WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/25/2009) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says $3.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds will be used for transit upgrades and improvements in Wisconsin. The grants include the purchase of buses in Eau Claire, and Appleton, plus some other transportation related needs in the Appleton and Eau Claire areas of the state. The ARRA funds distribution to Wisconsin brings the total now to 415 grants and the amount to $3.8 Billion dollars for transit improvements.

“The Recovery Act was put in place quickly to rescue the economy from the worst recession since the Great Depression and rebuild it for a stronger future,” said Secretary LaHood.

“Rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure is a key part of that prescription for strength,” LaHood pointed out.

"It creates jobs today and builds a better, more sustainable economy moving forward,” LaHood explained.

Grants are being awarded as follows:

- City of Eau Claire: $2 million for the purchase of four 35-foot replacement buses, one 40-foot replacement bus, diesel fuel vehicles and capital items.

- City of Appleton: $1.5 million to purchase three 29-foot hybrid electrical buses, capital items, roof replacement, passenger shelters, fareboxes and route signs.

Since President Obama signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) into law on Feb. 17, 2009, 415 grants totaling $3.8 billion have been made available for transit improvements throughout the nation.

“These funds are creating jobs now while investing in the future of our transit systems,” said Administrator Peter Rogoff of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“The public’s demand for transit service continues to grow, and these dollars will help meet that need,” Rogoff added.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has made $48.1 billion available for highway, road, transit, bridge and airport construction and repairs nationwide.

Of the total $48.1 billion, $21.9 billion already, or nearly half, has been obligated to fund more than 6,658 approved projects in 55 U.S. States and Territories.