City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 22, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: EMILY A. BAKER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER AND INTERIM DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of Grant Applications to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the FY 2027 State Aid Grant Programs for Capital and Operating Assistance, MERIT, CAP Workforce Development, and TRIP
BODY
ISSUE: Consideration of a Resolution to Support Grant Applications to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) for the FY 2027 State Aid Grant Programs.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve a Resolution (Attachment 1) to support an application and submission to DRPT by February 1, 2026, for the following programs:
* Up to $42,500,000 in eligible expenses for State Aid Transit Operating Assistance
* Up to $16,000,000 for State Aid Capital Assistance
* Up to $110,000 for the Public Transportation Workforce Development Program
* Up to $500,000 for the MERIT Minor Enhancement Program
* Up to $725,000 for the MERIT State of Good Repair Program
* Up to $1,025,000 for free Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) student fares (TRIP)
* Up to $350,000 for the Commuter Assistance Program (CAP)
2. Authorize the City Manager to commit local funds of up to $10,954,000 of which:
a. Up to $10,400,000 is currently programmed in the CIP under DASH Bus Fleet Replacement for FY 2027 in NVTA 30% funds;
b. $254,000 can be funded through DASH Operating funds; and
c. Approximately $300,000 can be funded through the Go Alex Fund from developer contributions or from NVTA 30% funds;
3. Authorize the City Manager to apply for State Aid Grants through the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and enter into any necessary agreements with the Commonwealth of Virginia and/or NVTC to accept and implem...
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