308: Transportation Cooperative SCAP Funding Assistance

Interdistrict transportation cooperatives are eligible for state funding assistance under a separate set of requirements from the typical SCAP eligibility calculations described elsewhere in this chapter. Rather than determining eligibility based on the standard SCAP space and project-type formulas, OSPI reviews the proposed transportation cooperative and project to determine which costs are eligible for state assistance.

An interdistrict transportation cooperative is generally formed by two or more school districts that share transportation operations and administrative functions. For purposes of state funding assistance under Chapter 392-346 WAC, the cooperative includes participating districts that anticipate making full use of the cooperative’s services and contribute their agreed share of local funding, as well as contract districts that agree to use the cooperative’s services for a specified period. The district where the facility will be located serves as the applicant district and is responsible for submitting the application for state funding assistance. See Chapter 392-346 WAC for the requirements governing interdistrict transportation cooperatives.

Under WAC 392-346-070, participating school districts may receive 90 percent state funding assistance for eligible transportation cooperative project costs. OSPI reviews the proposed project and determines which costs qualify for assistance. Districts considering formation of an interdistrict transportation cooperative or seeking funding for a transportation cooperative facility should contact their Regional Coordinator early in the process. The Regional Coordinator can help identify the applicable requirements, discuss the proposed project, and provide the appropriate application materials.

Transportation Cooperative Application Packet of Information

D-Form Application	Highlights
Letter of Formal Application	A formal letter from the school district’s superintendent submitting the application for funding assistance.
Tab A – Joint Resolutions	Include copies of joint resolutions adopted by the boards of directors of all participating school districts. These resolutions must: Confer contractual authority and future ownership to the board of directors of the district in which the facility will be located. Designate one participating district as the legal applicant.
Tab B – Description of Services and Transportation Details	Provide a written description of the services to be offered through the proposed interdistrict transportation cooperative. This section must: Identify the number of participating districts. Specify whether each cooperating district is a participating or contract district. Include a table detailing: The number of buses from each participating and contract district to be served. The estimated annual bus miles traveled for each participating and contract district.
Tab C – Project Facility Description	Submit a detailed description of the proposed facility. This must include: Total square footage. Proposed project timeline or schedule. Estimated total project cost, itemizing expenses such as construction, professional services, sales tax, and site development.
Tab D – Area Map and District Profiles	Include a map clearly indicating the location of the proposed facility in relation to all participating districts. Additionally, provide a brief profile for each participating district.
Tab E – Certification of Maintenance Fund	Complete and include OSPI Form D-3: Application for State Assistance for New Construction and/or Modernization of a School Facility. This can be found on the OSPI website or connect with your Regional Coordinator.
Tab G – Interdistrict Cooperative Agreement	Attach a copy of the executed interdistrict agreement between all participating districts. The agreement must include the following elements: Financial terms for each district’s participation in the cost of construction, modernization, and ongoing operation. Identification of the district responsible for administering the facility and programs, including a description of the services to be provided and those utilized by each district. The duration of the agreement. Procedures for dissolution of the cooperative arrangement, including but not limited to: Ownership of capital equipment and facilities. Distribution of assets or financial settlements among districts. The minimum operational period required before dissolution may be considered, along with provisions for review and approval by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in accordance with Chapter 392-345 WAC.