March 5, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) announced today that the City of Manteca, the Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority, and the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority will receive grants for transportation projects from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds are being allocated by the Federal Transit Administration to help local transportation agencies purchase new equipment, or provide maintenance for existing equipment, and create jobs locally.  

“This is great news for our community,” said Rep. McNerney.  “During these tough times, it’s more important than ever to invest in projects that will improve our local transportation infrastructure and keep people at work.  I will continue to advocate for key projects in our area to receive funding.”

The specific grants for each agency and city are as follows:

Manteca:
The City of Manteca will receive $649,009 in funds for infrastructure improvements, such as shelters, bus benches, and receptacles.  The City is currently planning to purchase and install 12 shelters at key retail and social service locations and purchase and install benches at approximately 50 locations.

Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA):
LAVTA will receive $779,046 for a variety of projects being completed by the agency.  LAVTA will use the funds for bus maintenance, which will help ensure that mechanics in charge of bus maintenance will keep their jobs.  In addition, funds will be used for the paratransit program, which offers door-to-door service for disabled patrons.  LAVTA, which serves the Tri-Valley area, including Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton, operates a bus system that provides over 2 million trips each year.  

Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority (ECCTA):
ECCTA, which serves areas of Contra Costa County with bus transportation, will receive $1,054,888 in funds to prevent service cuts to Brentwood and Discovery Bay and for several maintenance projects being completed by the agency.  ECCTA will resurface a bus parking lot, as well as replace bus lifts in the maintenance shop that have been in use for over 20 years.