FTA 14-03
Thursday, April 24, 2003
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Tel.:
(202) 366-4043
Transportation
Secretary Mineta Announces $5.8 Million in Grants to WMATA
Demonstrating the Bush Administration’s commitment to
environmental stewardship, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta
today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is providing $2.9
million to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for the
purchase of nine compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
The Secretary also announced a grant of $2.8 million to WMATA to support
an area Job Access and Reverse Commute Program.
“The Bush Administration is committed to transportation as a strategic investment that protects the environment, strengthens the economy and maximizes the freedom of mobility for all Americans,” said Secretary Mineta.
FTA Administrator Jennifer Dorn added, “The FTA is pleased to partner with WMATA to provide environmentally sound transportation solutions to residents throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. These new buses will allow even more people to experience the many benefits of public transportation, including a healthier economy, increased community mobility and reduced congestion.”
“Metro's
commitment to providing safe, secure, and environmentally-friendly bus service
is greatly enhanced by the grant presented to the Authority today by the Federal
Transit Administration for the purchase of additional alternative-fuel buses.
By operating Metrobuses on
alternative fuel like compressed natural gas, we demonstrate to our customers
and the region our continuing desire to promote cleaner air and a healthier
environment,” stated Metro Chief Executive Officer Richard A. White.
The funds awarded today, in
the amount of $2,970,087, will be used to replace buses that have reached the
end of their useful life. CNG
buses use clean-burning compressed natural gas, which contains far less
pollutants than normal diesel fuel. By
using natural gas buses, WMATA is reducing the nation’s dependence on
petroleum fuel and helping to ensure that area residents have cleaner air to
breathe.
A
second grant of $2,822,800 to WMATA will support an area Job Access and Reverse
Commute Program. This program
provides transportation from the District of Columbia to the service sector job
growth area of Tyson’s Corner and the Dulles Corridor. The funds will be used to fill gaps in existing transportation service, which can be a major barrier to
employment, including complicated commutes, long waits between transfer
connections and hours of service that do not correspond with work hours.
The Job Access and Reverse Commute program, which funded the grant announced today, continues to support agencies all over the country as they help welfare recipients make the transition to employment and help others seeking entry level jobs find and retain work.
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