Peters, Stabenow Applaud Transportation Funding for Flint

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today applauded support for the City of Flint from the Department of Transportation’s Bus and Bus Facilitates Competitive Program. The Flint Mass Transportation Authority will receive $12,800,000 in funding for the purchase of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transit buses and a workforce development training program for mechanics and drivers. The grant will help with the purchase of approximately 23 new buses.

“This exciting transportation announcement is welcome news for the people of Flint, who will greatly benefit from increased connectedness and service,” said Senator Peters. “With expanded bus service, families in Flint will have greater access to the education, health care, recreation, and employment opportunities they need to lead happy and healthy lives.”

“These 23 new buses are important news for Flint families who rely on bus transportation to get to grocery stores, schools, doctor’s appointments and work,” said Senator Stabenow. “As Flint continues to recover, this investment will help the city improve public transportation for the many families who depend on it each day.”

“We are extremely excited about what this means for the Flint and Genesee county community and the many people who depend on public transportation,” said Edgar H. Benning, General Manager of the Flint Mass Transportation Authority. “This funding allows us to replace busses that are 20 years old and bring in new vehicles that use compressed natural gas. These new vehicles are environmentally friendly, energy efficient and much more sustainable for our community. We are very appreciative of the work Senator Stabenow, Senator Peters and Congressman Kildee have done to support us in this effort.”

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities.