Jackson, Wyo. August 24, 2018 – START Bus announced that it has been selected to receive a $2,290,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Earlier this year START Bus applied for the federal grant to purchase up to 8 electric buses to replace the diesel buses currently in the transit fleet.
START was selected through the Low- or No-Emissions (Low-No) Grant program aimed at funding the deployment of transit buses and infrastructure that use advanced propulsion technologies. In total, the FTA awarded $84.45 million in grants shared between fifty-two projects in forty-one states.
According to a release from the FTA’s Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams, “FTA is proud to partner with transit providers across the country to support their transit priorities. The participation from our local partners shows a dedication to improving access to jobs and opportunities.”
The START Board of Directors have indicated that they are committed to reducing emissions from the transportation sector and improving the air quality in Teton County. A goal has been established by the START Board to transition the START fleet to 40% electric by 2022. This grant award will be a major step towards accomplishing this goal.
“On behalf of the START Board, there are so many people to thank for this exciting opportunity to utilize alternative fuel sources and actively engage in public transit that is environmentally sustainable,” said Darren Brugmann, START Director. “We would like to thank Senator John Barrasso, Senator Mike Enzi, Congresswoman Liz Cheney as well as Alicia Cox and Christy Lewis with Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Coalition, Phil Cameron with Energy Conservation Works, Talbot Hauffe with WYDOT’s Public Transportation Division, the Jackson Town Council and the Teton County Commissioners. This will be START’s first major step in pursuing alternative fuel sources and we couldn’t be happier.”
Senator John Barrasso is the Chairman of the Committee of Environment and Public Works of which includes the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure as well as the Subcommittee on Clean Air. “We are fortunate to have the leadership of Senator Barrasso in Washington to help Wyoming and Teton County achieve high-reaching environmental sustainability goals,” said Brugmann.
In a recent trip to Washington D.C., Town Manager, Larry Pardee, and Town Councilman, Don Frank, met with Senator Barrasso, Senator Enzi and Congresswoman Cheney to discuss this grant and other topics concerning the Town of Jackson and Teton County.
“We are extremely appreciative to be considered as a recipient of this FTA grant which will greatly benefit our entire community,” said Jackson Town Manager, Larry Pardee. “We will continue to seek out federal funding opportunities and we will also continue to look at other alternative fuel sources such as CNG in our effort to be an environmentally sustainable community.”
The press release announcing the FTA’s Low-No Grant selections can be found by clicking here or going to www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/FY18-Low-No-Project-Selections. A complete list of projects which were awarded Low-No Grant funding can be found by clicking here or by visiting www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fiscal-year-2018-low-or-no-emission-low-no-bus-program-projects.
START encourages all residents and visitors to consider supporting the reduction of traffic by riding the bus, walking, biking or engaging in rideshare opportunities. Please check www.startbus.com or www.startbike.bcycle.com for details on all of the routes, schedules and fees or contact START Bus directly at (307) 733-4521.
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