The Midlothian Exchange: Senator Webb announces $2.3 million for Richmond buses and bus facilities

 Senator Jim Webb today announced that the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) will receive a $2.3 million grant from the Department of Transportation toward the construction of a new bus administrative and maintenance facility in Richmond, which will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of transit services. The new facility will be approximately 412,000 square feet and will be designed to the national standards for optimum on-site circulation, space planning, and building systems in support of operations for a modern bus fleet. This grant also includes funds to purchase two 40 ft. buses to replace vehicles that have outlived their useful service life.

GRTC currently occupies a site that has been used for public transit for the past 100 years. This site, with its supportive 100-year old structures, does not have the optimal infrastructure, configuration, building systems, and operational equipment for efficient daily operations of the GRTC fleet of approximately 200 vehicles.  The new building will serve as GRTC’s corporate administrative office and primary maintenance and heavy repair facility for the fleet.

“With more Virginians utilizing public transportation, it is important that our transit infrastructure is well maintained with secure vehicles and facilities,” said Senator Webb. “Today’s $2.3 million grant will help ensure public safety, bolster security measures, and benefit Richmond’s capital needs—while putting area residents to work.”

“Senator Webb continues to be a great supporter of public transit,” said John M. Lewis, CEO, GRTC Transit System. “The funding this grant provides allows the completion of our LEED designed operations and administration facility. We are proud GRTC will complete this project on time and on budget. Senator Webb’s leadership in these difficult economic times ensures access to efficient transportation solutions to the citizens of Central Virginia.”

In addition to today’s grant announcement, Senator Webb secured $450,000 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2008 toward the design and construction of a new GRTC bus operations and maintenance facility.

 

The breakdown of the funding is as follows:

Bus Replacement $617,500

Bus Operations/Maintenance Facility $1,372,000

Design and construction of Facility $338,580

 

Total: $2,328,080