BRTA Granted $670K For Buses And Roof
.jpg) The BRTA is receiving $670,000 in federal funds for new vans and building maintenance. |
Gov. Deval Patrick and the state Department of Transportation announced a federal earmark of $13.2 million to 10 of the state's regional transit authorities on Tuesday, with $670,000 of that going to the Berkshires.
The money comes from three years of unused federal transportation funds and will provide the Berkshire authority with four new 14-passenger vans with fare boxes — at a cost of $420,000 — and a $250,000 roof and fencing for its 34-year-old maintenance facility in the Downing Parkway.
"The Obama administration has made a smart decision to put unspent dollars into necessary projects that create jobs," Patrick said in a prepared statement. "These projects reflect our commitment to improve public transportation for residents across the commonwealth."
The funds are part of the federal "We Can't Wait" initiative allowing states to reuse unused federal earmarks from 2003 to 2006 for highway and transit projects. The state Department of Transportation chose the "shovel-ready" projects for funding.
"Regional Transit Authorities provide a critical service to residents of every region of the commonwealth who depend on transit to get to work and school," said MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey. "MassDOT is pleased to partner with the RTAs in moving these projects forward."
Eleven projects in the state's 28 RTAs were funded. The projects are fully funded by the federal government and does not require state or local matches.
Tags: Berkshire Regional Transportation Authority, federal grants, transportation,
