Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Grant

The Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program is administered in Oregon by the Oregon Department of Transportation. This program is a federal formula grant designed to address gaps in transportation services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The program exists to ensure that when existing transportation services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate, funding is available to improve mobility outcomes for these populations. The funding is distributed through a structured allocation process based on demographic factors such as the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in a given geographic area, ensuring equitable distribution across rural and small urban communities. The program supports a range of capital and mobility-related projects that enhance transportation accessibility. Eligible uses of funds include vehicle acquisitions, construction or rehabilitation of facilities, purchase of equipment and other capital assets, mobility management activities, contracted transportation services, and preventive maintenance. However, the funding is restricted to capital and related activities and cannot be used for general operating expenses. All proposed projects must be derived from a locally developed and adopted Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan, which ensures alignment with identified community transportation needs and priorities. Funding for the 2027–2029 cycle is derived from multiple sources, including Federal Transit Administration apportionments for rural and small urban areas and Surface Transportation Block Grant funds. The total estimated funding available for this cycle exceeds $31 million. The program operates on a formula allocation basis rather than a competitive statewide pool, with funds distributed to designated Lead Agencies that are responsible for conducting local solicitations and selecting projects. These Lead Agencies then submit applications to ODOT for review and approval. Applicants must adhere to specific cost-sharing requirements depending on the funding source. For rural and small urban apportionments, federal funding covers up to 80 percent of project costs, requiring a 20 percent local match. For Surface Transportation Block Grant funds, the federal share is approximately 89.73 percent, with a 10.27 percent local match. Matching funds must be from eligible non-federal sources and must be available and documented at the time of reimbursement. Indirect costs may be included but must be justified and documented according to federal guidelines. The application process includes both an initial and final submission phase. Lead Agencies and subrecipients must first submit an initial application, which is reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and alignment with program requirements. Feedback is provided to applicants, who then revise and submit a final application. Applications must be submitted through designated Lead Agencies, and deadlines are strictly enforced. The process also includes opportunities for training sessions and question-and-answer webinars to support applicants. Key dates for the 2027–2029 cycle include the publication of guidance in early March 2026, the opening of the application portal in mid-March, and an initial application deadline in May 2026. Final applications are due in July 2026. Following application review and approval, grant agreements are issued, and the performance period begins in October 2027. The performance period varies depending on project type, with some projects lasting up to four years. Award notifications are communicated via email, and recipients are required to comply with ongoing reporting, monitoring, and federal compliance requirements throughout the grant lifecycle.

Ensure projects are included in a Coordinated Plan; submit complete and accurate initial applications to avoid delays; align budgets with federal cost principles; coordinate closely with Lead Agencies early in the process