Grand Rapids Reporter

On June 27, 2023, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) announced that The Rapid (Interurban Transit Partnership) will receive a nearly $6.2M federal grant through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA). The funds from the FTA’s “Low-No program” will allow West Michigan’s largest transit agency to purchase 11 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to revitalize their fleet while reducing operating costs and working towards their goal of becoming a Zero Emissions transportation option by 2035. 

“West Michigan is on the move, and The Rapid is helping us get where we need to go. Today’s announcement of a $6.2M grant will go a long way in renewing and replacing aging buses, with cleaner options, creating green jobs and a healthier environment in the process. Providing consistent modes of public transit to West Michigan residents is critical to connecting thousands of residents to work, school, medical appointments, and entertainment. I’ll keep working to ensure our neighbors can access dependable, safe, and clean forms of transportation,” said Congresswoman Scholten.

"Every day, over 60,000 buses in communities of all sizes take millions of Americans to work, school, and everywhere else they need to go," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Today’s announcement means more clean buses, less pollution, more jobs in manufacturing and maintenance, and better commutes for families across the country."

The grants were competitive– five times as many requests for funding were submitted than what was available. In total, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced nearly $1.7 billion for transit projects in 46 states, territories, and D.C. during the round of funding. The funding also includes support for workforce training, registered apprenticeships, and project labor agreements, ensuring good-paying jobs into the future. Rep. Scholten supported The Rapid’s successful application for these funds through a series of visits, a letter, and conversations with FTA leadership.

“We are incredibly grateful to have been awarded the Low-No grant. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Congresswoman Scholten, Senator Peters, and Senator Stabenow for their unwavering support of our mission and for helping us achieve our sustainability goals. Earlier this year, we reached a huge environmental milestone when we began receiving EPA-certified renewable natural gas (RNG) from a local biodigester through a dynamic partnership with The City of Grand Rapids and DTE Energy. RNG fuel is acknowledged as carbon-negative, producing the lowest carbon intensity fuel of any transportation fuel available today. This funding will allow us to continue with this commitment to providing greener transportation options for our community, while aligning with the Biden Administration's initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. We are excited to keep working towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for our region,” said Deb Prato, The Rapid CEO.

FTA’sLow-No program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease American-built low- or zero-emission vehicles, including buses and vans; make facility and station upgrades to accommodate low- or zero-emission vehicles; and purchase supporting equipment like chargers for battery electric vehicles. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.5 billion through FY 2026 for the Low-No Program – more than six times greater than the previous five years of funding combined. For FY 2023, approximately $1.22 billion was available for grants under this program. 

Original source can be found here.