Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Public Works Department, (573) 874-7250

Federal funds approved for bus fleet

COLUMBIA, MO (October 11, 2010 ) - City officials have learned that the federal funds to replace aging city buses have now been approved by the Federal Transit Administration. Columbia was selected on a competitive basis through a new transit initiative announced in May 2010 called the State of Good Repair Program. In the announcement received last week from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, $2 million has been earmarked to replace some of the aging Columbia Transit fleet.

“We are truly pleased with this opportunity to improve our fleet,” said City Manager Bill Watkins. “The grant comes with a 20 percent local match requirement, but it’s a needed and worthwhile investment for our riders. Thanks to the initiative of Columbia Transit, we’ve used resources well and improved customer service.”

A combined $776 million for urban and rural transit providers in 45 states was approved to help bring buses, bus facilities and related equipment into a state of good repair. These funds will be used on 152 projects nationwide. The $2 million will be used to replace six Columbia Transit buses and two paratransit vans. Columbia was one of four Missouri entities to receive these funds.

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