Mason Transit Authority receives $1.5 million competitive grant for Transit-Community Center in Shelton

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer announced that the Mason Transit Authority’s Transit-Community Center was selected to receive a U.S.  Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration competitive grant of $1,474,999.  

The grant will provide funding for the renovated transit and community facility, located in the former Washington National Guard Armory building in downtown Shelton. The project will link public transit access to activities at the community center including a technology center, indoor sports, youth and senior programs, community and transit information, and social services for low-income families.

Congressman Denny Heck of Washington’s 10th Congressional District, which includes the city of Shelton, congratulated MTA on their successful grant request and celebrated the new facility:

“Seniors need to get to their doctor appointments, veterans need access to job training, and kids need a place to play ball and get safely home. This project demonstrates the value in allowing community members of all backgrounds, ages, and interests to gather together in an accessible, central facility,” Heck said.

“This is great news for the future of Shelton and for Mason County,” said Kilmer, who represents Washington’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Mason County. “In 2006 folks came together with a unique idea to turn the Shelton Armory into a new center that expands local transit options to help people get around while providing a space to offer new services to the community.  I was proud to support their successful push for this award so we can complete the Armory’s transformation into a community hub that honors the building’s historic legacy.”

 “This will be a huge shot in the arm for the economic development of the City of Shelton and Mason County,” MTA Board Chair and Shelton City Commissioner Mike Olsen said. “We are pleased with the partnering role that MTA plays in building community.”

“Receiving full funding in such a competitive grant environment clearly demonstrates the FTA’s belief in the value of this innovative project and the benefits it will bring to our community,” MTA General Manager Brad Patterson said.

In June 2014, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced that $100 million in competitive grant funds would be available to modernize and expand transit service through the Ladders of Opportunity Initiative. To be eligible, applicants were required to show the project’s ability to enhance access to work, support economic opportunities, and support partnerships with state and local governments to provide workforce training and basic services. FTA will cover up to 80 percent of the total project cost and a 20 percent local match is required.

The MTA Transit-Community Center plans to open in February 2015.

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