Section 5310 - Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The Section 5310 – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program is a federally funded initiative administered in the St. Louis region by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG), in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Bi-State Development. As co-designated recipients for the St. Louis Urbanized Area (UZA), these agencies manage the allocation and oversight of Section 5310 funds to improve transportation options for older adults and persons with disabilities. The purpose of this funding is to fill transportation gaps for populations with mobility limitations that are not met by traditional public transit systems. The Section 5310 Program Management Plan (PMP), developed by EWG, outlines the policies and procedures for the administration of these funds in the region. It ensures compliance with federal guidelines, supports coordination between agencies, and offers guidance for applicants. All projects funded under this program must align with strategies identified in the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (CHSTP), reinforcing the region's broader transportation goals. Funding under Section 5310 is divided into two primary categories. Traditional capital projects include the purchase of vehicles and equipment used specifically to serve seniors and individuals with disabilities. The New Freedom-type projects can be either capital or operating in nature, such as travel training, barrier removal at bus stops, or operational assistance for services catering exclusively to these populations. Additionally, mobility management activities that coordinate transportation services are eligible. Eligibility for Section 5310 funding includes private, non-profit organizations, certified state and local government authorities, and public transit operators, depending on the project type. All applicants must operate within the geographic boundaries of the St. Louis UZA, which encompasses parts of both Missouri and Illinois. For the 2025 cycle, applications were due no later than 4:00 PM local time on February 21, 2025. The application materials included a Section 5310 workbook to guide the submission process. Completed applications were submitted through the prescribed process by the deadline to be considered. EWG staff provided support via a dedicated email (sect5310@ewgateway.org) to answer applicant questions. Though the application window for the 2025 cycle has closed, the recurring nature of this funding program suggests that a new cycle is expected to begin in early 2026. Interested applicants are advised to consult the EWG website periodically for updates and to prepare for future funding rounds by reviewing the PMP and CHSTP requirements.