SEAT awarded $2.7 million in CARES Act funding
Southeast Area Transit District was awarded a $2.7 million grant as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, according to an announcement from U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao
“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them,” Chao said in a statement.
“We’re certainly pleased and appreciative for the support from FTA,” SEAT General Manager Michael Carroll said by email. “This grant is part of the larger CARES Act program and is intended to assist transit systems in dealing with Coronavirus. SEAT will be using the funds to support operations and the additional expenses related to Coronavirus mitigation including our ongoing practice of rear-door boarding and no fare collection. The funds will be used to support expenses in the last quarter of the current fiscal year, and expenses into the next fiscal year.”
FTA also has a safety advisory with recommendations to reduce the spread of the virus, including “face coverings, social distancing, frequent hand washing, facility and vehicle cleaning,” according to the news release.
“We know many of our nation’s public transportation systems are facing extraordinary challenges and these funds will go a long way to assisting our transit industry partners in battling COVID-19,” FTA acting Administrator K. Jane Williams said in a statement. “These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all sizes providing essential travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency.”
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.
