FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Paula Hertwig-Hopkins - (573) 874-7214 or Jill Stedem - (573) 874-7250

Federal funds approved for bus fleet

COLUMBIA, MO (June 18, 2010) - City officials have learned that the federal FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act funds to replace aging city buses have now been approved by the Federal Transit Administration. One million dollars was earmarked in late 2009 by Missouri Senator Kit Bond to replace some of the city’s aging fleet.

Mayor Bob McDavid said, "Senator Bond has demonstrated his strong support for public transit in Columbia by earmarking $2.7 million for Wabash Station improvements in 2006 and now for five new buses. We commend the senator for his continued support of Columbia."

The $1 million grant will be used to replace three buses and add two paratransit vans. The paratransit vans, used for curb-to-curb service for people with disabilities, are expected to arrive in January 2011. The buses…one that is 35 feet long and two that are 40 feet long…are expected in September 2011.

According to City Manager Bill Watkins, "These fleet additions could not be coming at a better time. We’re planning to expand our bus routes to better serve neighborhoods and businesses.”

The city’s federal funding priority list has consistently included funding for new buses.

“We brought this to the attention of Senator Bond and the rest of our delegation last January, and the result is welcome,” Watkins said.

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