Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and U.S. Representatives Richard E. Neal (D-MA-01), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Bill Keating (D-MA-09), Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (D-MA-05), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) to announce that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded Massachusetts state and regional transit authorities an estimated total of more than $196,126,742 in funding under the Further Extending Government Funding Act, which provides partial-year spending authority through February 18, 2022. The amounts also include funding identified as advance appropriations in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2022) for the State of Good Repair and the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities formula programs. These FTA grants are allocated to local public transit systems, to help fund buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, ferries, and other services.
Massachusetts will also receive nearly $2,799,561,540 of guaranteed transit formula funding over the next 5 years. In fiscal year 2022, the state’s urban and rural transit providers will receive $536,539,937 with $196,126,742 available immediately and the remainder delivered later this year. This critical down payment on Massachusetts infrastructure will help public transit agencies invest in expanding service, job training, and new low- and no- emission buses.
Full-year formula funding will be available following Congressional action to pass an FY 2022 appropriations act. Once enacted, transit funding will be available at the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding levels.
“I am extremely pleased to see Massachusetts start to receive the critical funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for our public transit systems,” said Rep. Lynch. “These investments will improve transportation safety, create a greener, more efficient transit system and will remove transportation barriers that continue to afflict our seniors and the disabled due to outdated vehicles, stations and terminals. I look forward to seeing the enormous impact these projects will have on our environment and all the residents of the Commonwealth.”
“Massachusetts’ public transit agencies support commuters day in and day out – it’s how hundreds of thousands of people get to work.” Senator Warren said. “This is the first installment of $2.8 billion of federal funding coming to Massachusetts to upgrade the T, purchase electric buses, modernize the Commonwealth’s transit system, and take bold steps to address climate change.”
“This week’s transit funding announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the expansion, accessibility, and efficiency of public transportation in Massachusetts,” said Senator Markey. “With this funding, our transit system can begin to meet the public transportation standards that the 21st century demands. We can promote more environmentally sustainable and safe transportation for the entire Commonwealth. I am proud to have helped secure with my delegation colleagues this federal investment in the Commonwealth and look forward to the opportunities that will continue to be created from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.”
“Our public transportation systems literally keep our communities moving forward,” said Rep. Neal, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “Thanks to President Biden, the Bipartisan Infrastrastructure Law is providing relief and support to our regional transit authorities so that they can keep doing so.”
“Everyone in Massachusetts deserves to have access to affordable and reliable public transportation,” said Rep. McGovern. “These new grants are fantastic news for Central and Western Massachusetts, which stand to receive nearly $20 million in this round of funding to upgrade services and help enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This is not only going to save people time and money by upgrading our aging infrastructure, it’s going to improve economic opportunity for countless families throughout our region. I will continue working to make sure that federal money is distributed equitably throughout the commonwealth.”
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is already paying dividends for the people of Massachusetts,” said Rep. Keating. “These transit funds will make an impact on the hundreds of thousands of Bay Staters who rely on public transportation every day. Specifically, these investments in New Bedford’s public transit and efforts toward increasing accessibility for seniors and the disabled on Cape Cod are desperately needed, and I look forward to more funding opportunities as the BIF continues to be implemented.”
“Public transit should be treated as a public good, and these welcome federal investments will help connect more people in Massachusetts to jobs, schools, health care, and other critical resources,” said Rep. Pressley. “Investments in safe and reliable public transit are imperative to accessibility and connectivity in our communities, and we must ensure this funding is distributed swiftly and equitably. In the meantime, I’ll continue working to pass the Build Back Better Act to so we can make the remaining investments our workers and families need in this moment.”
“Every single Massachusetts resident will benefit from the federal investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package. That’s especially true for individuals and families that rely on public transit to get to work and school. The funding amounts announced today by the Federal Transit Administration are a signal of the unprecedented level of federal transit funding making its way to the Commonwealth to make public transit options more efficient, accessible, and eco-friendly. I look forward to seeing the ways these investments are put to use improving the lives of everyone who calls the Third District home,” said Rep. Trahan.
“This FTA funding will improve reliability and lower costs for Bay Staters who take transit,” said Rep. Auchincloss.
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