WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl announced eight grants totaling more than $20 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation's State of Good Repair program. This funding will help local transit agencies repair and replace buses and improve transportation infrastructure in Appleton, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha.  Kohl contacted the Department of Transportation supporting a majority of these projects.  

"This new equipment will not only make transit safer and more reliable, but will also save money on fuel costs and reduce pollution," Kohl said. "Buses are a prime source of transportation in many cities throughout Wisconsin. Our current bus system is in need of repair and this funding will help update the transit systems across the state."  

A 2010 study from the Federal Transit Administration identified $77.7 billion in needed maintenance in our nation's transit systems, as well as $14.4 billion in annual repair and replacement needs.  The funding released today is part of FTA's effort to reduce that backlog.  In addition these competitive grants, FTA offers technical guidance and tools to support local transit managers to make the best use of their limited capital dollars.      

Included below is information from the Department of Transportation detailing the amount of the grant and the activities to be funded:

Milwaukee County - $7,000,000 - Milwaukee County will replace vehicles in its fleet that have met their useful lives.  

City of Madison - $5,160,800 - The City of Madison will replace buses in its fleet that are beyond their useful lives. This project will also include the replacement and upgrade of the farebox collection system to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, as well as the replacement of old bus shelters.  

City of Racine - $4,760,000 - The City of Racine will replace buses in its fleet that are beyond their useful lives.  

City of La Crosse - $1,320,000 - The City of La Crosse will replace buses in its fleet that are beyond their useful lives with hybrid buses.  

City of Eau Claire - $880,000 - The City of Eau Claire will replace buses in its fleet that are beyond their useful lives with hybrid buses.  

City of Fond du Lac - $578,730 - The City of Fond du Lac will replace buses in its fleet that are beyond their useful lives.  

City of Appleton - $220,800 - The City of Appleton (Valley Transit) will use funds for replacement bus shelters, bus parts, support vehicles and facility improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  

City of Waukesha - $123,200 - The City of Waukesha will rebuild engines and transmissions in order to extend their useful lives.