Congressman Kagen Applauds Governor Doyle’s Approval of Northeastern Wisconsin Transit Projects for Recovery Act Funding
Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. applauds Governor Jim Doyle for endorsing the transit project proposals for Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin. The projects total close to $34.5 million, and the Governor’s approval is a significant step in obtaining the portion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding that has been allocated for the state.
“I am working hard to bring our tax dollars back home to Wisconsin where they belong,” Congressman Steve Kagen said. “The Recovery Act is doing exactly what we intended it to do – investing in our communities now. What we need in Wisconsin are jobs, jobs and more jobs and these investments in Green Bay’s transit will help strengthen our local economy. I want to applaud Governor Doyle for approving these funds.”
“Investments that make travel safer, easier and more affordable will not only improve our quality of life, they will help get our economy back on track,” Governor Doyle said. “Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have the opportunity to make strategic improvements to our infrastructure that will help get people to work and will add lasting value to our economy.”
The Green Bay projects are worth $2.9 million. They include the following:
• Four clean diesel buses ($1,440,000) that will run more efficiently and decrease emissions.
• A new smart-card system ($720,000), to make bus fares simpler and more convenient.
• A security system ($500,000) that will put passenger safety first.
• Enhancements in maintenance, radio and support equipment ($240,000).
Other areas in the 8th Congressional District to receive this funding include:
Appleton $1,477,900
Clintonville $34,500
Menominee Nation $4,308,000
Waupaca $118,000
Oneida Nation $372,600
Cities with populations between 50,000 and 200,000 – and therefore small urban transit systems – will have to take the next step with the Federal Transit Administration and submit their applications in order to have their projects certified by the U.S. DOT. Funding for these projects totals $23,154,677.
The state legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance, which is scheduled to take action on Tuesday, April 21, will have to approve the projects for the non-urbanized transit systems. Then, the state Department of Transportation will submit funding applications to the federal government on their behalf. These projects will total $11,299,461 if fully funded.
The transit formula funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act must be used for capital projects, such as buses and bus facilities, preventive maintenance, security, para-transit services and other public transit projects that enhance economic development. Funds were allotted to states as well as large urban areas, including Milwaukee and Madison, based on existing FTA formulas.
