Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has been awarded $22.9 million in federal funding for public transit agencies throughout the state.
The money, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, would provide grants to 17 public transit agencies that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Public transit agencies and their employees are a lifeline to thousands of Kentuckians who depend on them for daily transportation,” Beshear said. “For those Kentuckians, the bus service is how they get to doctor appointments, the grocery, and other essential locations.”
The money can be spent on operational expenses, including administrative leave of absence for employees forced to self-isolate because of exposure to people infected with the coronavirus. The funds can also be used to purchase personal protective equipment, fuel, disinfection services, and protective barriers.
Public transit across the state has lost ridership and revenue because of the pandemic and has lost employee time due to illness, as well.
“These agencies are struggling financially, and this funding is sorely needed to keep services running and our people protected,” Gray said.
Transit agencies will split the grant for $22,894,101. The grant awards range from Gateway Community Services Organization in Montgomery County receiving only $35,000, while Blue Grass Community Action Partnership that serves Anderson, Boyle, Casey, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Mercer, Scott, Washington, and Woodford counties in central Kentucky will receive $4,689,146.