Tester Secures Funding For Public Transit
As a part of his recently signed bipartisan infrastructure law, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced Feb. 8 that he secured $11.57 million for Montana public transit, including transit in urban and rural areas, on Indian Reservations and through buses and bus facilities across the state.
The funding secured by Tester can be used for transit systems in both urban and rural areas, buses and bus facilities, and transit designed for seniors and people with disabilities. It can also be used for planning and support to improve the condition of transit assets. Funding will be distributed through the Federal Transit Administration to the Montana Department of Transportation, Tribal nations, and urban areas via formula based grant programs.
“As the Treasure State continues to grow, it’s critical that we have affordable public transportation options in every corner of the state,” said Tester. “Public transit allows folks to get to work and school safely and is often the only mode of transportation for many folks in Montana. Investing in these systems will create good-paying jobs and help keep people connected safely and efficiently.
Funding secured by Tester is for the first 4.5 months of Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), with the rest of the FY22 funding being made available once the final FY22 appropriations are enacted.
A general breakdown of grant funding includes $4.36 million to rural areas, $3.44 million for buses and bus facilities statewide, $3.02 million for urban areas (Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula) and $0.53 million for public transportation on Indian Reservations.
Tester worked across the aisle for months to negotiate his bipartisan package with a group of five Republicans, four Democrats and the White House and he was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to vote for it.
