Transit systems operating in urbanized areas can receive funding from sources that differ from rural transit systems. Some of these projects are subject to the Integrated Mobility Division’s (IMD’s) oversight while some are subject to direct FTA oversight.
State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): The STIP is a federally‐ mandated, 10‐year planning document that shows how Federal/state/local transportation funds will be spent throughout the state. Transit systems’ projects that utilize FTA or FHWA funds that do not have IMD oversight must be reflected in the STIP. Refer to Section 3004 for more information regarding the STIP.
Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan (MTIP): Each MPO has their own 10‐year plan which serves the same purpose as the STIP only at a local level. Projects in the MTIP must identically reflect the way it is presented in the STIP.
MPO Coordination: Transit systems must coordinate with their MPOs to serve as an advocate for transit and transit planning. MPOs provide multiple funding opportunities for transit, which the transit system should always utilize, if possible.
Local Distribution Plan: Designated recipients of 5307 funds are required to create a method for which to allocate 5307 funds to all providers inside the urbanized area. IMD requires this from all designated recipients; however, the method to allocate the funds is at the designated recipient’s discretion. If the designated recipient chooses to suballocate any funds, a “split letter” detailing this allocation of funds must be created and sent to FTA for funds to go to the correct grantee.
5307 Large Urban Sub Allocation: Some 5307 direct recipients may suballocate 5307 large urban funds to other transit systems in the scenario where there is more than one transit operator inside the urbanized area. The direct recipient does this by submitting a “split letter” detailing this allocation of funds to FTA. In certain scenarios, IMD may take oversight of these subrecipients on behalf of the direct recipient. If this situation does not occur, the direct recipient has full oversight of their subrecipients. Subrecipients of 5307 funds can find more information in Section 3002.
5307 Governor’s Apportionment: IMD is responsible for allocating funds apportioned to small urban areas through the 5307 Governor’s Apportionment. IMD allocates these funds through a “split letter” to FTA. IMD creates one split letter per fiscal year and designates funds based on eligible recipient’s five (5) year needs‐based budgets, which are submitted to IMD. Funds from the oldest apportionment should be put in FTA grants first to avoid a lapsing of those funds.
When creating the TrAMS application, titles must include the Fiscal Year of the Funds being used (ex. FY16, FY18). The description must include the total amount of funds proposed to be used for each fiscal year of funding (Example: FY19 - $375,000, FY20 - $1,234,000).
Needs-based Budget: Small urban transit systems are required to submit a five (5) year needs-based budget to IMD which outlines the status of current FTA grants and projected expenses and revenues for the next five (5) fiscal years.
