ARC 9788C

ARC 9788C

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT[761]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to federal transit assistance
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Transportation hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 922, “Federal Transit Assistance,” Iowa Administrative Code, and to adopt a new Chapter 922 with the same title.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code chapter 324A.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapter 324A and 49 U.S.C. Sections 5310, 5311 and 5339.

Purpose and Summary

    This proposed chapter is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 324A, regarding the receipt and distribution of federal aid to Iowa’s public transit systems.  

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on October 1, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   October 22, 2025

    The Department received no comments.

Fiscal Impact

    This proposed rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa. As designated by the Governor, the Department is the recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding. This proposed rulemaking explains the FTA funding types received and incorporates by reference the State management plan explaining how the Department will administer the programs. The Department does not directly provide public transit services supported by these programs; therefore, there is no fiscal impact to the State as a result of this proposed rulemaking.

Jobs Impact

    This proposed rulemaking outlines FTA programs that the Department administers and where to find more detail about how those programs are managed by the Department. No jobs are created or reduced due to the Department’s management of the programs.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 761—Chapter 11.

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 30, 2025. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

    Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing impairments, should contact Ryan Pell and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Rescind 761—Chapter 922 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 922

FEDERAL TRANSIT ASSISTANCE

761—922.1(324A) Projects for nonurbanized areas and private nonprofit transportation providers.

    922.1(1) General information. As required by 49 U.S.C. Sections 5310, 5311 and 5339, the department has been designated by the governor to administer the following programs within Iowa, subject to review by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA):

    a.  The enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities program, providing federal financial assistance for support of public transportation service to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

    b.  The rural areas formula grants program, providing federal financial assistance for support of public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000 as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

    c.  The grants for buses and bus facilities program, providing federal financial assistance for support of capital acquisitions for public transportation providers.

    922.1(2) State management plan.

    a.  The federal transit assistance programs referenced in subrule 922.1(1) will be administered according to the “Iowa State Management Plan for Administration of Funding and Grants Under the Federal Transit Administration, Sections 5310, 5311, 5316, 5317 and 5339 Programs,” dated May 2020, prepared by the department and approved by the FTA in conformance with FTA Circulars 9040.1H and 9070.1H.

    b.  Copies of the state management plan are available from the modal transportation bureau, Iowa Department of Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010; by telephone at 515.233.7870; or on the department’s website at www.iowadot.gov/transit.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 324A and 49 U.S.C. Sections 5310, 5311 and 5339.