Public transportation in Mississippi is getting a boost from D.C.
As part of a nationwide effort to improve the safety and reliability of America’s bus systems and enhance mobility for transit riders, the Federal Transit Administration has granted $11 million to support two projects in Mississippi.
“Public bus systems throughout the country provide millions of Americans access to jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, and other vital services,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The funding supports efforts to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment, as well as projects to purchase, rehabilitate, and construct bus-related facilities.
“More people travel by bus than any other form of public transportation,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. “This Administration is committed to rebuilding our nation’s transportation infrastructure and helping to improve bus service nationwide.”
Mississippi projects selected to receive funding are as follows:
- Coast Transit Authority will receive $5.4 million to construct a bridge structure between the Gulfport Transit Center and the Jones Park Bus Station in Gulfport, MS. This project will provide pedestrian safety and improved mobility between these two locations.
- The Mississippi Department of Transportation will receive $5.68 million to purchase new buses. This project will support service expansion throughout the state and help meet the needs of Mississippi residents who rely on transportation services to get to employment opportunities and an increasing demand for health care destinations.
Demand for FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program far exceeded available funds, as FTA received applications for 318 eligible projects totaling approximately $1.9 billion in funding requests, from a total of 270 applicants in 43 states and territories. Project proposals were evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
A list of the selected projects is available here.
Federal public transportation law (49 USC § 5339(b)), as amended by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, authorizes FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program through FY2020.
In Fiscal Year 2019, FTA has made available more than $12 billion in funding through both formula and competitive grant programs to support public transportation.
