order for Dakota County to receive 5310 grant funds.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-305 (July 18, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the County Manager to execute a Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled Assistance grant with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to improve access to transportation service and public transportation alternatives to seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals who are system involved and transportation dependent; and
WHEREAS, before the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) may award federal assistance for public transportation in the form of a federal grant, cooperative agreement, loan, line of credit, or loan guarantee, it requires applicants to complete certain pre-award certifications and assurances (“Certifications and Assurances”), including affirmations from the applicant’s attorney that the applicant has the authority under the applicable law to make and comply with those Certifications and Assurances, and that in the attorney’s opinion, the County authorized representative has legally made those Certifications and Assurances which are legal and binding obligations on the County; and
WHEREAS, the Certifications and Assurances are required annually, encompassing a wide range of funding programs overseen by the FTA; and
WHEREAS, the Community Services Division Contracts Unit staff have reviewed and determined that Dakota County is capable of following applicable federal guidance, and complying with the Certifications and Assurances as applicable to each application an authorized County representative makes to the FTA in the federal fiscal year, as set forth in the 2025 FTA Certifications and Assurances; and
WHEREAS, additionally, as required by the FTA, the County Attorney’s Office, as legal counsel to the County, will be required to affirm to the FTA that the County has the authority under state or local law to make and comply with those Certifications and Assurances, and that the County can legally make those Certifications and Assurances, which once signed will constitute legal and binding obligations on the County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to execute the 2025 Annual List of Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit Administration Grants and Cooperative Agreements in connection with federally funded projects and grants, upon the advice of the Community Services Director, subject to affirmation by the County Attorney’s Office as to Dakota County’s legal authority to make and comply with those Certifications and Assurances.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
23-305; 7/18/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: 2025 FTA Certificates and Assurances
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Emily Schug
Author: Robyn Bernardy