Washington, D.C.  - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) would receive $300,000 in federal aid to improve facilities and install automated fare boxes.  The funds were appropriated by the House in the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill at the request of Congressman Kildee.  

“I am pleased that I was able to secure earmarked funding for public transit in Saginaw.  This funding will ensure that residents will have access to affordable public transportation as gas prices in Saginaw still average $3.00 per gallon,” said Kildee.  “A reliable public transportation system is vital to economic prosperity and public safety and provides residents with better access to facilities and services.”

Funding will be used to renovate and expand the Rosa Parks Operations Center.  Upgraded facilities will include a new training center, a new information technology center, and improvements to the garage.  New administrative and management offices will be included in an addition to the existing structure.

In addition, automated fare boxes will be placed in STARS busses.  The fare boxes will provide information to the Transit Authority to synchronize passenger data with bus schedules for increased reliability.

Funding for STARS projects must be approved by the Senate and the President to be appropriated.