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Adopt a resolution authorizing the Solano Transportation Authority to claim up to $1,000,000 of Solano County's Transportation Development Act Articles 4, 4.5 and 8 fund balance for FY2026/27 to support paratransit and specialized mobility services
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the Solano Transportation Authority to claim up to $1,000,000 of Solano County's Transportation Development Act (TDA) Articles 4, 4.5 and 8 fund balance for FY2026/27 to support paratransit and specialized mobility services.
SUMMARY:
In 2010, Solano County partnered with the seven cities within the County to provide cooperative countywide paratransit services to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible riders. In 2014, the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) assumed oversight of the countywide intercity paratransit services and expanded the ridership over the last decade to include other specialized mobility services for qualifying seniors, veterans and low-income individuals.
STA coordinates and provides a variety of countywide mobility service programs utilizing a portion of the County’s TDA funds through annual claims to supplement program funding. Given the need to provide these mobility programs, the Department of Resource Management is recommending that the Board adopt the resolution which authorizes STA to claim up to $1,000,000 of Solano County’s TDA fund balance in FY2026/27 for these services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The County’s current annual TDA allocation has increased to approximately $1,040,000 per year with a current undesignated and unexpended fund balance of $2.7 million held by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. A claim by STA on the County’s TDA fund balance will not impact the Road Fund or General Fund. Any unclaimed portion of the authorized amount will remain in the County’s TDA fund balance for future eligible uses. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY 2026/27 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The Transportation Development Act (CA Public Utilities Code sections 99200 et seq.) was enacted in 1971 by the California Legislature to ensure a continuing statewide commitment to public transportation and the law imposed a one-quarter-cent tax on retail sales within each county for this purpose. Proceeds are returned to counties based on the amount of tax collected and are apportioned within the county based on population. To obtain TDA funds, local jurisdictions must submit requests to regional transportation agencies that review the claims for consistency with TDA requirements. Solano County agencies submit TDA claims to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
STA currently utilizes TDA funds to provide countywide services such as the Intercity Taxi Card Program, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) assessments, Medical Trip Concierge Program through GO-GO Grandparents, Veterans Mobility Programs and the Equitable Access to Justice Program. Last year, the Board authorized STA to claim up to $1,060,000 for these programs. The seven cities also commit varying amounts of TDA funds from their existing balances to pay for these programs. The Equitable Access to Justice Program also has a match-funding requirement from the Superior Court.
The Department of Resource Management is planning future projects with transit elements that will utilize TDA funds. The Department recommends maintaining the County’s existing undesignated $1.7 million TDA fund balance for potential use on these projects, which include the Fairgrounds Mobility Hub, Suisun Valley Farm-To-Market Phase 4, and pedestrian improvement projects in the unincorporated Vallejo area. Department staff will monitor project and program needs over the next few years and return to the Board with annual claim recommendations that balance program and project needs.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution. This is not recommended because Solano County's TDA funds would not be available to maintain the full variety of paratransit and specialized mobility programs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County staff have worked with staff from Solano Transportation Authority (STA) to coordinate services and funding on these various programs.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION