CHAPTER 924
PUBLIC TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM
761—924.1(324A) Purpose. The purpose of the public transit infrastructure grant program is to provide funding for improvement of the vertical infrastructure of Iowa’s designated public transit systems.
761—924.2(324A) Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:
“Public transit system” means one of the regional transit systems or urban transit systems designated under Iowa Code section 324A.1.
“Vertical infrastructure” is defined in Iowa Code section 8.57, subsection 6.
761—924.3(324A) Information and forms. Information, instructions, and application forms may be obtained from the Office of Public Transit, Iowa Department of Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010; telephone (515)239-1875. Information and forms are also available through the Internet at http://www.iatransit.com.
761—924.4 Reserved.
761—924.5(324A) Applicant eligibility. Eligible public transit systems shall be limited to the regional transit systems and urban transit systems that have been designated under Iowa Code chapter 324A.
761—924.6(324A) Project eligibility. Projects may be considered for funding only if:
	924.6(1) The project has been included in a locally approved transportation improvement program and in the statewide transportation improvement program.
	924.6(2) Local match for the project is currently available.
	924.6(3) The project is capable of being substantially completed within 18 months of project selection.
761—924.7(324A) Eligible project activities. Activities that are eligible for reimbursement include, but are not limited to, the following:
	924.7(1) Construction, expansion, or renovation of facilities for administration of public transit operations, including any associated design, land acquisition, grading and foundation work.
	924.7(2) Construction, expansion, or renovation of facilities for servicing, maintenance or storage of public transit vehicles, including any associated design, land acquisition, grading and foundation work.
	924.7(3) Construction, expansion, or renovation of transit vehicle fueling facilities, including any associated design, land acquisition, grading and foundation work.
	924.7(4) Construction, expansion, or renovation of passenger waiting facilities, including any associated design, land acquisition, grading and foundation work.
	924.7(5) Relocating an existing administrative or maintenance facility, if necessary to correct violations of safety or design standards. Such project may include any associated design, land acquisition, grading and foundation work.
761—924.8(324A) Ineligible project activities. A transit facility may be incorporated into a larger project. Examples might include, but are not limited to, an intermodal facility, a headquarters for the umbrella organization sponsoring the transit program, or a public works facility. If this is the case, those costs attributable to the nontransit elements of the larger project shall not be eligible under this program.
761—924.9 Reserved.
761—924.10(324A) Funding.
	924.10(1) Program funds may reimburse up to 80 percent of transit-related project costs.
	924.10(2) At least 20 percent of transit-related project costs must be provided from local sources by the sponsoring transit system in cash or value of real property.
	924.10(3) Assistance from the public transit infrastructure grant program, when combined with federal or other state resources, may not exceed 80 percent of the project’s transit-related costs.
761—924.11(324A) Project applications.
	924.11(1) Project applications shall be submitted to the office of public transit.
	924.11(2) Each application shall contain:
	a. 	General information, including the transit system name, contact person, mailing address, E-mail address, telephone number, and fax number.
	b. 	A project data sheet. The data sheet shall include the following:
	(1)	A brief description of the project and its purpose, project justification and anticipated benefits to the transit program.
	(2)	Cost information including total project cost and an itemized breakdown of project components (including transit vs.	nontransit costs).
	(3)	The proposed implementation schedule.
	(4)	A statement of the applicant’s ability to complete the project.
	(5)	A sketch of the project.
	c. 	Documentation of project feasibility and costs.
	d. 	A resolution from the governing body of the sponsoring transit system endorsing the project and authorizing the necessary local funding match.
761—924.12 and 924.13 Reserved.
761—924.14(324A) Project priorities. The transportation commission shall consider the following in project selection:
	924.14(1) Benefits of project to the transit program in terms of:
	a. 	Enhancement of the life of the transit vehicle fleet.
	b. 	Enhancement to transit services.
	c. 	Increased ridership.
	924.14(2) Readiness to proceed.
	924.14(3) Feasibility of timely completion of the proposed project.
	924.14(4) Ability of the project to leverage other funds.
761—924.15(324A) Review and approval. Department staff shall review project applications with an industry advisory committee and shall submit recommendations to the transportation commission. The transportation commission is responsible for approving the projects to be funded.
761—924.16(324A) Project agreement and administration.
	924.16(1) Agreement. After a project has been approved, the department shall enter into an agreement with the transit system sponsoring the project.
	924.16(2) Payments. Payments to the transit system sponsor for eligible project costs shall be made on a cost reimbursement basis.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 8.57 and 324A.1 and 2006 Iowa Acts, chapter 1179, section 55.
[Filed 12/13/06, Notice 11/8/06—published 1/3/07, effective 2/7/07]