Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority to get $7 million grant from federal government
Kathryn CargoThe Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will receive more than $7 million from the Federal Transit Administration.
The RTA authority will be provided $7.2 million to rehabilitate and build bus transfer stations and reconstruct a bus maintenance facility parking lot, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The competitive grant submitted by the RTA will fund reconstruction of the Port Ayers Transfer Station, two transit stops at Del Mar College Southside’s campus and the reconstruction of the CCRTA Operations Center’s parking lots, according to a news release from the authority.
More:Safety issues prompt changes at Corpus Christi's busy Port Ayers bus station
This is the first competitive grant that the organization has ever received.
“This grant will not only change the landscape of Corpus Christi, but will significantly impact the quality of public transportation for generations to come,” said Jorge Cruz-Aedo, CCRTA chief executive officer.
The projects will allow the transportation authority to improve safety for passengers and employees, comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and meet the transit needs of a growing population, according to the news release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“Texas' population grows with each passing day, and as more people travel around our state, it's important our infrastructure is able to meet local demand," Sen. John Cornyn said in a news release.
"I'm proud that President Trump and Secretary Chao have made Corpus Christi a priority, and I look forward to seeing the impact this grant will have on the bus system in Corpus Christi.”
The Corpus Christi project is one of two in Texas that will receive a total of $21 million from the Federal Transit Administration's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
The Texas Department of Transportation will also receive about $13.8 million for rural transit providers throughout the state to replace old transit vehicles. The grants will fund new and rehabilitated maintenance and other facilities as well.
The $21 million is part of the $423 the administration announced Monday it will award in transit infrastructure grants nationwide.
“Public bus systems throughout the country provide millions of Americans access to jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, and other vital services,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Kathryn Cargo follows business openings and developments while reporting on impacts of the city government’s decisions.Help support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Caller-Times.
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