Kildee Announces $3.1 Million for Flint MTA

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) would receive nearly $3.1 million to improve the quality of Flint public transit. The funds will be used to purchase new buses, rehabilitate aging buses and construct a new service center in Swartz Creek. As gas prices in Michigan average $4.18 per gallon, commuters are relying more heavily on mass transportation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation discretionary grant delivers $2.6 million secured by a Kildee earmark in the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The grant also provides an additional $450,000 that will be used to build a service and maintenance center in Swartz Creek.

“An efficient and reliable public transit system will be critical in reducing our consumption of and dependence upon foreign oil,” said Kildee. “Modern and environmentally friendly buses will provide commuters in Genesee County with an economical and fuel efficient alternative to avoid more pain at the gas pump.”

"This grant will help the MTA enhance the quality of service provided to our customers, by improving the condition of our fleet and facilities,” said Flint MTA General Manager Bob Foy.  “We appreciate the support from our congressman to see that funds are earmarked for this purpose."

To replace buses purchased in 1983, the Flint MTA will purchase five 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses. The MTA is working in partnership with Kettering University to develop and test new technology for large passenger vehicles, resulting in 30-40% increases in the conservation of fossil fuels.

In addition, these federal funds will be used by the Flint MTA to help complete its program to rehabilitate 82 of its 92 vehicles. Mid-life bus rehabilitation nearly doubles the life of a bus at a cost that is half that of a new vehicle.