Title: Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $1.5 Billion to Strengthen Transit Manufacturing and Reduce Emissions

In a significant move to bolster the transit manufacturing industry and decrease air pollution, the Biden-Harris Administration has allocated approximately $1.5 billion in funding for 117 projects aimed at improving public transportation across 47 states. This latest round of funding, made available through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, brings the total amount awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to nearly $5 billion in the past three years.

With a goal of replacing and modernizing transit buses nationwide while supporting American workers, the funding will result in the production of over 4,600 new buses in U.S. factories. The emphasis of these projects is on utilizing cleaner, low-emission, and emission-free technologies, addressing the Biden administration's commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2050.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed enthusiasm about the positive impact of the funding, stating, "The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies replace old buses running on dirtier, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go."

The push for low-emission and zero-emission transit buses aligns with President Biden's transportation emissions reductions strategy, aiming to create sustainable transportation options while boosting American manufacturing and creating well-paying union jobs. Furthermore, the investment will contribute to the longevity of the mass transportation system, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve air quality in communities.

This funding not only improves transit systems but also advances President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40 percent of the benefits from federal investments in areas such as clean energy and clean transportation flow to disadvantaged communities that have long been marginalized and disproportionately affected by pollution.

FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool highlighted the significance of this funding in improving the lives of millions of Americans who depend on buses daily, especially in underserved areas. She stressed the importance of delivering cleaner and greener transportation options that work for everyone and create opportunities for socioeconomic growth.

The grants allocated prioritize the procurement of standard model buses to shorten manufacturing timelines and control costs. Of the 117 projects selected, 80 percent of the buses will run on zero or low-emission technology, contributing to reducing air pollution. States such as New Jersey will receive funding to build charging facilities with solar canopies to sustain battery-electric buses, while the Sacramento Regional Transportation District plans to purchase hydrogen fuel cell buses.

Other notable projects include the modernization of a maintenance facility in the Sacramento area, the support of a workforce development program, and the establishment of charging stations for compressed natural gas buses in Central Florida.

The grants awarded under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program and the Low-and No-Emission program demonstrate the federal government's commitment to providing financial assistance for the purchase, rehabilitation, and modernization of buses and bus facilities, as well as the adoption of low or emission-free vehicles.

This substantial investment in transit manufacturing and emissions reduction will not only benefit transit agencies and the environment but also support the growth of American industry and create job opportunities for workers in an evolving sector.

The FTA received an overwhelming response to this funding opportunity, with 477 eligible project proposals submitted, amounting to a total request of $9 billion. Such a high level of interest underscores the importance and urgency to prioritize investments in sustainable transportation solutions that will shape the future of public transit in the United States.