DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Adult Services
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Transportation Coordination Grant Proposal To Minnesota Department Of Transportation To Improve Access To Transportation Services And Public Transportation Alternatives To Seniors And Persons With Disabilities, And If Awarded, Accept Grant Funds And Execute Grant Agreement, And Provide Local Share
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submission of a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled Assistance (Section 5310) grant proposal with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and if awarded, acceptance of grant funds and execution of the grant agreement that provides a local share of 20 percent of program costs for the project.
SUMMARY
Since 2018, Dakota County has received FTA Section 5310 grant funds from MnDOT to utilize mobility management strategies to increase coordination efforts and improve mobility access to older adults and persons with disabilities in Dakota County.
By Resolution No. 23-305 (July 18, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the County Manager to execute the grant with MnDOT to continue grant funding through December 31, 2025.
Dakota County is currently administering Transit Coordination Assistance Project (TCAP) work through GoDakota. Continued grant funding through MnDOT with the local match will allow for the continued commitment of the TCAP work in Dakota County through GoDakota activities, programs and projects.
MnDOT is issuing a request for proposals, that requires respondents receive Board approval prior to submission. Dakota County intends to submit a proposal and therefore is requesting authorization to submit a 2026-2027 MnDOT FTA Section 5310 TCAP grant proposal for funding in an amount up to the MnDOT recommended budget of $638,747 in grant funds plus a $159,686 (required 20 percent) County match for a total project cost of $798,433 for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
If awarded, Dakota County will accept grant funds and execute a grant agreement with MnDOT.
OUTCOMES
Outcomes of the grant are to:
• Inform individuals with disabilities and older adults in the community about existing transportation options, and provide training to teach how to use those existing transportation resources
• Maximize utilization of existing vehicles and transportation resources
• Support resources to develop and sustain volunteer driver services
• Support resources to develop and sustain transportation initiatives that support individuals with disabilities and older adults
See Attachment: Activity Details, for details on these outcomes.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization to submit the FTA Section 5310 TCAP grant proposal with MnDOT, and if awarded, accept grant funds and execute the grant agreement with a 20 percent County match.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The total cost of the transportation project is estimated at $798,433 for 2026 and 2027, to be funded by $638,747 in grant funds with a $159,686 (required 20 percent) County match, which is available through existing County operating budget. Grant funds available for the 5310 Grant are reliant upon FTA appropriations. Indirect costs are included in the budget up to the maximum allowable rate of 15 percent of the allowable total. Budgeted expenses and revenues will be included in the 2026 and 2027 County Manager’s Recommended Budgets.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, since 2018, Dakota County has received Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled Assistance (Section 5310) grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to utilize mobility management strategies to increase coordination efforts and improve mobility access to older adults and persons with disabilities in Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-305 (July 18, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the County Manager to execute the grant with MnDOT to continue grant funding through December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County is currently administering Transit Coordination Assistance Project (TCAP) work through GoDakota; and
WHEREAS, continued grant funding through MnDOT with the local match will allow for the continued commitment of the TCAP work in Dakota County through GoDakota activities, programs and projects; and
WHEREAS, MnDOT is issuing a request for proposals, that requires respondents receive Board approval prior to submission; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County intends to submit a proposal and therefore is requesting authorization to submit a 2026-2027 MnDOT FTA Section 5310 TCAP grant proposal for funding in an amount up to $638,747 in grant funds plus a $159,686 (20 percent) County match for a total project cost of $798,433 for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027; and
WHEREAS, if awarded, Dakota County will accept grant funds and execute a grant agreement with MnDOT.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Services Director to submit a grant proposal to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for a Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Transit Coordinator Assistance Program grant to improve access to transportation services and public transportation alternatives for seniors, persons with disabilities, low income, and individuals who are system involved and transportation dependent; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That if awarded, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Community Services Director to execute the MnDOT grant agreement and accept the grant funds in the amount awarded for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That unless the grant program requirements change, the Community Services Director is hereby authorized to amend the grant to extend the grant term up to two years after initial expiration date, accept additional grant funds, and continue grant-funded full-time equivalents, consistent with County contracting policies, and inclusion of grant funds in future yearly Recommended and Approved Budgets, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
23-305; 07/18/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Activity Details
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