| Washington, D.C.-Congressman Dale E. Kildee announced today that the Northern Oakland Transportation Authority will receive $150,000 in federal funding. Kildee had requested these funds from the Appropriation Subcommittee on Transportation in order to expand and improve regional service. Kildee’s requests are included in the federal Transportation Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2002, which was approved by Congress today and will now be sent to the President.
“I am pleased that I was able to help secure funding for the expansion and growth of the Northern Oakland Transportation Authority,” said Kildee. “By providing more transit options and reliable services, the public’s interest and faith in NOTA services will continue to grow”.
Last year, Congressman Kildee obtained $250,000 in needed startup funds for the Northern Oakland Transportation Authority. This year’s $150,000 in funding will complete the second year of a two-year startup funding request. The new funding will be used towards the purchase of new transit vehicles and will also help fund the salaries of employees. In addition, this federal funding will continue to cover the additional operating costs associated with the Northern Oakland Transportation Authority.
This federal funding will ultimately increase and expand transit service in North Oakland County. Currently, the transit options and service in this largely rural area are insufficient and limited. As a result of these new funds, the Northern Oakland Transportation Authority will be able to better serve the residents and commuters of North Oakland County.
The Appropriation Subcommittee on Transportation also awarded $2 million in federal funding to Oakland International Airport. The federal funds will be used for several projects including noise reduction and land acquisition. | 
![[News from Congressman Dale Kildee]](letterhead.gif)