Contact:  Harold Beck

(225) 274-4306

            BATON ROUGE, La. – The Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that under the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Section 5310 – Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Operating Assistance Pilot Program – private, nonprofit organizations and certain public entities may apply for operating assistance funds.

“We are proud that Louisiana was one of six states chosen by the FTA for this pilot program,” said DOTD Secretary Johnny B. Bradberry. “This program will provide funding to organizations that help ensure elderly citizens and people with disabilities have access to public transportation facilities and services.”

Only those organizations that already provide transportation services will be considered for funding assistance.  All minority transportation organizations are encouraged to apply.

            Organizations seeking these funds may submit a letter requesting a Section 5310 Application to the DOTD Public Transportation Section by Monday, Nov. 6, 2006, to the following address:

Harold Beck, Program Manager

LA Department of Transportation & Development

Public Transportation Section, Airport, Room 138

Post Office Box 94245

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9245

            Upon receipt of request, DOTD will forward a Section 5310 application and a procedures manual to the organization.  Questions may be directed to the DOTD Public Transportation Section at (225) 274-4306.

            The application submission deadline is set for Feb. 1, 2007.  Section 5310 applications received after that deadline will not be considered for a 2007 Operating Assistance Grant.

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www.dotd.la.gov