Department of Transportation

Federal Section 5311 Program
(Public Transportation in Nonurbanized Areas)
Title 49 U.S.C. 5311

Overview:

• The Federal Section 5311 program provides formula funding to states for the purpose of supporting public transportation in areas with populations of less than 50,000 people. The funding formula is based on the non-urbanized population and land area of the states.
• The New York State Department of Transportation has been designated by New York State to administer the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA). In New York State, funds may be used for capital and operating assistance grants to local public bodies, Indian tribes, and operators of intercity bus services in rural areas.

Description:

The goals of the nonurbanized formula program are:

• to enhance the access of people in nonurbanized areas to health care, shopping, education, employment, public services, and recreation
• to assist in the maintenance, development, improvement, and use of public transportation systems in rural and small urban areas
• to encourage and facilitate the most efficient use of all Federal funds used to provide passenger transportation in nonurbanized areas through the coordination of programs and services
• to assist in the development and support of intercity bus transportation
• to provide for the participation of private transportation providers in nonurbanized transportation to the maximum extent feasible.

Eligible Recipients:

• Any county, city, Indian tribe or regional transportation authority, wholly or partially within a nonurbanized area, may apply for Section 5311 funds.
• Third party for-profit or non-profit operators may participate through subcontracts with a local public entity.
• Private intercity bus operators are eligible to participate under Section 5311(f) of the program.

Eligible Purposes:

• Operating assistance - The maximum Federal share is 50% of the net operating costs. State operating funds (STOA) may be used as federal match.
• Capital assistance - The maximum Federal share 80% of the eligible project cost. New York State provides 50% of the non-federal share (up to 10% of project cost). Local funds must be used for the remaining 10% share.

To obtain more information on the Section 5311 program, please contact William Telovsky at (518) 457-8335 or wtelovsky@dot.ny.gov.