U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) officials said a $40.9 million grant award has been earmarked for Milwaukee County’s East West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project in Milwaukee, Wis.
The project’s total cost is $55.1 million, with the $40.9 million funding allotment being provided through the USDOT’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program.
“FTA is proud to join our partners in Wisconsin to improve public transportation in Milwaukee,” FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said. “The East West BRT project will provide fast and efficient service, improving mobility and travel times in this busy corridor. This federal investment is an economic boost for Milwaukee County as the project will create jobs and help communities continue to recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
The work scope includes a nine-mile BRT line from downtown Milwaukee to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, with a four-mile segment operating in exclusive bus lanes.
The USDOT indicated the FTA has advanced funding for 40 new CIG projects nationwide under the Trump administration since January 20, 2017 – totaling approximately $10.7 billion in funding commitments.
Additionally, projects accepted into the CIG program are required to undergo a multi-year, multi-step process according to requirements in law to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds.