Nevada DOT distributing federal CARES Act funding to support rural transit services

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is administering $22 million in rural transit relief funding provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law in late March and includes $25 billion in national transit relief funding.

NDOT has notified its 17 current subrecipients of these rural transit funds that all operating and maintenance expenses incurred from March 1, 2020 through the end of the federal fiscal year will be reimbursed 100 percent through federal funds. This will relieve the burden on local agencies, which typically provide matching funds, amid an anticipated significant drop in sales tax revenue.

While the relief funds are meant to primarily cover operating expenses, preventive maintenance and other capital expenses are also eligible for reimbursement. With no expiration currently in place for CARES Act funding, NDOT says it intends to continue to award this relief funding through federal fiscal year 2021 and beyond until all funds are expended. While the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown, this relief funding will provide some certainty that transit services can continue.

Nevada’s rural transit operators continue to provide essential services throughout the statewide stay at home directive, although many now operate on a reduced schedule. Each year, NDOT utilizes approximately $10 million in Federal Transit Administration funds to support local transit operations, including the purchase of buses and other vehicles, modifications to facilities and mobility management programs. The services are operated throughout Nevada, many of which provide access for the disabled, the elderly and those needing transportation to and from employment, medical treatment and more.