07/12/2021
Dear Members,
We have a few items for your review and action. Please take a moment out of your day to give these items your attention.
CERTS Application Portal Closes in One Week...
The CERTS grant application deadline of 7/19 is one week away. Click here to access the website for the application portal. This website also outlines the program guidelines, frequently asked questions, updates and instructions regarding the ID.me identity service. The portal will not accept new applications, and users will not be able to finish draft applications in the portal after 7/19. If you need help, call (877) 398-5862 for the CERTS Help Desk.
Charter Rule: You Contacted Your House Reps, Now Contact Your Senators...
We still have work to do on the Charter Rule provision in the Invest in America Act. The bill was passed in the House right before the July 4th recess period. While there were slight changes made to the language in an amendment, it remains problematic. The changes made adopted by the House are as follows:
- reduced the qualifying number of days for the service to last to be less than 15 days instead of less than 30 days;
- added a new restriction limiting the service provided to the geographic service area in which the transit agency provides regularly scheduled public transportation service
