A new ARRA?
The Federal Transit Funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law on February 17, 2009. This law is described as an unprecedented effort to jumpstart the economy and creates or save jobs. The Recovery Act includes modernization of our nation's infrastructure, enhancements of energy independence, expanded educational opportunities, tax relief, and protection of those in greatest need.
The Recovery Act has provided $8.4 billion to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Of that $8.4 billion, $179 million will be available for our state. The FTA will distribute the funds through the established programs:
- Urbanized Area Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5307).
- Formula Grants for Rural Areas (49 U.S.C. 5311).
- Fixed Guideway Modernization Formula Program (49 U.S.C. 5309).
- Capital Investment Grants for New Starts/Small Starts (49 U.S.C. 4309).
- Tribal Transit Grants for Federally recognized tribes (49 U.S.C. 5311(c)(1)).
How can a transit agency use the Recovery Act funds?
The guidance from the federal government is clear -- FTA funds from ARRA must be used for capital projects only. These funds can be used for "the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance of facilities, and equipment for use in transit."
In our state, we may see the ARRA funds used to build park and ride lots, construct maintenance/operations buildings or transit centers, purchase new buses or communications equipment, or cover the costs of preventative maintenance of vehicles and facilities. Read more...
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Wheel Options-A little change for big change
Share a ride to work --
win serious money!
We could all use a little change in this tough economy!
Participate in Wheel Options by choosing not to drive alone to work at least twice from March 8-21, and you will be eligible for fantastic prizes, including a $2,500 cash prize and a long list of $100 gift cards!
Now is the time to plan: share the ride in a carpool or vanpool, ride the bus, cycle, walk, work from home or simply don’t commute with your compressed work week schedule.
If you need help with a Wheel Option, visit rideshareonline.com and register to find a rideshare partner. It’s quick, easy and rewarding. Or, contact, your Employee Transportation Coordinator.
Wheel Options! Your trip, your way!
Visit the Wheel Options Web site for a complete list of prizes and instructions on how to participate.
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Public Transportation Conference transitions to a biennial event
Due to the current economic situation, the Washington State Public Transportation Conference and Expo is transitioning to a biennial event during even years. The 2010 Public Transportation Conference and Expo will be September 19-22, 2010 in Spokane at the Red Lion Inn at the Park!
In addition to the state's efforts to find efficiencies, many of our transportation partners are doing the same and we are sensitive to our shared situation. We will be looking for additional opportunities to more formally coordinate with our partners during the non-conference years.
Did you know?
The Seattle Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center (GTEC) launched the new Web site-Commute Seattle. The Seattle GTEC is looking at ways to reduce congestion and strengthen the economic viability of downtown Seattle.
According to Kate Joncas, President of the Downtown Seattle Association, King County resident who drive to work alone waste nearly 28 hours a year stuck in traffic. The typical American household spends 18 percent of its income on driving costs-more than it spends on food. The average Seattle commuter spends $3,900 a year in parking and fuel cost alone.
WSDOT's GTEC program works with businesses to find new ways to encourage employees to ride the bus, vanpool, carpool, walk, bike, work from home, and use other commute options besides driving alone. Learn more...
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Training opportunities
To learn more about the latest training opportunities available, visit the Washington State Transportation Training Coalition's Web site.
Help is available for training expenses from the Washington State Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP). An RTAP scholarship for qualified applicants covers tuition and limited expenses for training courses, workshops and conferences.
If you have questions about RTAP or any of these training opportunities, contact Ronda Fullerton.
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Upcoming events
Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Board Meeting
Friday, March 27
10:00 a.m.
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2424 Heritage Court SW
Olympia, WA
Meeting Information
The agenda will focus on providing general policy guidance for the CTR program. Read more...
Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation (ACCT) Meeting
Friday, April 10
11:30 a.m.
WSDOT Department of Transportation Building - Commission Board Room (1D2)
310 Maple Park Avenue SE
Olympia, WA
Meeting Information
The agenda will focus on coordinating transportation planning and human services. Read more...
Intercity Transit is hosting a Passenger Service and Safety (PASS) Train-the-Trainer class
May 6-8, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Olympia, WA
Learn more... (pdf 40 kb)
Public Transportation Monthly Reports Archives
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