FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 10, 2009

CONTACT: Cullen Schwarz
Office: (202) 225-5802
 

HOUSE VOTES TO PROVIDE $1.3 MILLION FOR TRANSIT CENTER

Funding for Troy/Birmingham Transit Center Approved as part of Final Federal Budget Bill

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved $1.3 million for the construction of the Troy/Birmingham Multi-modal Transit Center. The final omnibus federal budget bill providing funds for the government to run in 2010 (including national transportation investments) includes the funding for the Transit Center.  Congressman Gary Peters fought throughout the year to secure $1.3 million for the Transit Center.  The funding was included in the original House transportation budget passed earlier this year.  However, it was unclear what amount, if any, would be included in the final budget. 

“The City of Birmingham would like to thank Congressman Peters for his strong support and hard work to secure the initial $1.3 million in the House version of the FY 2010 Transportation bill, as well as Senator Levin and Senator Stabenow for supporting the Transit Center in the conference on the bill,” said Birmingham Mayor Rackeline Hoff.  “The $1.3 million included in the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act is an important first step towards financing and constructing the Transit Center in 2010.  The Cities are also pursuing federal TIGER grant funding, federal EECBG funding and MDOT has applied on the cities' behalf for federal high speed rail funding to construct the Transit Center.  The news today of the $1.3 million in the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act demonstrates the federal government’s support for the Birmingham/Troy multi-modal Transit Center, and we are hopeful that this award will assist us in leveraging other federal funds to construct our Transit Center.” 

“The collaborative efforts of Troy and Birmingham to achieve funding for the Multi-modal Transit Center demonstrates the ability of our cities to work together to provide low cost and efficient transportation for people seeking more travel options,” said Troy Mayor Louise Schilling.  “The combination of Amtrak rail, SMART bus services, taxi and sedan connections is important as part of the entire regional transit plan.  A special thanks to Congressman Gary Peters for shepherding this request for funding through the Conference Committee.  We anticipate a successful vote in the House and Senate this week.  In addition, we appreciate Congressman Peters work to secure American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for the Center.”

“I am extremely pleased we were able to secure House approval for a critical investment in such an important, job-creating local project,” said Congressman Peters.  “We need targeted investments like these to get Oakland County’s economy back on track.  A new regional transit center will spur business growth, create jobs and allow residents and visitors to travel more easily in and out of Oakland County.  Local residents have been pushing for more public transportation for years, and this transportation hub will be a cornerstone of a larger regional public transit plan.”

The Troy/Birmingham Multi-modal Transit Center will serve as a hub for regional public transportation, using existing Amtrak rail infrastructure along the Wolverine Corridor while providing a transfer point to SMART bus services, taxi and sedan connections consistent with the Detroit Regional Mass Transit Plan.  It will also create more transportation opportunities for patrons of the Oakland/Troy Airport.  Local and state level officials from both parties support the Center.  Troy and Birmingham City officials have been working toward the creation of the Transit Center for years, as have local Chambers of Commerce and other local business leaders. 

“Many people have and will continue to fight to put us in position to break ground on the Transit Center next year,” Rep. Peters said.  “I greatly appreciate the work of Senators Levin and Stabenow for their efforts to help secure this funding.  Troy and Birmingham city and business leaders have been working hard to secure supplemental funding for the Transit Center and I am proud we were able to successfully support their efforts.  We will continue working together until the Troy/Birmingham Transit Center is a reality.”

Committed leaders continue to fight for remaining funding needed to begin construction of the Transit Center in 2010.  For his part, Congressman Peters is also working to help secure American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for the Center.  The Senate is expected to vote on the final 2010 budget soon.

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