State of Ohio gives Cleveland RTA $16.2 million
Written by jrood
February 14, 2001 Ohio Governor Ted Strickland said that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is providing $150 million over the next three years ($50 million per year) for transit agencies throughout Ohio.
The program called the ‘21st
Century Transit Partnerships for Ohio’s Next Generation’ will immediately grant
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority $5.4 million dollars for
fiscal year 2011 to preserve existing transit services that would otherwise
have to be cut as a result of reduced funding or to add critically-needed
services, as well as provide job security for transit workers. In 2012 and
2013, RTA will also receive the annual $5.4 million in operational funding.
ODOT made the monetary determination by the size and needs of the state
agencies, of which Greater Cleveland RTA is the largest beneficiary.
"We are so glad to the
state of Ohio is investing in sustainable transit partnerships with designated
operating funding that we so urgently need to keep the service we have for our
customers," said Joe Calabrese, CEO and general manager, RTA. "Reduced funding
due to the recession has forced RTA to cut needed transit services over the
last few years, as did other agencies around the country, and this will allow
us to keep the vital services we offer today."
The balance of the new
annual $50 million in ODOT funds for the next three years includes
competitively awarded Clean and Green Transit Vehicle funds ($15 million/year)
and Innovative New Service Starts funds ($10 million/year). ODOT will accept applications
and decide which agencies and which programs they will fund over the next three
years.
"We know that our services
help customers get to their jobs, their doctors appointments – to wherever they
need to go," further explained Calabrese. "We are very appreciative that the
State of Ohio recognizes the importance of public transportation to Ohioans.
This $5.4 million is going to assist us in assuring needed transportation
service will be available."
