The 2008 Job Access and Reverse Commute(JARC) and New Freedom Solicitation Packages

Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated as more questions come up, please check back frequently.

Who is considered low-income under the JARC program?
Low–income is defined as having a household income less than 150% of the poverty level. Definitions of poverty and links to the current poverty levels can be found at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/povdef.html

Is person with a disability the same as ADA-certified under the New Freedom program?
The New Freedom program defines person with a disability as the following:

"An individual who, because of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other incapacity or temporary or permanent disability (including an individual who is a wheelchair user or has semi-ambulatory capability), cannot use effectively, without special facilities, planning, or design, public transportation service or a public transportation facility.”

New Freedom projects do not have to target ADA-certified riders but they do have to target persons with disabilities.

What kinds of funding are eligible as local match?
Eligible sources of local match include state, municipal, self-generated, and federal funds (with exceptions). Donations and volunteer drivers are also eligible local match sources. The only exceptions are US Department of Transportation funds (CMAQ, STP, Sections 5307, 5310, etc.) and farebox revenues, which are ineligible local match sources for JARC and New Freedom.

Which activities are capital and which are operating? Where can grantees find guidance on determining the difference? Is there a more detailed listing of eligible capital and operating expenses for JARC and New Freedom grants? Specifically, are insurance costs associated with some of the New Freedom projects, costs associated with car loan programs, and costs associated with voucher programs operating or capital expenses?

The basic definition of an operating cost is something that does not have a useful life of more than one year. In contrast, a capital item is usually a tangible item that has a useful life of more than one year. For example, vouchers are considered an operating expense, consistent with FTA program requirements; insurance is considered an operating expense; a guaranteed loan fund or a revolving fund used to make loans are capital expenses; and funds used to pay the administrative costs of loan programs are operating expenses. The construction of bus stops, installation of elevators, or the purchase of buses are examples of capital expenses. Also, mobility management is defined by law as an eligible capital expense.

What help is available in preparing an application submittal?
Local governments may be able to provide assistance in preparing application materials. The Metropolitan Council has staff and resources available for assistance to applying agencies. Staff time is limited so please be patient with any requests. The Council staff contact is listed on the Contact Info page. There were two public workshops held to assist potential applicants with any additional questions. Questions from these workshops have been incorporated into the FAQ’s.

Is a letter of resolution from the applying agency required as part of the application?
There is no requirement to supply a letter of resolution for the applying agency.

Can an agency apply for projects under both JARC and New Freedom?
An agency may apply for funding under both programs but the applications must be for separate projects. Thus, if an agency were to submit an application for JARC, it may not apply for the same project under New Freedom. The agency may, however, apply for a different project under New Freedom.

Can an agency apply for projects under both JARC and New Freedom?
An agency may apply for funding under both programs but the applications must be for separate projects. Thus, if an agency were to submit an application for JARC, it may not apply for the same project under New Freedom. The agency may, however, apply for a different project under New Freedom.

Is there a specific amount of funding within each program set aside specifically for capital projects?
No. All projects will be ranked using the criteria and money awarded to top ranked projects regardless of project type.

Is sidewalk construction an eligible activity under the JARC and New Freedom programs?

Sidewalk construction is not an eligible activity under the JARC program and may be an eligible activity under the New Freedom program, provided two conditions are met.

First, the sidewalk must be constructed in order to provide an accessible path to a bus stop that is currently inaccessible. Secondly, the recipient should determine whether Federal highways or other funds are available for pedestrian improvements before applying for New Freedom funds for this purpose.