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Suffolk City Council has approved federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration. During their Wednesday, Sept. 20 consent agenda hearing held at City Hall Chambers, the city accepted $1,095,434 in federal funding toward the public transit service for the fiscal year of 2023-2024. The amount sees $75,679 in additional funding compared to the original budget of $1,019,755. The funding will be used for “operational and capital outlay expenses.”

“Adoption of the ordinance will increase the revenues and expenditures of the transit system fund budget for FY 2023-2024 by $75,679. There is no local match,” said City Manager Albert S. Moor II during the hearing.

Following the meeting, Public Works Fund Manager Natoya Nelson talked about what it took for Suffolk to receive the extra funding. 

“Suffolk was included in the Virginia Beach Urbanized Area based on prior census data. A split letter agreement between the two Cities, based on a Federal formula, determines the breakdown of Funds for Suffolk Transit,” Nelson said. “This amount is generally received after the City’s budget is completed. A projected amount is budgeted in the City’s budget, and the adjustment is made once the split letter is signed and the exact amount is known.”

Nelson also provided details on the operational and capital outlay expenses for which the additional funding will be used.

 “Operating expenses include the cost of operating Public Transportation for six bus routes and paratransit services,” she said. “Capital expenditures include the purchase of new or replacement buses.”

 Nelson noted that the original $1,019,755 will be used for the “operation and capital outlay of Suffolk Transit.” Finally, Nelson detailed the process to receive support from the Federal Transit Administration.

“Federal and State grant allocations are derived from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) Six-Year Improvement Plan (SYIP),” she said. “Local funding and other revenues are taken into account.”