Wisconsin recently invested more than $5.2 million in Madison and more than $19.7 million in Milwaukee County for transit services. The funding is through the state’s portion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.
Republican legislators cut public transit funding in Milwaukee and Madison by 50 percent over the biennium through the State Urban Mass Transit Operating Assistance Program. This week’s funding fills the gap.
“For our most urban centers to be targeted by Republican cuts during the last budget was a slap in the face to the disproportionate number of Wisconsinites in those communities who depend on public transit to get to school, work, doctor’s appointments — you name it,” Gov. Tony Evers said. “I am glad to be putting our ARPA funds to good use in these communities to help ensure our families, workers and businesses, and our economic drivers for the state continue to bounce back from the pandemic and see long-term economic recovery.”
Last week, Evers announced $50 million in funding is available through the Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment grant program and $200 million is available through the Neighborhood Investment Fund. Both grant programs are designed to help communities rebound and recover from the coronavirus pandemic.