WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today announced $41.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds for transit improvements in Virginia.

“Increasing access to public transportation is a catalyst for economic growth and provides an affordable alternative for getting more cars off our congested highways,” said Senator Webb. “Today’s $41 million investment will help ensure public safety, bolster security measures and put people to work while at the same time benefiting the Commonwealth’s transportation needs.”

“These Recovery Act funds will create jobs and promote greater use of mass transit,” Senator Warner said. “Smart investments in our infrastructure will help these communities build stronger transportation networks and create more sustainable economies moving forward.”

Grants are being awarded as follows:

·      Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park: $13.7 million to purchase a locomotive, two buses, signage, shelters and equipment. 

·      Greater Richmond Transit Company: $12.5 million for the purchase of 38 vans for paratransit service, eleven 40-foot replacement buses, preventative maintenance, bus stop signs and vehicle surveillance cameras. 

·      Greater Lynchburg Transit Company: $5.2 million to purchase seven buses, equipment and passenger amenities.

·      Town of Blacksburg: $4.5 million to purchase seven buses, equipment, computer hardware and software, and passenger amenities.

·      Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation: $3.8 million for the purchase of 50 vans, two buses, engineering/architectural services, and paving for rural operators throughout the state.

·      City of Harrisonburg: $1.7 million to purchase four buses, passenger shelters, equipment and passenger amenities.

Since President Obama signed ARRA into law on Feb. 17, 2009, grants totaling more than $4.2 billion have been made available for transit improvements throughout the nation. 

“These funds are creating jobs now while investing in the future of our transit systems,” said Administrator Peter Rogoff of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).  “The public’s demand for transit service continues to grow, and these dollars will help meet that need.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation has made $48.1 billion available for highway, road, transit, bridge and airport construction and repairs nationwide.  Of that, $23.9 billion already has been obligated to fund nearly 7,500 approved projects in 55 U.S. states and territories.

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