A Marq-Tran bus is seen parked near agency signage. (Photo courtesy of Marq-Tran)

MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Transportation announces $133 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, as well as, matching state funds that will help modernize Michigan’s bus infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and help people travel more efficiently and affordably.

The Marquette County Transit Authority, which operates Marq-Tran, will receive $632,000 from the federal government plus $158,000 in state matching funds for a total package of $790,000. The money will be used to purchase buses and all-wheel drive vans. Five other Upper Peninsula agencies and locations received funding under the program.

“These competitive grants strengthen Michigan’s thriving intermodal transportation network connecting our communities,” said Jean Ruestman, administrator of the MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation. “Both grant programs have innumerable positive social and economic impacts ranging from improving mobility to advancing green innovation in public transit. These programs are crucial to cultivating equitable access to clean transportation for all Michiganders.”

Michigan is one of the few states compelled by law to provide a portion of the match funds for the grant required by the FTA. Michigan is able to exceed the base state level statutory requirement and support 100 percent of the local match from the state Comprehensive Transportation Fund. This structure significantly reduces the financial burden on transit agencies and enhances their competitiveness in national funding opportunities, ultimately enabling more robust and equitable transit service across the state.

Here are a listing of the other U.P. agencies and locations involved:

• Chippewa Luce Mackinac Community Action Agency

Receive funds to construct a protective bus shelter.

State: $56,250

Federal: $225,000

Total: $281,250

• City of Hancock

Receive funding for a full-size van and a heavy-duty pickup truck with a plow.

State: $29,200

Federal: $116,800

Total: $146,000

• Delta Area Transit Authority

Receive funds for full size duel-fuel vans.

State: $93,000

Federal: $372,000

Total: $465,000

• Gogebic County Transit

Receive funds for garage expansion and construction and installation of a bus wash bay.

State: $300,000

Federal: $1,200,000

Total: $1,500,000

• Bay Mills Indian Community

Receive funding to construct a new ADA-compliant bus facility to house its equipment and personnel.

State match ineligible

Federal: $320,000

Total: $320,000

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.