The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $2.2 billion in federal funding for additional pandemic-related assistance. The funding was included in the American Rescue Plan, which was passed into law in March 2021.
FTA awarded 35 entities in 17 states and the District of Columbia with the additional assistance funds that will help cover expenses related to day-to-day operations, cleaning and sanitization, combating the spread of pathogens on transit systems and retaining employees.
"Essential public transit workers have been on the front lines of the pandemic for two years, keeping our economy moving and helping Americans get where they need to go," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "This additional funding from the American Rescue Plan is helping communities across the country keep transit workers on the job and keep their trains and buses running."
The grants range from $367,832, which was awarded to the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments in Maine, up to the highest individual award of $769.2 million, which was granted to New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. California saw the most transit entities awarded funds where 13 transit agencies and municipalities received a total of $632.5 million.
"Millions of Americans rely on their local transit systems to get to work and school, access medical care and critical services, relieve congestion and reduce pollution," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "The pandemic has shown that public transportation is more essential than ever, which is why these funds are crucial to avoid drastic service cuts and layoffs that would damage the economy and public health."
Grant impacts
Owen P. O’Neil, executive director of the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, which received $12.5 million, notes the funding is crucial to the authority’s ability to deal with pandemic challenges and “meet the expanding mobility needs of a rapidly growing Lehigh Valley.”
President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit William Harrell says the $52.7 million in funding will support transit services that are critical to the resilience and recovery of the regional economy.
“This federal allotment will help mitigate ongoing risks and ensure long-term sustainability and operational performance of transit that supports citizens going to work, school, medical appointments and other lifeline destinations,” said Harrell.
Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority CEO Darryl Haley says the $62.3 million in funding the authority received will help offset revenue losses brought on by the pandemic, but the funds will serve a deeper purpose.
“Ultimately, this grant allows us to continue serving our community without reducing service levels and keeps them connected to jobs, education and medical services, while we continue to navigate through the effects of COVID-19,” said Haley.
A full list of grant recipients is available on FTA’s website.
