|
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.
|
