Filing Date:

Varies; contact your state DOT for more information.

Eligibility:

States and governmental authorities, including public transportation agencies.

Description:

These grants help states and public transportation systems pay for protecting, repairing, and/or replacing equipment and facilities that may suffer or have suffered serious damage as a result of an emergency, including natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes (the region affected by the emergency must officially be declared a disaster area by the governor and President). The program also improves coordination between U.S. DOT and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expedite assistance to public transit providers in times of disasters and emergencies.

Eligible uses include capital projects to protect, repair, reconstruct, or replace equipment and facilities of a public transportation system. Grants can also be used to cover operating costs related to evacuation, rescue operations, temporary public transportation service; or reestablishing, expanding or relocating public transportation route service before, during, or after an emergency. Grants are only for expenses that are not reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

For example, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority received approximately $1.2 billion in Section 5324 funds following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In part, these funds were used for the repair and restoration of the East River tunnels, rail yards, maintenance shops and other facilities used in commuter rail service.

Financing:

The federal share for capital and operating costs is 80%, with a 20% non-federal share, although the FTA may waive the local match. Operating costs are eligible for one year beginning on the date of declaration or for two years if there is a compelling need.

Funding:

Appropriated by Congress as necessary.

Additional Information:

Federal Transit Administration – Emergency Relief Program