WASHINGTON D.C. — On Friday, March 4, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) announced that federal funding has been awarded to the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads.
The funding, totaling $52,738,308, is an investment made through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Additional Assistance Funding in order to make up for revenues lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A joint statement from the Senators read, “We are glad to see these federal dollars go directly to Hampton Roads to invest in the region’s transportation grid. As we continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that the federal government continue to provide the assistance needed to aid economic recovery.”
The ARP Additional Assistance Funding is awarded to transit systems which demonstrated a need for assistance to cover operating expenses incurred as a result of the pandemic. These needs can be related to maintaining the day-to-day operations of said transit system, cleaning/sanitization, combating the spread of pathogens on transit systems, and maintaining critical staffing levels.
“This funding will enable Hampton Roads Transit to execute the Board’s multi-year strategy of providing critical transit services to support the recovery and resilience of the regional economy,” President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit William Harrell said. “This federal allotment will help mitigate ongoing risks and ensure long-term sustainability and operational performance of transit that supports citizens going to work, school, medical appointments, and other lifeline destinations. We applaud our Federal Delegation and Administration for their commitment to our great nation!”
The joint statement notes that this funding is supplemental to the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Urbanized Area Formula funds, totaling $56,164,715, which were distributed through the ARP.