July 10, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2024
Contact: Michiganinfrastructure@michigan.gov
Michigan Transit Authorities Receive Over $72 Million in Federal Funding to Modernize Bus Fleets and Deploy Clean Transit Buses
Funding puts cleaner vehicles on roads, aids in reducing air pollution and supports manufacturing jobs
LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) today announced multiple transit authorities have received a total of $72.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA.) These investments, made possible by President Biden's Investing in America agenda, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), will help transit agencies replace aging buses, build bus facilities, support zero-emission buses, provide good-paying jobs and improve the reliability of transit systems. This investment also addresses environmental equity issues. Whether you live in an urban or rural community, creating more clean transit and making it more accessible will have a positive impact on the air we breathe and move us toward ensuring every Michigander has access to clean air.
The FTA's Low- or No-Emission Program helps transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built zero-emission and low-emission transit buses along with charging equipment and supporting facilities. FTA's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans and building bus facilities.
"We are thrilled to announce this significant federal investment in Michigan's transit infrastructure. Thanks to the Biden Administration, these funds will bring substantial improvements to our transit systems,” said Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “By replacing aging buses, building new facilities and supporting zero-emission vehicles, we are not only reducing air pollution but also advancing good-paying jobs, training current employees in clean infrastructure and ensuring reliable transportation for our communities. This funding is a testament to Michigan's leadership in clean energy and a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for our state."
Fueling the Future: Transforming Detroit Public Transit with Zero-Emission Buses
The City of Detroit is receiving $30.8 million to upgrade fueling equipment and buses. The hydrogen fueling equipment includes storage tanks, fuel pumps, compressors and refrigeration. The funding also provides Detroit with four hydrogen buses and even more diesel and electric hybrid buses. On top of zero emissions, research shows hydrogen buses are high-performing, have a shorter refuel time, have a significant noise reduction and create a smoother ride for passengers. The funding also includes a worker training program on zero-emission technologies, resulting in better jobs, cleaner air and more reliable bus service.
“In everything we do, we are looking at how we can have an impact on climate change and Detroit’s resiliency, and we have a great partner in the Biden administration,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We are deeply appreciative to the President, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Acting Administrator Vanterpool for supporting our efforts.”
"I am grateful for President Biden and the Department of Transportation's work to deliver $72 million to create an environmentally friendly bus system. This investment will improve our air quality and create high paying jobs across our great state. This investment is especially impactful in my home city of Detroit, which has been plagued by chronic air quality issues for years,” said U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar. “Through his Investing in America agenda, President Biden is delivering for Michiganders everyday. As the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, I'm working every day in Washington to create a more environmentally friendly transportation system that is accessible to all Michiganders."
TheRide HForward: Reducing Emissions in Greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti through the Deployment of Hydrogen and Hybrid Buses
The Ride, part of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA,) will receive $25 million from the Low-or No-Emission Program. The $25 million in funding will include two hydrogen buses, a hydrogen fueling station and 13 diesel electric buses. This will also aid in training current bus operators in the transition to hydrogen and hybrid vehicles. This project will improve operations, reduce energy consumption, and enable AAATA to move toward a zero-emission fleet.
“Taking diesel buses off our streets will make our environment and communities cleaner and healthier, reduce our carbon emissions, and ensure the air we’re breathing is free from harmful pollutants,” said U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “I’m proud to have helped secure funding to support TheRide's transition to a zero-emissions fleet and thank the Biden Administration and our state and local leaders for their continued partnership and commitment to our clean energy future.”
"We are deeply grateful to have been awarded this grant, enabling us to introduce hydrogen buses and cutting-edge technology to our organization,” said TheRide CEO Matt Carpenter. “This not only advances our climate action efforts but also highlights our commitment to workforce development through the training and retention of our operators and mechanics."
Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System: Transitioning to a Zero Emission
The Harbor Transit Multi-Modal Transportation System in Grand Haven will receive $16,252,400 for the design and construction of a multi-modal system operations center to accommodate the transition to a zero-emission fleet. The center will include fueling and charging equipment, vehicle maintenance infrastructure, and electric vans and charging stations. The new facility will also accommodate administration and workforce training facilities for regional transit providers.
“Michigan deserves transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of today and will last well into tomorrow,” said Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. “I am proud to have helped secure this crucial investment in Grand Haven’s Harbor Transit so we can cut down on carbon emissions and cost of living in West Michigan. Increased access to transit routes will have ripple effects that will boost the statewide economy and protect our Great Lakes. Michiganders will see the dividends of these investments in their own pockets and with improved quality of life and thanks to the emphasis on sustainability, these improvements will last for generations to come.”
“Harbor Transit is honored to be a recipient of the Buses and Bus Facilities Grant. This award will provide funding to build our new operations center, expand our fleet, and continue to serve the growing local and regional transportation needs in our area,” said Scott Borg, executive director of Harbor Transit. “With the support of the Federal Transit Administration, we are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this project and look forward to the opportunity to enhance our transit services and improve access to public transportation for those who live and work in West Michigan.”
NHBP Transit Bus Replacement Project: Connecting Underserved Communities in Rural Southwest Michigan
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi in Fulton will receive $539,750 to buy an ADA-compliant, clean-diesel bus to replace an outdated diesel-powered vehicle. The new vehicle will relieve reliance on a bus that has exceeded its useful life and help build the fleet to meet ridership demand and better connect underserved communities in rural Southwest Michigan.
“This funding to replace one of our buses supports our Tribal Elders, youth and families on-demand transportation needs,” said John Swimmer, chief legal officer of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. “The grant will provide a new 56-passenger transit bus based out of the Pine Creek Reservation located in Athens, Michigan, offering up to 20 trips per year. This grant provides transportation to a rural part of Michigan without access to public transit and supports NHBP’s effort to tackle climate change and the environmental impacts to the air caused by outdated technology with a newer and cleaner technology.”
Passed in 2021, the BIL has created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Michigan to improve its infrastructure by rebuilding roads, bridges and rails, expanding access to clean drinking water, ensuring every Michigander has access to high-speed internet, tackling the climate crisis, advancing environmental justice, and investing in communities that have too often been left behind. To date, Michigan has received more than $10.8 billion from the BIL, which has been invested directly in communities across the state.
Michigan transit authorities receiving this federal funding is yet another step forward in Michigan’s national leadership in clean energy. A new report from Climate Power shows Michigan continues to be a national leader in clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. Bolstered by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Michigan is No. 1 in the nation for IRA projects, which have resulted in more than $25 billion in new investments across the state. This funding, in tandem with Governor Whitmer’s clean energy legislative package and bipartisan economic development tools, is growing the middle class, creating good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bringing supply chains home, and lowering energy costs for families.
For more information about the Michigan Infrastructure Office, please visit www.michigan.gov/whitmer/issues/michigan-infrastructure-office.
ABOUT THE MICHIGAN INFRASTRUCTURE OFFICE
The MIO is responsible for organizing and executing Governor Whitmer’s vision for infrastructure, coordinating across state government, marshaling resources, and partnering with local officials, federal partners, and outside stakeholders to ensure resources sent to Michigan through BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), are used efficiently and effectively.
Author:
