November 1, 2022- Senator Dick Durbin held a press conference in Decatur to announce that the Decatur Public Transit System would be awarded more than $16 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“The world of transportation is quickly changing and we are going to see historic changes when it comes to the cars that we drive, the buses that we get on, the trucks on the highways, and all different kinds of transportation,” Senator Durbin said. “Decatur, with this investment, is taking the first important step in that transition.”
This funding is part of the $71 million grant that was awarded to Illinois transit systems by the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Low-No and Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Programs, in August.
This grant will allow for lower polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles, as well as assistance in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects.
“Not only will electric vehicles enable a cleaner future, they’ll create widespread jobs across the state,” Senator Durbin said. “These federal funds will give Illinois’ transit systems the resources they need to bring themselves up to speed with technology while providing reliable, affordable services for Illinoisans.”
Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe spoke about how Decatur’s focus should always be making good use of funding, such as the federal funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“Over the years, the Senator and I have had a lot of conversations about making good use of taxpayer money that comes back into our community,” Mayor Moore-Wolfe said. “To be good stewards of that money, to make sure that it goes for the greatest good. Whether that is in roads, bridges, transportations, or now the environment, that is very critical to us.”
