[DSM-Iowa] FW: DART Funding Update

Wed Apr 24 18:09:06 UTC 2024

Thanks Mary. 

From: DSM-Iowa <dsm-iowa-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mary McGee via
DSM-Iowa
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 10:55 AM
To: 'Des Moines Chapter List, NFB of Iowa' <dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Mary McGee <mmcatitude at gmail.com>
Subject: [DSM-Iowa] FW: DART Funding Update

I received this from Catlin today.  Please read it.  

From: Curry, Catlin [mailto:CCurry at ridedart.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 6:23 PM
To: Curry, Catlin <CCurry at ridedart.com <mailto:CCurry at ridedart.com> >
Subject: DART Funding Update

Good evening,

I write to share a positive timely update on DART funding that impacts our
budget and services for the next two years. 

Last week, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) awarded DART $3.6
million in one-time funds. These one-time funds will go to DART's capital
budget, allowing us to purchase buses and providing flexibility to use more
federal funds for operating expenses.  

At today's budget hearing, the DART Commission voted to use $3.6 million in
federal funds to maintain DART's services for two years. View an attached
press release with more details. This funding will allow us to avoid
significant cuts to services that many central Iowans depend on each day. We
still expect to collect public input and consider eliminating the D-Line due
to low ridership and some funding sources not continuing. 

While we have some short-term stability, we still have significant work to
do over the next 18 months. Like many organizations, including our member
communities, DART is facing difficult budget decisions as costs continue to
rise faster than revenues. A new funding formula that aligns costs with the
level of services received is also leading to an increase in the City of Des
Moines' contribution to DART. 

We are committed to working with all DART member communities to find a path
forward that builds consensus on funding and services in a way that balances
the needs of communities and riders and delivers a strong return on
investment for taxpayers, and your involvement in that effort will be
essential.

Thank you for all the ways you have engaged in funding and service planning
conversations over the past several months. We look forward to sharing more
details about how you can continue to engage in the process in the months
ahead as we embark on a significant effort that will shape the future of
public transit in our region. 

Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have. 

Talk soon,

Catlin

Catlin Curry [he/him] | Community Mobility Coordinator

DART, Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority

620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Direct: 515-246-2526 | Cell: 515-204-7419 |  <mailto:ccurry at ridedart.com>
ccurry at ridedart.com

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