Colorado to get $84M in federal funding to support public transit

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado is set to receive more than $84 million in federal formula funding to support public transportation in the state’s communities.

The funding, announced Thursday, is part of an overall $9.8 billion investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration. Colorado is receiving the 16th-most funding in the nation, while New York and California top the list with $1 billion and $848 million disbursements, respectively.

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The funding amounts were also broken down by urbanized areas for the 2024 fiscal year. Denver-Aurora is set to receive about $51.3 million, Colorado Springs is to receive $4.6 million and Fort Collins is set to receive $2.9 million.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that the federal disbursements for transit under President Joe Biden have been the largest investments into public transit in U.S. history

“When we invest in public transit, we improve daily life for millions of Americans across the country, and make it easier, safer, and more affordable to get around communities of every size,” Buttigieg said in the federal announcement.

What is this funding from, and how can it be used?

All of this funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The “formula-based” grant program includes funding for:

• Transit systems in urbanized and rural areas

• Buses and bus facilities – including low- and no-emission buses

• Transit designed for seniors and people with disabilities

• Planning funds

• Support to improve the condition of transit assets

By using statutorily defined formulas, transit agencies and grant recipients can better plan and manage over the long term for new projects and address repair backlogs.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides significant increases to transit funds across the country, from counties with just one van providing rides to systems operating hundreds of trains, buses, and ferries in the largest cities in America,” said FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool in the federal release.

“Communities depend on this funding to start new projects, fix old infrastructure, and bring more fast, safe, convenient service,” Vanterpool said.

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At the bottom of the list for funding are American territories: Guam ($2.3 million), Virgin Islands ($1.8 million), American Samoa ($1.2 million) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ($1.2 million).

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