BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County legislators have signed off on a mass transportation capital project agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation, a move that will bring in over $1 million for the county transportation system.

Legislators passed the resolution during the Sept. 9 full board meeting.

According to county officials, the New York DOT requires a Mass Transportation Capital Project Agreement between the county and DOT to operate a mass transportation program, such as the county's bus system.

As part of the agreement, which will run five years, St. Lawrence County has been identified as the party responsible for program administration and establishes "the method for funding applicable phases of mass transportation projects to support public transportation systems."

Per the resolution, the chair of the board of legislators signed off on the deal, while the Planning Office will perform "all necessary activities to secure and disperse these funds, and to close out the awards as may be required."

The contract will total $1,068,084.

In other action, legislators also approved three further resolutions related to public transportation in the county.

The second resolution authorizes the chair to sign a Federal Transit Operating Assistance Agreement with NYS DOT for the county's transportation program.

Officials say the county submitted a 2021-2023 Federal Transit Administration Formula Grant for Rural Areas to continue the county's public transportation services, which netted the county $1,112,299 in Federal and State funding through the NYSDOT.

The agreement is slated to run five years and identifies the county as the party responsible for program administration.

A third resolution was also passed, authorizing the chair to sign the Innovative Mobility Initiative Funding Application with the NYSDOT for the county's public transportation program.

According to county officials, NYSDOT is seeking funding proposals from applicants to design and provide on-demand microtransit service as a part of an innovative Mobility Initiative.

Up to $3 million for operating expenses and up to $5 million for capital expenses are available, with no local match required, according to state officials.

"The intent of the Program is to expand access to public transit in areas that are not serviced by a bus route, or in areas where bus service is not cost-effective," according to the resolution.

If awarded, the county would have up to five years to contract with third-party vendors to design and complete the project.

Legislators also approved a fourth resolution for a budget modification for the Planning Office for transportation expenses.

Officials say the county public transit system transported more passengers and drove more miles than originally projected for 2024, making the department eligible to receive an additional $357,000 of State Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA) funding.

The county is also eligible for an additional $171,000 of 5311 Supportive Employment Services (SES) funding for providing increased ridership to places of employment, education and training.

The county is also eligible for an additional $9,000 of  Mobility Management funding to offset expenses related to the delivery of public transportation services, the resolution states.

"St. Lawrence County Public Transit is projected to generate an additional $27,000 of bus advertising revenue which is more than originally budgeted for 2024," officials said.

With the budget modification approved, the county will see an influx of $564,000 for the public transit system, officials said.