Congressmen McGovern, Olver and Senator Kerry Announce $46.7 Million for Hybrid Buses and Green Buildings

Boston, MA, October 4, 2010

Senator John Kerry, along with Congressmen Jim McGovern and John Olver, today announced that Massachusetts will receive $46,700,000 in funding to transform the state's public buses into a state-of-the-art electric hybrid fleet.

The funding, including $39 million for Worcester, was awarded through U.S. Department of Transportation's State of Good Repair Program. The grants will also go towards green building and infrastructure investments, such as a green, LEED certified transit facility in Worcester.
-This cash infusion will help keep Massachusetts at the forefront of clean energy by revolutionizing our bus fleet and modernizing our facilities,- said Sen. Kerry.
-This is terrific news for Worcester,- said Rep. McGovern. -Worcester is a world-class city and its citizens deserve a world-class public transportation system. This $39 million federal grant will help us deliver exactly that. This federal grant is just another important piece of the puzzle as we revitalize our downtown with the construction of City Square, the expansion of the Canal District and other promising developments. I look forward to attending the grand opening of the new maintenance facility and thank all those involved for this great news.-
-The purchase of new buses will allow transit authorities in the region to continue to offer quality service while simultaneously lowering costs for riders, themselves and the environment,- said Rep. Olver. -These competitive grant awards to the first Congressional district recognize the remarkable work of the PVTA and the MART in our region.-
The following regional transit authorities have received transportation grants:
Worcester
$39,000,000
This award will provide funding to construct a state-of-the-art, LEED certified, maintenance and operations facility.
Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
$6,200,000
This award will provide funding to purchase 40 diesel-electric hybrid buses.
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority
$980,000
This award will provide funding for the facility rehabilitation (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning replacement and repaving).
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority
$520,000
This award will provide funding to purchase replacement buses.