Accessibility (5310 Grant Program) Information

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is seeking public comment regarding its Program Management Plan related to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5310 program. This plan describes the RTC’s policies and procedures for administering FTA’s Section 5310 program.  This federal funding improves mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation options.

The region’s stakeholders and current subrecipients have expressed a need for increased operating assistance to fund and support local senior/disabled transportation programs.  Under the federal 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program, funding is restricted to a minimum of 55% toward eligible Capital projects. In support of stakeholder feedback, instead of using federal dollars, RTC will allocate the equivalent federal 5310 funding appropriations in local sales tax dollars for local programming distribution. This approach will allow for the development of more viable and longer-term senior/disabled transportation projects, reduce the administrative burden and oversight of those programs, increase flexibility, and allow for other efficiencies.

Project Management Plan Update

The RTC, as the designated recipient of Section 5310 funding, is responsible for overseeing and administering the Section 5310 Program in the urbanized area of Washoe County, and is required to maintain a Program Management Plan. This plan sets forth the RTC’s policies and procedures for administering FTA’s Section 5310 program, and is being updated to reflect a change in funding allocations. As noted above, instead of using federal dollars, RTC will allocate the equivalent federal 5310 funding appropriations in local sales tax dollars for local programming distribution.

The draft plan is available for review, and comments can be submitted to Jennifer Meyers, Public Transportation Department at jmeyers@rtcwashoe.com, and will be accepted through October 2, 2023.

After the 21 day comment period, the plan update will be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for review and approval. Upon FTA approval (anticipated later this fall), RTC will be announcing a Call for Projects under the new grant program. 

Additional Resources

The 5310 program provides transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Only projects addressing these needs will be considered for funding. More information about the 5310 program can be found in the Federal Circular 9070.1G at the following web address: http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/C9070_1G_FINAL_circular_4-20-15(1).pdf

In order for a project to qualify for funding it must provide service in the Reno/Sparks urbanized area of Washoe County. Any proposed project providing service outside of this area will not be considered for funding.

5310 Program Document Downloads