Section 6-20-2704 - Transportation Modernization Grant Program grantsThe Transportation Modernization Grant Program grants shall be used for the following purposes without limitation:
(1) Transportation resource sharing with neighboring public school districts or open-enrollment public charter schools;(2) Developing or contracting with rideshare programs or engaging neighborhood carpool strategies;(3) Developing options for reducing costs and improving efficiencies, including without limitation exploring the use of fleet vehicles or using technology to lead to more efficient routing;(4) Developing options to address personnel shortages or challenges;(5)(A) Funding in lieu of grants given to parents.(B)(i) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school that uses funding in lieu of grants given to parents under subdivision (5)(A) of this section shall give priority to enrolled students who: (a) Meet the economic eligibility requirements established under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. § 1771 et seq., as in effect on January 1, 2023, and National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1751, as in effect on January 1, 2023, for free or reduced-price lunches; and(b) Are attending a public school district or an open-enrollment public charter school through open enrollment, if such information is available.(ii) A student who attends a school participating in a community eligibility program is eligible under subdivision (5)(A) of this section;(6) Partnering with school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools and licensed childcare facilities that accept publicly funded students to reevaluate bus routes to decrease ride time for students, with a priority on routes serving elementary and middle school grades;(7) Developing collaborations with public schools, early childhood care and education programs, and community partners to identify solutions to ensure students' safe and effective passage to school and early childhood care and education programs; and(8) Other relevant grant activities as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 44, eff. 3/8/2023.