This resolution amends the existing Grant Agreement GCB1853 from funding three fixed-route buses (three 30-foot buses) to funding seven fixed-route buses (three 40-foot buses and four 35-foot buses).
Yakima Transit operates 19 of its 25 buses to provide vital transit services to our citizens. Several buses are well past their useful life. The grant funds will assist Yakima Transit in its commitment in replacing the aging fleet and reducing expensive repair costs.
Funding was previously awarded to the City of Yakima under a federal 5339 grant through the State of Washington as Grant Agreement GCB1853. It is in the best interest of the City of Yakima and the Washington State Department of Transportation to amend Grant Agreement GCB1853, which currently provides $400,000 in funding for the purchase of three 30-foot fixed-route buses; amending it to allow for the purchase of two 40-foot fixed-route buses to increase passenger capacity. In addition, the amendment to Grant Agreement GCB1853 will include the Washington State Tier1 funding of $2,000,000 secured by Senator Curtis King through the State's Transportation Committee, for the City of Yakima to fund the purchase of five additional fixed-route buses (one 40-foot fixed-route bus and four 35-foot fixed-route buses).
All seven buses have been ordered. The first order of three 40-foot buses is anticipated to arrive in March 2016 and the second order, consisting of four 35-foot buses, is anticipated to arrive in March 2017. Both the amended and original Grant Agreement GCB1853 have been enclosed for City Council review. |