Last week, ACL represented the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the Access and Mobility for All Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). In addition to speeches and panel discussions, the summit featured technology demonstrations by local Assistive Technology Act programs and the approval of a strategic plan for the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) - an interagency partnership to coordinate the efforts of federal agencies funding transportation services.
Of particular significance to ACL's grantees and partners, the summit included an announcement of new funding to promote inclusive transportation and a discussion about harnessing ACL and HHS program funds to meet "matching" requirements for several grants from the USDOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
New Funding Opportunity
FTA has announced the Mobility for All Pilot Program. The $3.5 million grant program is available to states and tribes who can partner with community-based organizations as sub-applicants, The program will fund projects that enhance transportation connections to jobs, education, and health services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low income.
Applications are due January 6, 2020. For more information, see FTA's notice of funding.
This is one of three initiatives totaling nearly $50 million announced by USDOT at the summit.
Meeting FTA's Matching Funds Requirement
Federal transit law permits funds from other federal government programs, including many ACL - and HHS - funded programs, to be considered "matching funds" for FTA public transit formula grants.
For example, Older Americans Act (OAA) Supportive Services funds can be used to match FTA enhanced mobility funds, allowing a senior center to purchase a vehicle to transport its clients. Similarly, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds can be used together with FTA enhanced mobility funds to hire a mobility manager at a Center for Independent Living to coordinate transportation and provide travel training for participants.
To learn more, join ACL and FTC for a webinar on Thursday, November 21, at 3:00 pm ET. Register here for the webinar.