FDOT DISTRICT SIX

5310 PROGRAM TOOLKIT

This 5310 Basics Toolkit website is a resource for current subrecipients and interested organizations to learn more about the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six's 5310 Program and its requirements.

This Toolkit contains information on the 5310 Program, as well as links to resources and templates. It provides a basic orientation to the 5310 Program, including linked resources, information on requirements, and a series of short videos.

What is the 5310 Program?

The 5310 Program grants funding to eligible programs that provide transportation for the elderly, and the disabled, where public transit services are unavailable, insufficient or inappropriate. Eligible entities include municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations providing human services. An organization that has received a 5310 grant is a “subrecipient agency.”

Local FDOT Districts administer the 5310 Program. District Six includes Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

"5310” refers to the section of federal code that describes the program offered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA): 49 USC Section 5310.

Two main types of funding are available through District Six’s program: Capital and Operating Grants.

Capital Grants

Capital grants typically enable agencies to procure (purchase) vehicles for the purpose of transporting passengers. Capital funding includes 80% federal (FTA: Federal Transit Administration) funding, 10% state (FDOT), and 10% local matching funds. Local matching funds (10%) are the amount the agency pays for the vehicle. Capital funds may also be used to purchase equipment and to cover preventive maintenance costs.

Operating Grants

Operating grants are awarded to support operational costs of an agency’s transportation program. Federal funding supports 50% of the program costs, and local matching funds (agency share) must support the other 50%. The 5310 Operating grants are on a cost reimbursement basis. Operating funds can support driver salaries, vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, and other operational costs.

Program Quick Facts:

Grant Requirements

FDOT places a lien on each vehicle purchased through the 5310 program.

All 5310 grant requirements apply:

While the agency is operating one or more FDOT vehicles (until FDOT releases the liens on the vehicles).

For the duration of an awarded FDOT operational funds contract agreement with the agency.

Review & Inspections Cycle

While a lien is in place, FDOT regularly inspects vehicles and conducts compliance reviews of 5310 grant subrecipient agencies.

Biennial Inspections: Every two years, FDOT conducts inspections of all vehicles purchased with federal and state funding.

Triennial Review: Every three years, FDOT conducts a monitoring and review of all subrecipient agencies' compliance with grant requirements, procedures, and safety oversight.

Program Life

Agencies must maintain vehicles according to grant program requirements until the FDOT lien is released.

Each vehicle has “Useful Life” thresholds (age and mileage), and once a vehicle meets the threshold, FDOT will release the lien upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – How can we apply for a 5310 Grant?

A – First, you will want to visit Applying for Funds page on this Toolkit because there are steps you can begin immediately if you are planning to apply. Also, each year (usually in the Winter), FDOT District 6 holds a 5310 grant application workshop for interested organizations. Applications are usually due sometime in February or March of each year. Applications are submitted through TransCIP 2, FDOT’s grants management site.

Q – How can we learn more about the requirements of the 5310 Program?

A – There are 5310 requirements that impact your agency’s policies and procedures, vehicle maintenance, driver training and qualifications, record keeping and reporting, and other federal and state requirements. Much of the information you need is included in this toolkit. For more detailed information about 5310 requirements, visit the Applying for Funds and the Starting out Right pages on this Toolkit.

After reviewing the information included on each page, please inquire about free technical assistance for 5310 agencies:

FDOT Triennial Review Team Contacts (Renaissance Planning)

Renee Kinney, Senior Program Management Specialist: rkinney@citiesthatwork.com - Phone:786-220-1946 x155

Nicole Estevez, Project Manager: nestevez@citiesthatwork.com - Phone: 786-220-1946 x158

Q – What is a 'Useful Life' requirement?

A – Each FDOT-sponsored vehicle type has a standard “lifespan” during which the agency must operate and maintain the vehicle according to 5310 grant requirements. The lifespan is measured in both years and mileage. For example, if your 5310 vehicle’s Useful Life is projected to be 5 years and 200,000 miles, your agency will maintain and operate the vehicle within the 5310 requirements until it is at least 5 years old and has at least 200,000 miles. Then, your agency can opt to continue to operate the vehicle in the program, or you may request that the FDOT lien be released. Under certain circumstances, agencies can request an “early” lien release. After the lien is released, the vehicle can be sold or operated by the agency.

Click here to download the current useful life requirements.

Q – How can we request a lien release?

A – Lien Releases are requested through the submission of required documentation to the FDOT District 6 Office through TransCIP 2. District 6 then requests the lien release from the FDOT Central Office. FDOT Central Office will review and approve or deny the request.

Q – May we use a 5310-funded vehicle for purposes other than passenger transportation?

A – Transportation for disabled and elderly passengers must be the primary use for 5310 vehicles. 5310 vehicles must not be used for business or commercial (for-profit) purposes, whether by a non-profit or public entity or by a private individual. Under certain circumstances, 5310-funded vehicles may be utilized for meal delivery if passenger transportation is not impacted. 5310 vehicles must not be used exclusively as a school bus (transporting children/youth to/from school). 5310 vehicles must not be chartered to a specific entity for a specific cost unless approved by and reported to FDOT District Six. Agencies may lease a 5310 vehicle to another entity; the grant recipient (lessor) is responsible for ensuring that the lessee complies with 5310 requirements, and a formal lease agreement must meet all 5310 leasing requirements.

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