Small Urban Training Program

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) offers the Small Urban Training (SUT) Program, which provides training scholarships to small urban transit operations. These scholarships are intended to enhance management skills and foster professional networks by enabling participation in transit training, seminars, workshops, and conferences. The DRPT aims to support public and non-profit organizations that provide transportation or mobility management services in small urbanized areas of Virginia, defined as areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000. Eligible organizations include those receiving Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 funds, and specific providers such as Blacksburg Transit, Bristol Virginia Transit, and others. The SUT Program reimburses up to 80% of eligible expenses for courses, workshops, seminars, driver roadeos, and conferences related to public and specialized transportation. Funds can be used for training, technical assistance, and related support services, but not for lobbying activities or for-profit organizations under contract to Section 5307 recipients. Each applicant is limited to one SUT scholarship application per quarter for a meeting. The program also allows for the purchase of equipment to support training activities. To apply for a scholarship, organizations must submit their applications through WebGrants under the "Workforce Development - Small Urban Training (Rolling)" funding opportunity. The application must include a project name, description, justification, budget details, total project cost, and necessary attachments. The narrative should detail the program to be attended, the staff involved, and the anticipated benefits. Budget details must itemize estimated expenses, and attachments should include program agendas, travel fare details, hotel rates, and per diem explanations. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the requested program. Reimbursement guidelines stipulate that hotel, meal, and travel expenses must adhere to Federal General Services Travel Guidelines. Air, bus, and train fares should be booked at the lowest coach rates, and any fare increases must be pre-approved by DRPT. Rental car fees are generally not reimbursable unless justified by the program's location. Meal reimbursements are only valid for overnight travel, and alcoholic beverages are not covered. The reimbursement process requires submission of a claim in WebGrants, including a detailed list of expenses and per diem rates, within 30 days of travel completion. The SUT program also allows for out-of-state travel requests, typically approving one person per agency per year for such events. Applicants must provide a 20% match from non-state funds, as the program covers up to 80% of eligible expenses. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and program applicability, and additional information may be requested from the applicant if needed. Reimbursements are made to the agency, not the individual, and require submission of receipts for hotels, transportation, and parking, though meal receipts are not necessary. For further information or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact the DRPT directly. The specific contact information, including email and phone numbers, is not provided in the source text. The timeline for application submission, review, and reimbursement is structured to ensure clarity and efficiency, with the emphasis on adherence to guidelines and documentation requirements.

The SUT Program reimburses up to 80% of eligible expenses for courses, workshops, seminars, driver roadeos, and conferences related to public and specialized transportation. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the requested program. Reimbursement guidelines stipulate that hotel, meal, and travel expenses must adhere to Federal General Services Travel Guidelines. Air, bus, and train fares should be booked at the lowest coach rates, and any fare increases must be pre-approved by DRPT. Rental car fees are generally not reimbursable unless justified by the program's location. Meal reimbursements are only valid for overnight travel, and alcoholic beverages are not covered. The reimbursement process requires submission of a claim in WebGrants, including a detailed list of expenses and per diem rates, within 30 days of travel completion.