U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,240,000 in federal funding for the Broome County Department of Public Transportation (BCDOT) to purchase seven new buses. The funding is allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) State of Good Repair Program.
In a March letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Senator Gillibrand advocated for the federal investment for Broome County, and in April Senator Schumer also wrote a letter of support.
“Transit systems across the state are making strides toward state of the art, more efficient fleets, and now Broome County will be a leader in the region,” said Senator Schumer. “I applaud the DOT for choosing this project and helping BCDOT serve commuters across Broome county.”
“This is an important investment for Broome County,” Senator Gillibrand said. “With bus ridership reaching new highs, an updated fleet of buses will help connect more of our workers and businesses, get more cars off the roads to reduce traffic and cut pollution, and help get our economy on the move.”
“Public Transportation is crucial to a community’s commerce, recreation and overall mobility,” said Broome County Executive Debbie Preston. “I am excited that this grant will allow Broome County to purchase seven new busses, to replace busses in our aging fleet. I extend tremendous gratitude to Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Congressman Hanna for helping to facilitate this Grant, and fighting for the best interests of Broome County residents. Our BC Transit operations service residents from all walks of life, who rely on BC Transit to get to work, school and purchase food and other necessary items to live their daily lives. As we continue to study the future of BC Transit, this Grant couldn’t come at a better time.”
Senator Gillibrand’s letter in support of BCDOT is attached. Senator Schumer’s letter of support appears below:
April 9, 2012
The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Secretary:
I am writing in support of the application submitted by the Broome County Department of Public Transportation for under the State of Good Repair Program. Such funding will enable the Broome County Department of Public Transportation to replace vehicles in its aging fleet.
The Broome County Department of Public Transportation has been providing transportation services to the residents of Broome County since 1968 and operates three divisions: Fixed Route, ADA Para-Transit, and a rural Dial-A-Ride Service. The Fixed Route System has a fleet of forty-four buses, nine of which have outlived their useful life. The Broome County Department of Public Transportation is vital to the economic stability of Broome County, in that it provides approximately three million rides annually for the residents of Broome County, and funding is needed to help them continue to provide this service.
With funding, the Broome County Department of Public Transportation will replace seven fixed-route busses, thereby enabling the department to continue to provide a much needed transportation service to the residents of Broome County. Doing so will help them continue to add to the vitality of the business community and will enhance the overall quality of life in Broome County. I applaud the Broome County Department of Public Transportation Authority for its foresight, and I sincerely hope that the application meets with your approval.
Thank you for your consideration. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator