Washington, D.C.— Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva is pleased to announce that the State of Arizona will receive over $100 Million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRA).

The funds, in the amount of $8.4 billion, will go to states and local transportation authorities to repair and build America’s public transportation infrastructure.

Arizona will receive $100,561,948.

The funds will go towards evaluation of transit projects, development, improvement, and use of public transportation systems in rural and small urban areas, capital investments in bus and bus-related activities and capital investments in new and existing fixed guideway systems.

Public transportation saves as much as 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline and reduces carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons each year. In 2007, Americans took 10.3 billion trips on public transportation – the highest ridership level in 50 years. Public transportation has a positive impact on the economy, communities and individuals and the environment.

“Once again, I am proud that this Congress and Administration has taken strong steps to prioritize our domestic needs,” stated Grijalva. “Public transit not only reduces pollution but lowers our dependence on oil for fuel. This funding will provide new mass transit options for millions of Americans and is a key part of America’s transportation future.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation will monitor state compliance and track job creation, http://www.dot.gov/recovery/.

The projects will be web-posted for the public to see with information on projects accessible at www.recovery.gov.