KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is getting a boost from the Federal Transit Administration to the tune of nearly $8 million.
Officials announced the grant, which totals $7.98 million, on Thursday.
The money can be used to “replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities.”
KCATA will utilize the funds to “make much needed improvements to our 70’s-built operations center,” KCATA CEO Robbie Makinen said in a tweet.
Sen. Roy Blunt (R - Missouri), who sits on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, said he advocated for the grant.
“Maintaining a safe, reliable, efficient bus system in Kansas City is critical for people to get where they need to go – whether it’s work, a doctor’s appointment, or the grocery store,” Blunt said. “It’s also an important part of sustaining the local economy, especially during this challenging time.”
Makinen said a portion of the money will go toward creating “a more energy efficient and health workplace for our employees.”
KCATA also recently received $53.1 million in CARES Act funding to assist its operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
—
