The Federal Transit Administration has awarded the Town of Blacksburg $6,122,038 to support its public transportation system.
Funding was provided through the CARES Act and will support response and recovery from the coronavirus outbreak. Ninth district Congressman Morgan Griffith called the funding “a major boost to the Town of Blacksburg in the wake of this public health emergency.”
The funding was provided under the FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Program, which makes federal resources available to urbanized areas and to governors for transit capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas and for transportation-related planning. The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority also received funding totaling $5,175,497.
Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Congress provided $25 billion for transit agencies to help prevent, prepare and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funds will support operating, administrative, and preventive maintenance costs for the Town of Blacksburg related to its transit system in order to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds can be used to cover salaries, wages, benefits, maintenance, personal protective barriers, and cleaning supplies
Virginia’s U.S. Senators, Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, issued a joint statement applauding the federal funding for public transportation in Blacksburg. “As more Virginians begin to go back to work and engage in their communities, it’s vital that our transportation systems meet the necessary requirements to protect workers and passengers,” the senators said. “We’re pleased to see federal dollars go directly towards helping Williamsburg and Blacksburg transit systems safely serve their communities.”
