March 5, 2010 -- Michigan's non-urban transit agencies and rural intercity bus service will share $12.4 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) grants, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
The funding represents Phase 2 of a two-part distribution of approximately $25 million to benefit Michigan's rural and small city bus passengers.
"Our goals for projects in this second phase of federal funding were to upgrade the overall condition of the rural transit fleet and improve the transit agencies' effectiveness and efficiency with equipment purchases and greening of existing facilities," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Rural transit systems are critical transportation lifelines in our counties and smaller cities. This funding will help our citizens commute to work, get to job-training opportunities, or visit a doctor."
Steudle explained that due to declines in state revenue, MDOT has been using its annual federal funding to support transit operations, while postponing capital projects. These Recovery Act funds will help MDOT "catch up," but do not address the long-term funding shortfall.
Overall, 62 counties will benefit from the funds. Among the most significant projects is at Thunder Bay Transportation Authority, which operates in Alpena, Alcona and Presque Isle counties. They will receive $546,000 for four transit buses, digital video recorders and operating assistance. In Bay County, Bay Metropolitan Transportation Authority will receive $500,125 for one bus, security improvements for their facility and operating assistance. Bay Area Transportation Authority, serving Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, will receive just over $1 million for six buses, surveillance equipment, mobile data terminals and operating assistance. Jackson Transportation Authority will receive $741,515 for two buses, upgrades to their computerized dispatch and operating assistance. Marquette County Transit Authority will receive almost $1.5 million for three buses, security cameras, facility energy improvements and operating assistance.
Rural intercity bus service also will be improved with the acquisition of up to seven new motor coaches and pathfinder signs. MDOT uses state and federal funding to contract with carriers to provide service that would not otherwise exist in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan.
Attached is the Phase 2 list of projects that were approved by the Federal Transit Administration, plus the project cost.
MDOT: Working with our partners at airports, bus systems, marine and rail to find innovative solutions for Michigan's transportation systems.
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