The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently awarded four transit agencies and one city more than $25.8 million in Low- and No-Emission grants awards.
“These grants will contribute directly to Minnesota’s goal of a multimodal transportation system that maximizes the health of people, the environment, and our economy,” Mark Nelson, assistant MnDOT’s Office of Transit and Active Transportation director, said. “They highlight our state’s commitment to low- and no emission vehicles in public transit and working toward a more environmentally responsible fleet across the state.”
Awardees include:
Metro Transit received $17.5 million to purchase battery-electric buses, chargers and bus equipment and to fund work-force development. The project supports the agency’s goal of reducing emissions while decreasing barriers to employment and growing the local work force.
The city of Rochester received $7.4 million to build a park-and-ride lot that will allow motorists to park outside downtown and take Rochester Public Transit.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation, on behalf of Tri-Valley Opportunity Council (Heartland Express) and Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council (Prairieland Transit) received $1.5 million to purchase propane-fueled buses and support fueling equipment. The project will lower maintenance costs for these greater Minnesota rural transit providers.
White Earth Public Transit received $723,171 to purchase low-emission buses with electronic farebox systems.