Akron Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded a Bus Facilities Grants totaling$37,808,113 to the Akron Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority (METRO). This investment will allow communities to upgrade existing bus and operations facilities.

“The Akron METRO RTA exemplifies excellence in their commitment to enhancing the mobility and quality of life for Ohioans in the 13th Congressional District. Their unwavering efforts to improve transportation accessibility, promote sustainable solutions, and foster economic growth have made a lasting impact in Summit County," said Rep. Sykes. "The Federal Transit Administration's recognition and support of this outstanding organization will play a pivotal role in empowering METRO to continue their mission of serving Ohio's 13th Congressional District with distinction."

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is getting resources to Ohio communities to improve transportation and support Ohio workers. We fought to secure this investment to create jobs and to connect people with jobs – saving them time and money,” said Sen. Brown. “I’m working to make sure Ohio gets its fair share – or more – of infrastructure investment, so Ohio communities can improve transit options and create opportunity.”

Funding for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District from the FTA includes:

•  $37,808,113 to the Akron Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority (METRO) for the construction of a new maintenance and operations facility on METRO RTA’s existing campus.

“The Maintenance and Operations Facility will be a key component to ensuring we can further our mission and continue to offer fair and equitable transportation solutions to the community we serve 365 days a year. Our current facility was built in the ‘80s before we were a countywide system and had fewer than 100 buses. We now have over 230 buses, and as we continue to grow, this facility will enable us to serve the region for years to come. This funding represents a landmark investment in keeping our community thriving, and that is a legacy we can all be proud of,” said Dawn Distler Chief Executive Officer, Akron Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority (METRO) RTA.

Sykes – the only Member of the Ohio Congressional Delegation to serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure which oversees DOT’s Federal Transit Administration – has championed federal investment to support Ohio’s local transit authorities.

Original source can be found here.