Washington, D.C. — Reps. Tim Murphy (PA-18) and Mark Critz (PA-12) announced today the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority in Charleroi has won a $4 million competitive federal grant to construct a new LEED-certified bus maintenance and storage facility in Donora. The new building, which will replace the current antiquated facility that dates to 1923, will be capable of servicing fuel-efficient buses running on clean-burning compressed natural gas. The project was funded under the annual U.S. Department of Transportation 2012 appropriations bill.

“With a transportation maintenance facility dating back to the roaring twenties, I’m pleased to announce that the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority will receive a well-deserved, energy efficient upgrade,” said Congressman Murphy. “Thousands of Mon Valley employers and commuters who work across the region rely on mass transit each day. Transitioning these buses to clean-burning natural gas is not only a ‘natural’ first step, but will also help to save money, improve local air quality, and raise the profile of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s thriving energy sector.”

“With the help of the federal government, this long-awaited maintenance and storage facility will become a reality,” said Congressman Critz.  “I’m thrilled for the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority and for the area riders who will benefit from this project. Also, with natural gas becoming a critical part of our local and national economy, this facility will be on the cutting edge of serving fuel-efficient buses running on compressed natural gas - a win-win for everyone.”