$750,000 for Council on Aging Bus Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman John L. Mica (R-7th District) today announced that initial approval has been granted for $750,000 in federal funds to support public transit needs in St. Johns County. The federal assistance is included in a budget measure passed by the House of Representatives last evening.

“This federal assistance is important for citizens who rely on public transportation in St. Johns County,” said Rep. Mica. “Our citizens pay a significant amount of taxes to Washington, and it’s only fair that some of these funds be returned to support some of our projects that benefit the public. The Council on Aging’s Sunshine Bus and transit services can now be expanded to aid our seniors and veterans.”

Working with St. Johns County and Congressman Mica, the St. Johns County Council on Aging is working to modernize its bus fleet and to build a new administrative facility. This community transportation provider, based in St. Augustine, recently became eligible to receive federal transit funds and has been granted $1.8 million since 2003.

Yesterday’s action is part of Congress’s work to complete the appropriations bills that provide the operating budgets for the agencies and departments of the Federal Government. The House passed the Fiscal Year 2007 Transportation-Treasury-HUD Appropriations bill, which includes the transportation funding, by a vote of 406-22.

The measure must also be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President.

Additional information on Rep. Mica's efforts to assist the St. Johns Council on Aging is also available on this website.