This Agreement (“Contract”) is entered into by and between the Michigan Public Transit Association, hereinafter referred to as the AGENCY, and the transit agency submitting this form, hereinafter referred to as the ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT.

The purpose of this Contract is to establish the terms and conditions under which Rural Transit Assistance Program funds will be made available to the ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT.

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Contract, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

PROGRAM
The Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP), which provides funding for eligible training, technical assistance, research activities, and equipment that promote or benefit rural public transportation.
DEPARTMENT
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
OFFICE
The Office of Passenger Transportation within the Michigan Department of Transportation.
AGENCY
The Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA), acting as the organization receiving funds from the DEPARTMENT and administering the PROGRAM on behalf of eligible rural transit agencies.
PROJECT
The eligible activities, services, training, technical assistance, research, and equipment funded through the PROGRAM.
STATE
The State of Michigan.
ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT
A transit agency or organization eligible to receive funding under this Contract.
APPLICATION
The AGENCY’s application for PROGRAM funding for the period beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2029.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE

This Contract is entered into for the purpose of making federal Rural Transit Assistance Program funds available to the ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT for eligible training activities, equipment, technical assistance, and research activities that promote or benefit rural public transportation.
Eligible recipients are rural agencies that receive Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 or Section 5311 funds.
The ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT may be reimbursed only for the percentage of eligible expenses corresponding to the percentage of its services supported by Section 5310 or Section 5311 funds.

SECTION 3. FUNDING

The AGENCY shall disburse RTAP funds to ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements, including FTA Circular C 9040.1, as amended or superseded, which is incorporated into this Contract by reference.
For Fiscal Year 2027, beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027, the maximum reimbursement available to the ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT under this Contract is $6,500 (six thousand five hundred dollars), as authorized by the DEPARTMENT.

Funding levels for Fiscal Years 2028 and 2029 will be determined by the DEPARTMENT and are contingent upon continuation of the PROGRAM and the availability of federal RTAP funds.

SECTION 4. ACCOUNTING AND RECORDKEEPING

The AGENCY shall provide RTAP funds to the ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT within ten (10) working days after receiving the applicable funds from the DEPARTMENT.
The ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT shall maintain books, records, documents, and other accounting records in accordance with generally accepted governmental accounting principles. These records must be sufficient to document and support all costs for which reimbursement is requested under this Contract.

To facilitate administration of the PROJECT, the ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT shall establish and maintain separate records for activities and expenses funded through the PROGRAM. The ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT shall ensure that adequate documentation is maintained to support each expense submitted for reimbursement.

The ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT shall use all required RTAP forms, including:
-RTAP Request Forms, identified as Attachment A
-Travel Vouchers, identified as Attachment B
The ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT shall review and comply with all applicable travel rates, reimbursement requirements, policies, and guidelines established by the DEPARTMENT, including:
-Travel Rates, identified as Attachment C
-Program Guidelines, identified as Attachment D

Current forms and guidance documents are available on the MPTA RTAP Info webpage.

SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

A. Severability
If any provision of this Contract is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law.
B. Compliance with Applicable Laws
The ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT shall begin, carry out, and complete the PROJECT in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and requirements.
Nothing in this Contract shall require the ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT to act in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.
C. Prohibition on Political Activities
No funds, materials, property, or services acquired through this Contract shall be used for partisan political activities, to support or oppose a candidate for public office, or to influence the outcome of an election.

SECTION 6. TERM OF CONTRACT

This Contract shall become effective October 1, 2026, and shall remain in effect through September 30, 2029, unless terminated or amended in accordance with applicable PROGRAM requirements.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Contract.
MICHIGAN PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
By: Pink Cianciolo
Title: Finance & Grants Manager

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT CERTIFICATION
By submitting this form, the authorized representative certifies that:
The agency identified in this submission is eligible to receive funding under the Rural Transit Assistance Program.
The authorized representative has read and understands the terms and conditions of this Contract.
The authorized representative is authorized to execute this Contract and act on behalf of the agency identified in this submission.
The agency agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and PROGRAM requirements associated with RTAP funding.