[Press Release] : Federal funds approved for bus fleet

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Contact: Paula Hertwig-Hopkins - (573) 874-7214 or Jill Stedem - (573)
874-7250
 
Federal funds approved for bus fleet
 
COLUMBIA, MO (June 18, 2010) - City officials have learned that the
federal FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act funds to replace aging
city buses have now been approved by the Federal Transit Administration.
One million dollars was earmarked in late 2009 by Missouri Senator Kit
Bond to replace some of the city’s aging fleet.
 
Mayor Bob McDavid said, "Senator Bond has demonstrated his strong
support for public transit in Columbia by earmarking $2.7 million for
Wabash Station improvements in 2006 and now for five new buses. We
commend the senator for his continued support of Columbia."
 
The $1 million grant will be used to replace three buses and add two
paratransit vans. The paratransit vans, used for curb-to-curb service
for people with disabilities, are expected to arrive in January 2011.
The buses…one that is 35 feet long and two that are 40 feet long…are
expected in September 2011.
 
According to City Manager Bill Watkins, "These fleet additions could
not be coming at a better time. We’re planning to expand our bus routes
to better serve neighborhoods and businesses.” 
 
The city’s federal funding priority list has consistently included
funding for new buses. 
 
“We brought this to the attention of Senator Bond and the rest of our
delegation last January, and the result is welcome,” Watkins said.
 
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