U.S. Department of Transportation Awards $22.1 Million to Michigan for Transit

Federal Transit Administration
January 18, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 18, 2001
Contact: Karen Clarke
Telephone: (202) 366-0787
FTA 03-01

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced a grant of $22.1 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to the Michigan Department of Transportation for the replacement of aging transit buses and the construction of bus maintenance facilities.

"Investing in public transit projects is key to creating more livable communities and is vital as we move our nation into the new century and the new millennium," said Secretary Slater. "Safe, efficient and reliable transportation improves the quality of life for all people by encouraging economic development and making community resources more accessible."

Funds from this grant will aid in the purchase of up to twelve transit buses in Detroit and its surrounding suburbs; up to 64 buses in Lansing and Flint; up to 25 vans in Flint; up to 25 buses in Battle Creek, Bay City, Port Huron, Kalamazoo and Saginaw; and up to 149 buses for four rural areas of the state. The grant also will help with the construction of bus facilities in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Monroe, Muskegon and four rural areas.

The 2001 Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a record $58.5 billion for transportation programs in America. The funding and other provisions it contains will help the country meet the transportation needs of the 21st century by continuing to provide a safe, sustainable system of transportation that safeguards the environment and supports economic growth.