Published: October 31, 2008 09:20 pm      

Transportation grants issued to local governments in Southern Illinois

Staff Report

CHICAGO — A total of $5.88 million in federal funds have been distributed to 16 transportation agencies and local governments in Southern Illinois to improve public transportation services.

“Many of these agencies are the sole providers of public transportation in their communities,” Governor Rod Blagojevich stated. “These grants will help our downstate transit agencies continue to provide safe and reliable service to their customers and the riding public in Illinois.”

Two area transit districts will receive grant funding, which was announced for a total of 16 agencies. South Central Illinois Mass Transit District, which serves Jefferson, Marion, Clinton, Perry, Washington and Franklin County will receive $121,364; and Rides Mass Transit District, which serves Hamilton, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties will receive $121,364.

The grants are through the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Public and Intermodal Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration which provides federal funding through from the Discretionary Bus and Bus Facility program.

“Public transportation ridership is on the rise across the state,” IDOT Secretary Milt Sees said. “This funding will give downstate transit agencies and local governments the opportunity to upgrade the service they provide to the general public.”

The funds are earmarked for capital, and can be used to purchase new buses or for the rehabilitation and new construction of transit maintenance and garage facilities and stations.

“Annually we see an ever demanding need to replace older vehicles, provide vehicles for new or expanded service and as more and more Illinois residents are utilizing public transportation, the need for transit funding will continue to increase in the upcoming years,” stated Linda Podeschi, executive director of the Illinois Public Transportation Association. “This awards announcement could not come at a more opportune time for these 16 downstate systems.”