ITEM TITLE:
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Consider approving the Interim City Attorney to sign the Opinion of Counsel for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) acknowledging Ryan Landers’ authority to execute all appropriated FTA grants that the Transit Trust have approved and to manage the same.
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INITIATOR: Christine James, Planning Director
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Ryan Landers, LATS General Manager
BACKGROUND: The Opinion of Counsel is a legal document that empowers Ryan Landers to carry out the activities specified in the City Transit Trust approved grant award.
The opinion is necessary for several reasons. First, federal law requires the FTA to have this opinion on file for every grantee of FTA funds. Second, it communicates who the applicant is as well as who the designated recipient is and ensures that the FTA and the applicant, the Lawton Transit Trust, have a clear understanding of that statute. Third, it establishes the legal chain of authority, i.e. that the Lawton Transit Trust has received authority from the designated recipient, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
The opinion also advises the FTA that there is no threatened litigation or legal impediment to receiving these funds, and that the applicant is legally able to receive federal assistance and how it will use its authority to provide assistance to serve public transit needs of the community.
Additionally, this is a new required document by FTA for grant execution.
EXHIBIT: Opinion of Counsel Letter
KEY ISSUES: Without this signed document, the Lawton Transit Trust will not be able to execute any grants.
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
RECOMMENDED TRUST ACTION: Approve the Interim City Attorney to sign the Opinion of Counsel for FTA acknowledging Ryan Landers’ authority to execute all FTA appropriated grants that the Transit Trust have approved and to manage the same.