06.25.21

Cantwell Applauds More Than $6.3 Million Grant to Spokane Transit Authority for Low and No Emission Vehicles

Grant to support electrifying Spokane’s bus fleet, improve air quality

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced more than $6.3 million in grants from the Department of Transportation was awarded to the Spokane Transit Authority.

The Low and No Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Grant Program helps transit agencies purchase and lease low- or no-emission buses and other transit vehicles, such as those powered by battery electric and fuel-cell power to provide cleaner, more energy efficient transit services.

The funds going to the Spokane Transit Authority will be used to purchase 10 battery electric buses to replace diesel buses that have reached their useful life. The project is part of an ongoing fleet replacement strategy to obtain 30 battery electric buses by 2030, which will reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality for Spokane residents.

For over two decades, Senator Cantwell has been a steadfast advocate for environmental protections and decarbonization. Most recently, Cantwell authored and introduced the Fueling America’s Security and Transportation with Electricity Act of 2021 (FAST Electricity Act) which creates a new federal tax incentive to accelerate the manufacture and adoption of all types of electrified transportation modes including recreational vehicles, boats, ships, planes, and industrial equipment such as forklifts, tractors, excavators, and port equipment. 

The City of Everett also received a Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant for $1.3 million.

Spokane’s DOT grant award announcement is HERE.

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