Program Overview

Section 5311 fact sheet

This program provides formula funding to States and Indian tribes, with the goal of supporting public transportation and enhancing the overall mobility of people living in rural areas. Projects may also include transportation to or from rural areas.

The state receives 5311 funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and suballocates it to eligible subrecipients. The state prepares an annual Program of Projects (POPs) which must provide for a fair and equitable distribution of funds within the state, and must provide for maximum feasible coordination with transportation services assisted by other sources.

Operators of bi-state service are required to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

Additional information about the program can be found in FTA’s Section 5311 9040.1G Program Guidance and Application Instructions, and FTA circular 5010.E Award Management Requirements.

Eligible Recipients & Subrecipients

Eligible recipients and/or subrecipients include:

• State and local government authorities
• Indian Tribes - an Indian tribe is eligible as a direct recipient or a subrecipient. Once notified by the state of its selection, the tribe can choose whether to receive funds as a subrecipient of the state or to directly apply to the FTA for Section 5311 funds
• Non-profit organizations
• Operators of public transportation service, including intercity bus companies
• Private for-profit operators of transit service may participate in the program as third-party contractors for the state or as a subrecipient

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities for the Section 5311 Rural Area Program include:

• Capital costs - preventative maintenance only(for all other capital expenses/purchases please refer to the 5339 program)
• Operating costs
• Planning activities specifically for the rural area needs
• Job Access and Reverse Commute projects
• Project Administration
• State Administration

Funding and Match Requirements

All projects funded under this program must be included in a locally developed coordinated public transit-human service transportation plan. More information about this requirement can be found in Circular 9070.1G.

How to Apply

As a potential funding recipient, you should first determine whether your organization and project are eligible for the program, based on the descriptions provided in the previous sections and/or the related FTA circulars.

Next, please visit NDOT’s Transit Programs web page to view the informational webinar, sign up for a pre-application meeting, find links to other resources, and access the online application. This year’s application schedule is provided below. Thank you for your interest in this program.