DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Decatur is getting over $4 million to replace aging buses.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) has announced $4,662,000 in grants from the Federal Transit Administration’s Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe says the money will replace buses that are beyond their intended use, but are still in operation.
"For so long I and members of the Decatur City Council have been working to maintain the system during difficult financial times and it has not been an easy task,” Moore Wolfe said. “This grant, when paired with Illinois Department of Transportation grant funds, will allow us to replace 18 buses over the next five years. More importantly, we can continue to provide transportation services that are critical to thousands of our residents who rely on public transportation each and every day.”
A press release from Davis’ office says 60 percent of Decatur’s 22 buses have been past their intended lifespan for the last six years. A total of 20 buses are operable at this time.
"I'm proud to see these communities receive these competitive grants, which allow them to upgrade their fleet, increase reliability, and become more efficient,” Davis said. “As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for our smaller transit systems that are critical to the communities they serve."
Bloomington-Normal is receiving $6 million in grants, which will convert the area’s bus fleet to electric battery power instead of diesel fuel. It will also help build a Downtown Transfer Center and add bus shelters and benches to the community.
