The Metropolitan Council on April 20 adopted an FTA authorizing resolution that the council says is necessary to remain eligible for Federal Transit Administration grants and awards.

Council Member Barber, presenting the transportation committee report, explained that the FTA recently enhanced its Grants Management system and required updated labeling of the authorizing resolution beginning March 5, 2025. "One of the prerequisites to be recipient of Federal Transit Administration funding is demonstrating legal capacity to carry out the projects included in federal assistance awards," Barber said. He moved adoption of the resolution.

Barber said the council had passed a similar resolution in 2006, and this new resolution brings the council's documents up to date with FTA's updated requirements and labeling. The resolution also delegates authority to act on behalf of the council for transmitting grant applications and related actions, he said.

The council approved the resolution during the meeting; the transcript records the passage but does not include a roll-call vote tally in the provided excerpt.

Why it matters: keeping the council's authorizing resolution current is a prerequisite for applying for and receiving FTA grants that fund transit capital and operating projects across the region. Staff said the updated resolution clears the way for future FTA grant applications and awards.