The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced its solicitation requirements for grant applications for its Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program for Fiscal Year 2007. The grant program makes available nearly $7.6 million in federal funding for intercity fixed route operators ($5.7 million) and other types (local fixed route, charter, tour, commuter and special operations) of bus operators ($1.9 million).

ABA has prepared sample grant application materials to assist ABA members in completing their grant applications. Grant funds can be utilized to retrofit lifts onto existing fleet vehicles, defray the costs of installing lifts as a component of a new vehicle, as well as provide training sessions for company personnel relating to interactions with special needs passengers, lift maintenance and other operational activities. Operators should note that successful grants typically range between $25,000 and $180,000, with the federal funding providing up to 90% of the project costs.

Completed applications must be submitted either by mail to your respective FTA regional office or electronically through www.grants.gov by November 13, 2007. Contact information for the FTA regional offices can be found at http://www.fta.dot.gov/regional_offices.html.

What's In it for You?: In all, $24.3 million dollars in Federal Transit Administration grant funds have been distributed due to ABA's efforts through the Over-the-road-bus (OTRB) accessibility grant program. Additionally, ABA has been able to secure $39.1 million in funding for the next 5 years with the new highway bill. This ADA grant money is typically used to purchase new buses equipped with wheel chair lifts, retrofit older buses with wheelchair lifts, and provide employees with training. Federal funds may be awarded to pay up to 90% of the project costs.

When is it available? FTA announces the availability of Over-The-Road-Bus Accessibility Grant Program Funds each year, generally during the winter months in publications such as the Federal Register, and the FTA website. The money is distributed through each of the FTA regional offices, where they accept ADA grant applications, score/ rank eligible projects and award funding. We expect the FY 2006 ADA grants to be announced later in 2005. We will keep you posted.

How do I apply?: Bus operators of all sizees are able to apply for this money and ABA has developed grant application templates and guidance to assist members in applying for the grant funds each year. ABA's success in this area is illustrated by the fact that to date, over 95% of the available grant funding has gone to ABA members.

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