"Eligible operating expenses" means direct labor, material and overhead expenses incurred on an accrual basis by an operator to provide mass transportation service in the urbanized area during one local fiscal year, including expenses for contractual services directly incident to the management and operation of transportation services, which are not otherwise reimbursed, and any expenditure which is an operating expense according to standard accounting practices for the providing of public transportation and which the Secretary may determine, consistent with federal Department of Transportation regulations and requirements.
30 ILCS 740/4-1.10