Funding Opportunity: Applications for Job Access and Reverse Commute & New Freedom programs Due May 24, 2013. NOACA is currently the administrator of two federal grant programs: The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program (Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5316) program supports transportation services to jobs and employment-related activities for eligible low-income individuals. Additionally, the program provides funding for support programs for commuting from urban, rural, or other suburban areas to suburban workplaces (reverse commute). The New Freedom program (Section 5317) program supports new or expanded public transportation services and alternatives beyond those currently required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) that assist individuals with disabilities with transportation, including transportation to and from jobs and employment support services. Application Process Requests for JARC and New Freedom funding, as well as requests for the Specialized Transportation program (Section 5310), must include projects consistent with the goals of the Coordinated Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plan. Available Funding In the Cleveland Urbanized Area (UZA) $1.999 million in JARC funding and $1.276 million in New Freedom funding is available (includes up to 10% for administrative costs). If the solicitation for applications does not result in enough qualified projects to award all funds, an additional selection round(s) may be initiated at a later date to award remaining funds. Download the instructions and application here (posted April 22, 2013): JARC and New Freedom Overview and Application Instructions JARC and New Freedom 2013 Application Application Sample Resolution Application Workshop: NOACA will hold a workshop on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to explain the application process and answer questions. To register for the workshop, please e-mail Meredith Davis, or call her at 216-241-2414, ext. 350. Application Deadline: 4 p.m. ET on Friday, May 24, 2013, at NOACA, 1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. This includes hand-delivered, emailed and mailed applications. See application instructions for details. Eligible applicants for the JARC and New Freedom programs may include: Private non-profit organizations State or local government authorities Public operators of public transportation services Private operators of public transportation services Projects must be in the Cleveland Urbanized Area. MAP-21 and Future Changes The new authorization for surface transportation spending, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), was passed by Congress on June 29, 2012. The bill eliminated the JARC program, though transit agencies may still fund JARC projects that assist low-income populations and reverse commuters through the Section 5307 and 5311 programs. MAP-21 also merged the New Freedom program into a revised Section 5310 program called Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Approved Projects: FY 2010 JARC & New Freedom Projects FY 2008 JARC & New Freedom Projects Related Documents and Links: JARC/NF Application Workshop Questions & Answers JARC/NF May 8, 2013 Workshop Presentation Cleveland Urbanized Area (UZA) Map Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan Update Draft Goals & Objectives Coordinated Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plan JARC and New Freedom Program Management Plan Public Transit and Human Services Links and Downloads For more information, please e-mail Meredith Davis or call her at 216-241-2414, ext. 350 or e-mail Marc Von Allmen or call him at 216-241-2414, ext. 250.