Public comment is sought through March 4 to help determine which rural transit providers will gain access to $22.3 million in funding from the Idaho Transportation Department’s Public Transportation (ITD-PT) office.

Requests for just over $23 million from 30 different grant applicants need to be whittled down to the $22.3 million that is available to be awarded.

Local government authorities, public agencies or private nonprofit organizations, and operators of public transportation that receive funding indirectly have applied..

ITD-PT makes funding available for operating and capital projects to support rural public transportation needs and services. In a largely rural state, there are public transportation services in 43 of the 44 counties.

Completed applications ready for review can be found at the "Application Review" link below, or on the ITD-PT website under the "Application” drop down tab labeled "Congressional Appropriation Applications."

Funds are made available through four funding sources: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5310 Rural Enhanced Mobility for Elderly and Disabled Grant Program, FTA 5311 Rural Formula Grant Program, FTA 5339 Bus and Bus facilities Grant Program, and the Vehicle Investment Program (VIP). Each grant program has its own set of requirements and details can be located within each individual application on the website.

Those with questions about the applications, or for more information about the funding, please contact the ITD Public Transportation Office at ptbilling@itd.idaho.gov