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Consolidated Grants (Formula Grants for Rural Areas - Section 5311) is sponsored by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through State Departments of Transportation (e.g., Washington State Department of Transportation). This program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000.
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Rural Transit & Intercity Bus - FTA Section 5311 and 5311(f) | Caltrans Rural Transit & Intercity Bus - FTA Section 5311 and 5311(f) Rural Transit & Intercity Bus - FTA Section 5311 and 5311(f) The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 formula funding program is authorized by 49 United States Code (U.S.C) Section 5311.
The 5311 program provides supplemental funding for public transit service in non-urbanized areas which have populations of fewer than 50,000 residents, as quantified by the United States Census Bureau. The FTA apportions formula funds to each state on an annual basis. The California Department of Transportation, Division of Mass Transportation, Office of Transit Grants and Contracts (OTGC) is the designated grantee for California.
The OTGC Rural Transit and Intercity Bus Branch manages the 5311 and 5311(f) programs. 5311 funding is apportioned as follows: 75% Regional Apportionment -- This funding share is apportioned to non-urban areas based on the size of the rural population. This apportionment is distributed to Transportation Planning Agencies (TPA) whose county or region contains a non-urbanized area as identified by the United States Census Bureau.
The TPA submits a Program of Projects that identifies subrecipients and projects to receive Section 5311 funds in their planning area. Additionally, subrecipients must complete and submit a Section 5311 Program Application and all other required submittals by the appropriate deadline. 15% Intercity Bus Program -- This funding share is apportioned to the Rural Intercity Bus Program (known as FTA 5311(f)).
For more information on 5311(f), please contact: James Haskell at (916) 907-2151. 10% State Administrative Expenses -- This funding share is apportioned to State Transportation Agencies in order to fund the administration of the 5311 & 5311(f) grant programs. OTCG Rural Transit and Intercity Bus Branch staff members are available to provide assistance to sub recipients and other stakeholders.
In addition, OTGC has personnel in eleven Caltrans District Offices (District Transit Representatives). District Transit Representatives are responsible for overseeing the Section 5311 programs at the local level through planning and the provision of technical assistance to Transportation Planning Agencies (TPA) and transit operators. Please consult the contact list provided below.
Please use the Blackcat Grants Management System to access the application, submittal instructions, program information and reimbursement information. The distribution of FTA Section 5311 funding in California follows the following steps: FTA Section 5311 Program Circular 9040.
1H District Transit Representatives (DTR) Contact List (PDF) 5311 Agency Monitoring Form 5311 Grant Process Flow Chart Reimbursement Request Form Route Deviation Checklist Eligibility of Costs and Cash Management and Payment Procedures Rural Areas Formula Grant Programs Guidance FTA's National Transit Database (NTD) Cal OES: Power Outage and Fire Recovery Resources California Climate Investments California Transportation Plan 2050 Stormwater Education Campaign Tenant and Landlord Resources
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: States, which then distribute funds to local public transportation providers, including non-profit organizations and governmental entities. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The published deadline was September 9, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
Consolidated Grants (Formula Grants for Rural Areas - Section 5311) is funded by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through State Departments of Transportation (e.g., Washington State Department of Transportation). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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