SAN DIEGO–Local agencies and community organizations throughout the county are invited to submit applications for $7 million in competitive grants that SANDAG is administering with the goal of improving transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
The grants are made possible by two sources of funding: 1) TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax which provides a dedicated funding stream for the Senior Mini-Grant program; 2) the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) Program. Eligible applicants include local government agencies, tribal governments, social service agencies, private and public operators of public transportation, and nonprofit organizations that provide specialized transportation services to vulnerable populations. Grant funding may be used to operate programs as well as purchase vehicles.
A grant application workshop will be held Thursday, Aug. 11, at 9:30 a.m. at SANDAG (401 B St., Downtown San Diego) in the 7th floor Board Room. No registration is necessary. The workshop will provide attendees with information on the grant application process and requirements. Grant applications and related materials are available at sandag.org/coordinatedplan.
Draft applications are due by Sept. 23, and final applications due Oct. 24. (Those who submit a final application without first submitting a draft will be disqualified.) All project funding recommendations will go to the SANDAG Board of Directors for approval in February 2017.
The TransNet Senior Mini-Grant Program funds must be used for transportation projects designed for seniors age 60 and older in San Diego County. FTA Section 5310 funds are designated for transportation projects that assist seniors age 65 and older and disabled individuals of any age living in urbanized areas of San Diego County.
Past grant award recipients include cities of La Mesa, San Marcos and Oceanside, Peninsula Shepard Center, Jewish Family Services, San Ysidro Health Center, ElderHelp, and Mountain Health Community Services. Collectively, these organizations and programs have provided tens of thousands of rides to those in need.
