Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program

The Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program is administered at the state level by the Alabama Department of Transportation through its Local Transportation Bureau, with federal support from the Federal Transit Administration. The program is designed to improve mobility options for seniors and individuals with disabilities by funding transportation services that address gaps where existing transit systems may not fully meet community needs. It reflects a coordinated federal and state effort to ensure equitable access to essential services such as healthcare, employment, and community engagement for vulnerable populations. The primary purpose of the program is to provide capital assistance for transportation services that specifically target seniors and individuals with disabilities. Funding is structured to support projects that enhance accessibility, expand service coverage, and improve coordination among transit providers. Eligible uses of funds include capital expenditures related to transportation services, and all funded projects must align with a locally developed coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. This requirement ensures that funded initiatives are integrated into broader regional strategies and address demonstrated community needs. The funding model requires a cost-sharing arrangement, with 80 percent of project costs covered by federal funds and the remaining 20 percent provided by the applicant organization. This match requirement applies specifically to capital assistance and reflects standard federal transit funding structures. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to meet this cost-share requirement and manage funds effectively, as financial and management capability is a key evaluation criterion. Eligibility for the program includes nonprofit organizations, public bodies or governmental authorities that can certify the absence of available nonprofit providers in the proposed service area, and public agencies approved by the state to coordinate transportation services for the target populations. This inclusive eligibility framework ensures that both nonprofit and public sector entities can participate, while maintaining a focus on coordinated and efficient service delivery. The application process requires submission through Regional Planning Councils, also known as Councils of Governments, which serve as intermediaries for review and endorsement. Applicants must first submit complete applications to their respective regional councils, which evaluate and endorse proposals before forwarding them to the Alabama Department of Transportation. Only applications that are complete and formally endorsed are considered eligible for further evaluation. This multi-step submission process ensures compliance with federal coordination requirements and promotes regional alignment. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including financial and management capability, demonstrated need for service, anticipated utilization, service characteristics, coordination with existing services, and asset management practices. These criteria emphasize both operational readiness and strategic alignment with community needs. Following evaluation, the state agency prioritizes projects and submits a consolidated request to the Federal Transit Administration for final funding consideration. The timeline for the program includes a firm deadline for submission to Regional Planning Councils by June 15, 2026, followed by a secondary deadline for councils to submit endorsed applications to the state by June 22, 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact a designated representative within the Local Transportation Bureau. The program operates on a recurring basis, reflecting ongoing federal support for mobility services targeting seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Ensure strong demonstration of service need coordination with existing transit and clear financial management capacity