AKRON, Ohio — Two Northeast Ohio transit authorities have been awarded a combined $42 million in federal funding, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) announced on Friday.
The funding comes via a pair of Buses and Bus Facilities Grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The grants are a part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The funding -- which totals $42,121,665 -- will be used for the following:
- Akron Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority - $37,808,113: For the construction of a new maintenance and operations facility on Metro RTA’s existing campus.
- Western Reserve Transit Authority - $4,313,552: To reconstruct and improve WRTA’s bus barn, the agency’s primary facility for bus maintenance and operations.
Here's what local officials are saying about the grants:
Senator Brown: “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is getting resources to Ohio communities to improve transportation and support Ohio workers. We fought to secure this investment to create jobs and to connect people with jobs – saving them time and money. I’m working to make sure Ohio gets its fair share – or more – of infrastructure investment, so Ohio communities can improve transit options and create opportunity.”
Rep. Sykes: “METRO Regional Transit exemplifies excellence in their commitment to enhancing the mobility and quality of life for Ohioans in the 13th Congressional District. Their unwavering efforts to improve transportation accessibility, promote sustainable solutions, and foster economic growth have made a lasting impact in Summit County. The Federal Transit Administration's recognition and support of this outstanding organization will play a pivotal role in empowering METRO Regional Transit to continue their mission of serving Ohio's 13th Congressional District with distinction.”
Dawn Distler Chief Executive Officer, Akron Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority (METRO) RTA: “Securing this funding from the FTA was a direct result of the unwavering support of Senator Brown and his staff as well as the dedicated effort from the team here at METRO. The Maintenance and Operations Facility will be a key component to ensuring we can further our mission and continue to offer fair and equitable transportation solutions to the community we serve 365 days a year. Our current facility was built in the ‘80s before we were a countywide system and had fewer than 100 buses. We now have over 230 buses, and as we continue to grow, this facility will enable us to serve the region for years to come. This funding represents a landmark investment in keeping our community thriving, and that is a legacy we can all be proud of."
Dean Harris, Executive Director of the Western Reserve Transit Authority: “This Buses and Bus Facilities grant award will provide funding for the replacement of one of our bus barns that hasn’t been updated since the 1970’s and when the update is complete the new bus barn will be ready for the future with the ability to charge battery electric buses and make our operation more efficient."