Otsego, MN - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer announced an award of $4,412,890 under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program for the replacement, rehabilitation, and acquisition of buses throughout Minnesota, including in the Sixth Congressional District. This grant was one of 96 selected projects throughout the country. 

A portion of these funds will replace outdated buses and improve stations throughout rural Minnesota. These funds historically have made up nearly a quarter of the state, local, and federal financing for bus and station improvements. 

“This important investment in the facilities and fleet throughout Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District will ensure safety and improve mobility for residents of our community,” said Emmer. “Investments in infrastructure, especially those that improve road and bridge transit are essential to Minnesota, including areas like St. Cloud and Buffalo. These areas serve as a hub for many commuters in Central Minnesota. With improved service reliability and newer technology, our community will be able to navigate our roads while reducing congestion."

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a total of $464 million in infrastructure grants to improve bus systems and increase accessibility for transit nationwide. The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program which awards these funds was authorized under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

"This Administration is committed to rebuilding our nation’s transportation infrastructure even through the current COVID-19 crisis, and this $464 million in federal grants will help improve the safety and reliability of transit bus service nationwide as the economy returns,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

"Millions of Americans rely on public transportation to access healthcare, jobs, and other vital services,” said Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. “During this unprecedented time, we need to ensure access and mobility for the riders who depend on our nation’s bus systems."

"Investing in safe and modern transportation options in Greater Minnesota helps people live independently and stay connected with their communities,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “MnDOT is grateful to our transit system partners across the state who helped advocate for the funding, and to the Federal Transit Administration for providing matching funds to replace buses with safer, more efficient models.”  

"Central Minnesotans rely on public transit to get to their destinations daily.  With this additional funding, we can ensure our services will be safe and reliable as our economy returns back to life." said St. Cloud Metro Bus Executive Director Ryan Daniels

###