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A local transportation item:
The DPW reminds us that ‘road work’ will be taking place on Jordan Road between East Central Street and Jenna Lane starting May 23. Expect delays and seek alternate routes.
...and this news from the state...
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing approximately $37 million in grant funding to support regional public transportation. The funding from three grant programs will go to Regional Transit Authorities (RTA), Councils on Aging, and other entities for vehicles, to support fleet electrification, to enhance and expand existing transit services, expand service hours, improve rural connectivity, and assist with operating and capital expenses.
Grant awards totaling almost $20 million will be used to purchase vehicles for public transportation needs under the Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP.) Also, under the CTGP, more than $2 million is being awarded for projects expanding mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. In a third grant program, $15 million is being provided to increase operating and capital funding for transit providers through the Regional Transit Innovation Grant (RTIG) Program.
Regional Transit Innovation Grant Program:
The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget allotted $15 million in discretionary operating and capital funding to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025 to award to transit providers through the Regional Transit Innovation Grant (RTIG) Program. At least 25 percent of the funding ($3,750,000) is reserved for rural areas. Eligible RTIG project types included new and innovative service delivery models, expanded service hours or weekend service, rural connectivity, connectivity improvements across regional transit authority service areas, electrification, infrastructure, and capital investments.
Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, which provides services to Franklin, was among the agencies receiving funding.
Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) – Vehicles:
- Fiscal Year 2024 CTGP vehicle grants are being awarded to 43 applicants for a total amount of $19,724,810 to fund 168 vehicles. A total of 54 applicants had applied. Through the CTGP Vehicle Cycle Awards, MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division is distributing federal 5310 and state Mobility Assistance Program funding. Vehicles which will be procured include a range of minivans and cutaway vehicles, varying in size to accommodate a range of fleet needs. All models are wheelchair accessible. According to federal rules, federal 5310 funds can pay for up to 80% of the cost of each vehicle. Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority also received funding through this program
Community Transit Grant Program – funding to expand mobility:
The Fiscal Year 2024 state budget also allotted MassDOT a total of $4 million to expand the CTGP to fund projects expanding mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Just under $2 million of that funding was awarded in November of 2023, and the remaining $2,137,405 was announced today to 11 projects.
Tri-Valley Elder Services, which includes Franklin in its service area, was one of the organizations receiving funding.
