Section 5310 Grant Program

The Section 5310 Grant Program administered by the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities – Transit, is a federally supported initiative authorized under Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act. The program is funded through the Federal Transit Administration and is designed to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The state agency acts as the intermediary, managing the application process, determining eligibility, and submitting a consolidated statewide application to the federal government on behalf of selected applicants. The primary purpose of the program is to provide or enhance transportation services where existing public transit options are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate for the target populations. Funding supports both capital and operational activities, including the purchase of accessible vehicles, communication equipment, and the procurement of transportation services. A key emphasis is placed on demand-responsive transportation systems that directly address the mobility needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities without duplicating existing services. Funding is provided on an 80 percent federal and 20 percent local matching basis, requiring applicants to demonstrate secured local funding sources. Federal funds cannot typically be used as match unless administered through specific state-managed programs such as Medicaid or Area Agency on Aging funds. Projects funded under this program are generally awarded for a two-year period, with annual funding allocations subject to availability and renegotiation of rates. Payments are structured based on unit rates such as cost per mile, hour, or trip, which are proposed by the applicant and approved by the state. Eligible applicants include private nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public entities that can demonstrate the absence of available nonprofit providers or are designated to coordinate services. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application package that includes organizational documentation, financial proposals, certifications, and a positive Local Intergovernmental Review. The submission process requires coordination with regional planning organizations, which must review applications at least 30 days prior to final submission. Applications are evaluated through a competitive process based on criteria such as demonstrated need, service utilization, coordination efforts, fiscal and managerial capacity, and operational planning. Additional compliance requirements include adherence to federal regulations, maintenance of detailed service and financial records, and participation in periodic audits and reviews. Applicants must also demonstrate coordination with other transportation providers and participation in locally developed transit coordination plans. The application timeline follows an annual cycle, with application materials typically released in March. Applicants must submit materials to local planning entities by mid-April to allow for review, with final submissions due shortly thereafter. The state reviews applications in June and notifies applicants of funding decisions. Successful applicants enter into formal contracts within approximately 90 days of approval and must begin reporting service metrics and expenditures on a monthly basis. The program recurs annually, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible organizations to apply.

Ensure strong documentation of need and coordination with local providers; secure local match funding early; complete all required certifications and reviews to avoid disqualification; demonstrate clear service metrics and operational capacity