Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, commonly referred to as Section 5310, is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in coordination with several regional planning commissions and metropolitan planning organizations across the state. This program is funded in part by the Federal Transit Administration under federal statute and is designed to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The program operates as an annual, competitive grant process, with WisDOT overseeing applications for small urban and rural areas while designated regional agencies administer funding in larger urbanized regions such as Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, and Green Bay. The primary purpose of the program is to support transportation projects that address gaps in existing public transit systems or enhance access for populations with specialized mobility needs. Funding supports both capital and operating expenses, including the purchase of vehicles, mobility management initiatives, and operating assistance for transportation services. Eligible activities include projects that improve access to fixed-route transit, reduce reliance on paratransit services, and provide alternative transportation solutions where traditional transit options are unavailable or insufficient. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear benefits to seniors and individuals with disabilities and that align with coordinated regional transportation planning efforts. Funding for the program is derived from federal allocations distributed based on demographic formulas related to the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in each region. Grants typically cover up to eighty percent of eligible capital costs such as vehicle purchases, with applicants required to provide a minimum local cash match of twenty percent. Additional funding considerations include prioritization of vehicle replacement over expansion due to limited resources and high demand. For non-vehicle projects such as mobility management or operating assistance, funding structures may include reimbursement-based payments and allow for both cash and in-kind matching contributions depending on the project type. Eligibility for the program includes private nonprofit organizations and local public bodies such as municipal or county government agencies. Local public bodies must demonstrate either that no nonprofit providers are available in their service area or that they have been designated as a transportation coordinator by an appropriate authority. Applicants must also be in good standing with prior grant requirements if they have previously received Section 5310 funding. All projects must be included in a locally developed coordinated public transit and human services transportation plan to ensure alignment and avoid duplication of services. The application process requires submission through the Wisconsin Transit Management System for applicable regions, with separate application pathways for large urbanized areas. Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of materials including a general application letter, public notice documentation, financial certifications, and detailed project responses. For vehicle requests, applicants must also provide justification for need, demonstrate coordination with other providers, and outline financial and technical capacity. Applications are evaluated through a competitive scoring process based on criteria such as demonstrated need, coordination, and organizational capability, with a minimum score threshold required for funding consideration. Program timelines are structured around annual funding cycles, with applications typically prepared in advance of system availability and submitted upon opening of the application portal. Following submission, applications undergo a completeness review and are then evaluated by a review committee. Funding decisions are based on scoring, ranking, and available funds, and successful applicants are notified after approval. The performance period for funded projects generally aligns with the calendar year, with ongoing reporting, compliance, and asset management responsibilities extending through the useful life of funded assets. For additional information or to participate in the program, applicants are encouraged to contact WisDOT Specialized Transit Program staff via email or phone. Program managers provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and compliance expectations. The program also maintains communication channels for updates and access to the grant management system, ensuring that interested applicants remain informed about upcoming opportunities and requirements.

Ensure strong demonstration of transportation need and coordination with existing providers; prioritize vehicle replacement justification; maintain compliance history and reporting accuracy