| Washington, D.C.- Congressman Dale E. Kildee announced today that the Flint Mass Transit Authority will receive over $3 million for long-term improvements to the transit system. The Greater Lapeer Transit Authority will also receive $350,000 in funding. Kildee had requested these funds from the Appropriation Subcommittee on Transportation in order to meet the demands of regional expansion and increased transit options in the Ninth District. 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 to have worked for dedicated earmarked funding for transit projects in Flint and Lapeer,” said Kildee. “High quality public transit is vital to our economy, and especially to those citizens, such as low income workers and senior citizens, who do not have ready access to automobiles.”
Over $3 million in funding for Flint MTA is provided for three different mass transit programs. The Flint Mass Transit Authority will use $1,050,000 of the new federal funds towards the purchase of 20 thirty-five foot replacement vehicles for increased service during peak hours of travel. The funding will also be used to replace 10 fifteen-passenger vans for curb-to-curb service and to replace 5 twenty-five foot buses for transportation of persons with disabilities.
The Flint MTA also received $1 million in funding to expand its popular reverse commute program. By ensuring efficient, reliable transportation of workers to jobs, the reverse commute venture has been of benefit to both employers and employees.
In order to improve the intelligent transportation system, the Flint MTA will receive $1 million in funding to develop an automatic vehicle locator system. This system would ensure maximum fleet efficiency and it will ensure the system’s ability to provide accurate information to passengers regarding the location of buses. This funding is vital to the long-term growth and maintenance of the regional transit system. By providing more efficient and reliable services, the public’s faith and use of Flint MTA services will continue to grow.
The Lapeer Transit Authority will use its $350,000 in new federal funds towards the purchase of new buses to meet the increased demand for service by commuters and residents in Lapeer County. | 
![[News from Congressman Dale Kildee]](letterhead.gif)