Rob Portman

08/11/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/11/2022 17:18

Portman Announces Over $32 Million to Modernize Ohio’s Bus Fleets and Facilities

Portman Announces Over $32 Million to Modernize Ohio's Bus Fleets and Facilities

August 11, 2022| Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announcement that $32.3 million in grants have been made available to help modernize Ohio's bus fleets and facilities by helping transit agencies purchase or lease low- or no- emission vehicles.

"This is great news for Ohio. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law,these additional funds will help transit authorities all around Ohio improve their bus fleets - leading to not only lower carbon emissions nationwide, but also good-paying jobs and better transportation," said Portman.

The FTA investments announced today include:

  1. Stark Area Regional Transit Authority will receive $2.4 million for low and no emissions vehicles replacement and the construction of an on-site hydrogen production facility.
  2. Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) will receive $3.2 million for their 2025 CNG Replacement Bus Buy: Near-Zero Technology fueled with Renewable Natural Gas.
  3. Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will receive $26.7 million for their FY 2022 Low-No Emissions: Replace Diesel Buses with Battery Electric Buses & Charging Infrastructure

The Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Programprovides funding to state and local governments to purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities such as recharging, refueling, and maintenance facilities. A minimum 25 percent of the awards must go toward low emission projects other than zero emission/electric vehicles and related facilities. The bipartisan infrastructure law provides $5.5 billion over five years for the Low-No Program - more than 10 times greater than the previous five years of funding. For FY 2022, approximately $1.1 billion will be available for grants under this program.

NOTE:In May, Portman sent letters to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of PARTAand COTA's application for the Low or No Emission grant.

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