1. (a)

   1. (1) There is a Locally Operated Transit System Grant Program.
   2. (2) The Department shall administer the program.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The purpose of the program is to provide funds to locally operated transit systems in the State.

   2. (2) A locally operated transit system may use program funds for:

      1. (i) Capital expenses;
      2. (ii) Operating expenses;
      3. (iii) Planning expenses; and
      4. (iv) Any other eligible expense, as determined by the Department.

   3. (3) Program funds may be sourced from:

      1. (i) Federal public transportation programs, including:

         1. 1. The Urbanized Area Formula Program under 49 U.S.C. § 5307;
         2. 2. Formula Grants for Rural Areas under 49 U.S.C. § 5311;
         3. 3. The Intercity Bus Program under 49 U.S.C. § 5311(f);
         4. 4. Planning and Technical Assistance Funds under 49 U.S.C. §§ 5303 and 5304;
         5. 5. The Bus and Bus Facilities Formula Program under 49 U.S.C. § 5339; and
         6. 6. The State Large Urban Program; and

      2. (ii) State public transportation programs, including:

         1. 1. State Transit Operating and Capital Matching Funds;
         2. 2. The State Americans with Disabilities Act Program; and
         3. 3. The Statewide Special Transportation Assistance Program.
3. (c) For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund of at least $80,533,314 to the program for statewide program operations.

Added by Acts 2023, c. 508, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023. Amended by Acts 2024, c. 652, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.