|
Washington, D.C.- Congressman Dale E. Kildee announced today that the Flint Mass Transit Authority would receive over $1.6 million for long-term improvements to the transit system. The Bay Metropolitan Transit Authority will also receive $500,000 in federal aid to purchase new vehicles. Kildee had originally requested these funds from the Appropriation Subcommittee on Transportation in order to meet the demands of regional expansion and increased transit options in the 5th District. Kildee’s requests are included in the federal Transportation Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2004, which was recently approved by the Appropriations Committee.
“I am delighted that I was able to secure earmark funding for transit projects in Flint and Bay City. This funding will ensure that residents in my congressional district have access to the best public transportation available,” said Kildee. “A reliable public transportation system is vital to the economic prosperity and public safety of our area because it provides area residents with better access to facilities and services throughout the district.”
The Flint Mass Transit Authority will use the $1,608,000 earmark to fund two different mass transit programs. The Flint MTA will use $1 million to expand its popular job access reverse commute program. The commuter program has been extremely beneficial to employees and employers in the region by providing affordable, efficient and reliable transportation to jobs, and by expanding job access in six regional communities. The Flint Mass Transit Authority will use $608,000 of the new federal funds to purchase new and replacement vehicles.
The Bay Metropolitan Transportation Authority will use the $500,000 earmark to purchase 3 new medium sized buses. The three replacement vehicles will provide area residents with a safe, reliable and affordable alternative to individual passenger vehicles. These new buses will help alleviate congestion and increase traffic safety by encouraging commuters to take public transportation. The three new medium-sized buses will replace three existing buses that have been in operation since 1987.
|
