Capital Metro to receive $101.9 million from CARES Act
AUSTIN, Texas - U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine L. Chao has announced that Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority will receive $101.9 million as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economics Security (CARES) Act.
The CARES Act, signed by President Trump on March 27, will help fund operating, administrative, and preventative maintenance expenses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them,” said Secretary Chao.
According to the office of Texas U.S. Senator John Cornyn, the funding was appropriated by Congress in April as part of the CARES Act and will come through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
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“While Texans continue doing everything they can in response to the spread of the coronavirus, we in Washington should give them everything they need to succeed,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m thankful to the Trump Administration for encouraging transit improvement in Austin.”
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The FTA has also issued a safety advisory that directs transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding public safety including PPE and face coverings, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance. The FTA says funds from the CARES Act can be used to cover 100% of these costs.
Cap Metro Board Member Ann Kitchen on Project Connect changes
Austin City Council Member and Cap Metro board member Ann Kitchen joined Good Day Austin’s Casey Claiborne this weekend to talk about changes to Cap Metro’s Project Connect vision for the future. Cap Metro is recommending the Gold Line be light rail.
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