Changes to county policies can go a long way to make programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities; often the largest barrier to accessibility is cost! The ADA State and Local Government Training and Technical Assistance Project, a joint effort of NACo, the National League of Cities and the Council of State Governments, receives many requests for information about potential funding sources for help with the costs of removing architectural and communication barriers under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This article highlights several funding programs that the project team has learned about during the first two years of the project.
Some communities have made creative use of two sources of federal funding: ISTEA funds through the Department of Transportation and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds through Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In the past, ISTEA has helped fund sidewalk upgrades and curb cuts. (While federal guidance indicates that ISTEA projects cannot be undertaken with the primary purpose of complying with the ADA, all projects undertaken with federal funds must comply with the ADA.) For example, West Memphis, Ark. has undertaken streetscape renovation using ISTEA funds. During this renovation, curb ramps were rebuilt to ADA standards. In addition, sidewalks were adjusted to meet existing floors, bringing entrances into businesses in compliance with ADA requirements. ISTEA enhancement funds defrayed 80 percent of the cost of this project ($250,000 out of $300,000 total cost). ISTEA is up for reauthorization this year and the role of these monies to meet ADA obligations is under debate. Funding available through the CDBG Program at HUD may be used for accessibility purposes. CDBG monies can be used for many ADA-related actions, including installation of ramps, curb cuts, wider doorways, wider parking spaces and elevators. CDBG monies have been used to fund a variety of innovative projects serving people with disabilities and the elderly, enhancing mobility for all.
For example, Lake County, Ill. used CDBG monies to install signage and a new assistive listening system in most of its courtrooms.
In addition, the county awarded CDBG money to a school district to make bathrooms accessible, to widen doors, and to install strobe smoke and fire alarms. The county has also awarded money to nonprofits to create accessible bathrooms and automatic door openers. The county sets aside $100,000 each year out of its public facilities CDBG monies for ADA improvements.
Two states have revamped their statutes regarding parking for the disabled, providing the possibility that assessed fines could serve as a source of funding for ADA projects. Under Florida state law, local authorities must fine persons who park illegally in spots reserved for the disabled a minimum of $100 up to $250. One-third of any fines in excess of the minimum must be used for administrative program costs. The remainder may be used 1) to help pay for improving local accessibility and equal opportunity to qualified physically disabled persons, and/or 2) to help pay for local public awareness programs concerning physically disabled persons.
Last year, Broward County, Fla. raised $60,000 by taking advantage of this statutory authority. Broward has used fines collected from individuals who park in handicapped parking spaces for special projects addressing issues affecting persons with disabilities.
Broward County's activities include: 1) a disability awareness award program; 2) promotion for a disability exposition about assistive devices; and 3) every other year, a special educational program. The most recent ADA educational program was targeted to small businesses.
The Commonwealth of Virginia recently passed a statute, effective July 1, allowing local governments to revise their ordinances about parking for disabled individuals. Under this law, local governments: 1) have the option of prohibiting free parking for people with disabilities at meters, 2) must set a minimum fine for illegally parking in a disabled parking space of $100, and 3) may set a fine up to $500.
While Virginia's law does not specify how the collected money should be allocated in a local budget, counties appear to be free to use the money to defray the costs of ADA implementation. Using the authority provided under this statute, Arlington County has projected a minimum revenue increase of $250,000 from increased fines and meter payments. (Both Florida and Virginia allow the use of volunteers to help police the unauthorized use of parking spaces targeted for the disabled).
"Access Salt Lake City" is a funding solution based on the private sector that can easily be adapted for other purposes. Salt Lake City developed the project to fund curb cuts within the central business district through donations from businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals. The project raised $99,000, and all donations were tax deductible.
To encourage participation, the city developed a multilevel pricing scheme. For a $600 contribution, a patron can purchase a single four-inch brass medallion. This medallion, along with others in this category, can be inserted at access points and crosswalks throughout the city. For a $1,200 donation, a patron can purchase a six-inch medallion. These medallions are placed at single corner locations. For $6,000, a donor can purchase four eight-inch brass medallions that can be inserted at a corner's access points. All medallions have the city seal and the contributor's name. The city and the contributor work together to select an appropriate site.
If you have funding or cost-sharing solutions that have worked in your county, please fax a description to: Margaret M. Rice, ADA Project coordinator, fax: 703/533-9189; e-mail: <magrice@aol.com>. Your ideas will become part of a follow-up article.
Next issue: How counties have shared costs in ADA implementation.