Section 5310 - Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The Section 5310 – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant program is administered by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Bi-State Development. These entities are co-designated recipients for the St. Louis Urbanized Area (UZA), which comprises various portions of the St. Louis region in both Missouri and Illinois. The purpose of this program is to improve mobility options for seniors and individuals with disabilities by supporting capital and operating transportation projects specifically designed to serve these populations. This program is part of EWG’s broader competitive transportation initiatives and is incorporated into the region’s federally mandated Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). EWG oversees the development and management of the Section 5310 Program Management Plan (PMP), which outlines the regional policies and procedures for implementing the program. The PMP also serves as a public guide and reference for prospective applicants and helps the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in overseeing the St. Louis region’s execution of the Section 5310 program. Eligible projects under this program fall into several categories. Traditional Section 5310 projects include capital expenses such as purchasing vehicles and related equipment for transporting seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, “New Freedom” type projects are also eligible and may include operational assistance for services targeting these populations, travel training for individuals with disabilities to navigate fixed-route public transportation, and capital improvements at transit stops to increase accessibility. Mobility management-related activities are also considered eligible under the program, provided the proposed project aligns with strategies identified in the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (CHSTP). Eligible applicants include a range of organizations and government authorities within the St. Louis UZA. For traditional funding, private non-profit organizations and certified state and local government authorities are eligible. For New Freedom type funding, eligibility extends to private non-profits, state and local governments, and operators of public transportation services. All applications must clearly demonstrate alignment with one or more strategies from the CHSTP in order to qualify for funding. The program is currently accepting applications for the latest funding cycle. Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. local time on February 21, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Section 5310 Workbook, which provides additional guidance. For direct inquiries, applicants can contact EWG staff via email at sect5310@ewgateway.org. The primary office of EWG is located at 1 S. Memorial Dr., Suite 1600, St. Louis, MO 63102. Additional support can be obtained by phone at (314) 421-4220 or (618) 274-2750. While the program is not rolling, it is recurring, and applications are typically solicited on an annual basis. Based on the current timeline, the next anticipated application cycle is expected to open in February 2026. The Section 5310 program remains a crucial component in advancing equitable and inclusive transportation solutions across the St. Louis metropolitan region.