Worcester Regional Transit Authority Awarded $5,000,000 in Federal Funding Through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

Washington, April 21, 2020

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, alongside Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Administrator Dennis Lipka announced that the WRTA has been awarded a $5,000,000 grant in federal funding to support operations during the coronavirus crisis.

The funding, which Congress approved on March 27, 2020, was authorized through the CARES Act and provides a total of $25 billion to urban and rural transit agencies to help to prevent, prepare for, and continue to provide service during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be provided at a 100-percent federal share, with no local match required, and will be available to support capital, operating, and other expenses to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.

“The WRTA is a lifeline for so many people here in Worcester County – including essential workers who we are all relying on right now,” said Congressman McGovern. “I’m glad that these funds are grants are being distributed, but there is much more work to be done, and I will continue to fight to make sure that future relief packages help my constituents here in Massachusetts.”

“The CARES ACT grant funds will make it possible for the WRTA to provide the equipment, supplies and staff necessary to keep in place the transportation options needed by many residents of Central Massachusetts during this pandemic and beyond. The funds will allow us to us make sure that  the array of WRTA  transportation services will continue to be available to the community as an important, reliable,  and safe option for travel for the people of central Massachusetts,” said WRTA Administrator Dennis Lipka.

The funding will be provided through the The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration. Operating expenses incurred beginning on January 20, 2020 for all rural and urban recipients, even those in large urban areas, are also eligible, including operating expenses to maintain transit services as well as paying for administrative leave for transit personnel due to reduced operations during an emergency.

Answers to frequently asked questions about this funding are available on FTA’s web site.