Flagler County has cleared a major hurdle in its effort to expand public transportation, earning approval this week to become a direct recipient of Federal Transit Administration funding — a status the county has been working toward for more than ten years.
What the Approval Means
The Federal Transit Administration’s Region IV New Recipient process evaluates whether an entity has the legal, technical, and financial capacity to manage programs and projects supported by FTA grants. FTA Regional Administrator Yvette Taylor notified the county of its approval in a congratulatory letter. “Based on the materials submitted by your office, FTA Region IV has determined that Flagler County meets these requirements and is qualified to apply for FTA grant funds,” Taylor wrote.
As a condition of receiving the funding, Flagler County will be required to remain in full compliance with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, FTA circulars, and other relevant federal requirements when implementing federally funded projects.
The Financial Impact
In fiscal year 2025, Flagler County Public Transportation received nearly $1 million in transportation-related grant funding. The new direct recipient status is expected to significantly change that figure. “Access to this particular grant will increase the county’s grant awards by more than 50% annually,” said Transportation Manager Trevor Martin.
A Decade in the Making
County Administrator Heidi Petito called the achievement a transformative moment for Flagler County. “This accomplishment is especially significant because it opens the door to new opportunities for growing and enhancing public transportation in our community,” Petito said. “The impact of this approval will be transformative for Flagler County, and it’s a testament to the perseverance, professionalism, and expertise of our team. Their efforts have truly set the stage for a promising future, and I am excited to see where this next chapter leads us.”
