WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded Minnesota $166.5 million in federal funding for 2022 through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act to strengthen public transit infrastructure. Specifically, the investments will help communities across Minnesota expand transit services, modernize their fleets, and conduct necessary repairs.
“Public transit infrastructure investments help reduce traffic and make it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will support the expansion of services and modernization of transit infrastructure, making a real difference in communities across our state. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Minnesotans will be better able to safely and reliably access public transportation.”
“Each day, transit systems connect Minnesotans to their jobs, schools, grocery stores and countless other opportunities – all while reducing traffic congestion and reducing pollution,” said Smith. “These investments – from new, modern buses to expanded service – will help connect Minnesota communities large and small.”
The historic transit investments provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will significantly increase funding for several key grant programs that support:
- Mass transit in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs;
- Transit for rural and Tribal communities;
- Maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation projects for transit agencies;
- Incentives to purchase low-emission vehicles for transit agency use; and
- Efforts to make transit more accessible for the elderly and disabled.
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Klobuchar and Smith supported, was enacted in November and makes the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history. The legislation delivers significant investments to improve the state’s roads, bridges, and public transportation, as well as Minnesota’s water infrastructure.
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