The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Monday that a total of $14 billion in federal funding would be allocated to the nation’s public transportation systems.
The funding, part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, is in addition to the $25 billion previously allocated to address losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in April 2020.
“This additional $14 billion in transit infrastructure grants will help ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to serve the millions of Americans who depend on them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, who resigned from her position on January 11, citing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
The $14 billion will go to recipients of urbanized area and rural area formula funds, with $13.27 billion allocated to large and small urban areas, and $678.2 million allocated to rural areas and tribes, with a final $50 million allocated for enhancing the mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The funding will not require any matching local dollars.
“We know that many of our Nation’s public transportation systems continue to face challenges due to COVID-19, and these supplemental funds will help ensure that safe transit services remain available for riders traveling to jobs, health care and other essential services in communities across America,” said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams.
CRRSAA is intended to pay for payroll and operational needs first and expenses related to the pandemic, like cleaning, personal protective equipment, preventive maintenance, and other measures for passengers and staff’s health and safety.
The FTA will host a webinar series to provide additional information, the DOT said. An FAQ page is also provided on its website to answer additional questions, the department said.