Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces $346.2 Million in Federal Recovery Act Funds for Transit Improvements Throughout U.S.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that 54 grants totaling $346.2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are being awarded for much needed transit improvements throughout the U.S. 

            “There is a positive economic multiplier effect each time a recovery grant is awarded,” said Secretary LaHood.  “The transit agency can now advertise for contracts, contractors can then begin hiring workers and workers can begin spending the money they earn, putting it back into the economy.  That’s economic stimulus.”

These funds are made available through the Federal Transit Administration assistance programs. More than $1.79 billion has been made available throughout the nation since President Obama signed the law.

“These projects will put people back to work quickly, improve transportation options for millions, and will help rebuild the nation’s economy,” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009, signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009, includes $8.4 billion for transit capital improvements.  This law implements the transit formula program related provisions of the ARRA and provides program and grant application requirements for these funds, to be made available through Federal Transit Administration assistance programs. 

Specific grant information can be found on the ARRA Grants Digest.

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