MORPC Announces Funding Availability to Enhance Mobility for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities

September 22, 2022
Proposals due Monday, October 24, Virtual workshop scheduled for September 28

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) announces the availability of Section 5310 Program funding to enhance the mobility of older adults and individuals with disabilities. The deadline for project applications is Monday, October 24 at 5 p.m.

The Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program will provide approximately $1.6 million in federal funding to Central Ohioans. This program provides grant funds for expenses related to equipment used in vehicles to transport older adults and people with disabilities, and activities related to mobility management. Funds may also be used for purchased transportation projects that specifically serve older adults and people with disabilities, travel training to instruct persons with disabilities on using fixed-route bus services, and capital projects to remove barriers at bus stops for persons with disabilities. In past years, funds were approved for the purchase of vehicles, but will not be considered for the FY 2022 call for applications due to supply chain shortages.

Funds are available each federal fiscal year and are distributed following a MORPC review and a 5310 Advisory Committee approval process. The Section 5310 mandatory information workshop will be held virtually on Wednesday, September 28 from 12-1 p.m.

Virtual Teams Meeting

"This round of funding is approximately 20 percent higher due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (BIL or IIJA). That’s good news for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Central Ohio. This enables us to fund more projects to keep this critical population moving forward in our region."
John Gardocki, MORPC Principal Transit Planner

The program is administered by MORPC for the Columbus, Ohio Urbanized Area. Eligible recipients include state or local government authorities, private nonprofit organizations, or public or private operators of public transportation services.

“The 2020 Census showed us that as the Boomer generation ages, the 65 and older age group is expected to make up an increasingly larger share of population growth through the 2030s in Central Ohio. Investing in the accessibility and mobility needs for seniors and individuals with disabilities in our communities is critical to improving the quality of life for a large segment of our population.”
Thea Ewing, MORPC Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Development

For more information, contact John Gardocki at jgardocki@morpc.org or call 614.233.4146. Visit our website for more details here

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