Cullman County commissioners authorize CARTS Section 5311 grant application and local match

Cullman County commissioners voted to allow the county’s public transit provider, CARTS, to file a Section 5311 grant application with the Alabama Department of Transportation for federal and state transit funding for fiscal year 2027. Stephanie Childers, identified in the record as CARTS director, opened a public hearing and asked the commission to approve the application so the agency can continue supporting administrative, operational and capital needs.

“We’re applying for the Alabama Department of Transportation for its federal and state transit funding through the section 5311 rule public transportation program,” Childers said during the hearing, explaining the grant supports administrative, operation and capital needs.

Following the hearing, commissioners approved Resolution 2026-27 authorizing the filing of the 5311 application and authorized the chairman to sign related paperwork. They also approved Resolution 2026-28 to provide the local matching funds required for CARTS’ FY2027 grant and authorized county signatures on the necessary FTA certificates and assurances. The motions were adopted on voice votes with no recorded opposition.

The commission’s approvals allow CARTS to apply for federal assistance and obligate local matching dollars; the record indicates the county will provide the required local match but does not specify a line-item dollar breakdown in the minutes. The approvals enable staff to submit grant paperwork and complete required federal assurances so the grant application may proceed.