Senators Cantwell, Murray Announce New Federal Investments in Washington State Transit Agencies

Six new grants will support bus and bus facility capital improvements in transit agencies across Washington state, including rural and tribal communities

Seattle, WA – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) announced more than $12 million in federal investments in six transit agencies across Washington state, helping communities promote safe, reliable transit service. The grants, which include a major $9.7 million investment in Olympia’s Intercity Transit, were awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which helps transit agencies make capital investments and improve transit options for workers, students, and families. Both Senator Cantwell, a senior Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, are champions of the competitive grant program, working to reinstate the program in the 2015 FAST Act and helping secure $400 million in additional funding for the program in the federal spending bill passed in March 2018, which helped support these new investments.

“These new grants are welcome news to Washington commuters and will pave the way for new jobs and economic growth throughout the state,” said Senator Cantwell. “Each year, Washingtonians take more than 190 million bus trips to get to work, attend school, or visit the doctor. Continued investments in our transit services are critical as more and more Washingtonians turn to public transportation to avoid spending too much time on the road.”

“As people across Washington state continue working toward solutions to address traffic congestion and increase safety on our roads, I’m glad to see the federal government doing its part to support these vital efforts,” said Senator Murray. “We know access to safe, reliable transportation is key to a well-functioning community—from helping workers and consumers connect with local businesses, to helping families get their kids to class—and I’ll keep working in the Senate to ensure these critical investments continue to flow to our state.”

A full list of recipients is below.

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