Committee backs applications for FTA 5339 and 5307 formula grants for JET capital and operations

The Finance Administration Committee on Monday approved forwarding to full council two resolutions supporting applications for FTA formula grants for the Jonesboro transit system.

Staff described Section 5339 funding of $120,446 allocated to the city and said the 5339 program is used for capital purchases. For Section 5307, staff said the FTA apportioned $1,489,359 to Jonesboro and that the JET request includes specified operating and capital splits and local-match requirements; staff noted the 5307 funds can support operating assistance and capital projects.

A resident asked whether the funds would be applied to citywide capital projects or limited to bus system capital; staff responded that 5339 and 5307 funds are used for departmental capital purchases in support of transit service, including vehicles and shelters. The committee forwarded both grant-support resolutions to the full council; the meeting transcript contains no committee vote counts.