The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded $4.1 million to the Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District through a Buses and Bus Facilities Program grant.
The program provides funding for the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment or the construction of bus-related facilities. Funding is provided through formula allocations and competitive grants.
Funding for fiscal year 2021 was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The grant has the support of Missouri lawmakers.
“Maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient bus system in the St. Louis area is essential for people to get where they need to go – whether it’s work, a doctor’s appointment, or the grocery store,” U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Senate Appropriations Committee member, said. “It’s also an important factor in deciding where to start or grow a business. Investing in critical transportation needs, as this targeted grant funding does, will help create more economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for local families.”
“Everyone in St. Louis deserves access to reliable, healthy, and safe public transportation,” U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) said. “By investing in comprehensive public transportation, we can connect our communities, cut down on traffic, and tackle the climate crisis – all at once.”