WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, (both D-Md.) today announced that the Maryland Department of Transportation in Ocean City has been awarded a $2 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s State of Good Repair Program. This program provides assistance for new and replacement buses, related equipment and facilities. Senator Mikulski is a senior member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the U.S. DOT. Senator Cardin is a member of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.
“Each year, I fight for federal funding to make traveling in Maryland safer, faster and easier,” Senator Mikulski said. “Buses are a vital component of this transportation network. These funds in the federal checkbook for Ocean City’s bus system will help get Marylanders to their jobs, deliver goods to the marketplace and reduce congestion on our roads and highways. I’m proud to work for a strong, modern transportation system which cultivates a vibrant and healthy economy and keeps Maryland on the move.”
“Putting money into public transportation such as bus systems is a smart use of federal dollars,” said Senator Cardin, who also serves on the Senate Budget Committee. “It also will make a visit to Ocean City more enjoyable for visitors who often rely on the City’s buses to get them to where they want to go safely and efficiently.”
Maintaining the nation’s bus and rail systems in a State of Good Repair (SGR) is essential if public transportation systems are to provide safe and reliable service to millions of daily riders. State of Good Repair includes sharing ideas on recapitalization and maintenance issues, asset management practices, and innovative financing strategies. It also includes issues related to measuring the condition of transit capital assets, prioritizing local transit re-investment decisions and preventive maintenance practices.
Senator Mikulski has been an outspoken advocate for transportation safety and efficiency in Maryland and across the country. Senator Mikulski secured increased formula funding for Maryland’s transit priorities that includes an additional $30 million in FY 2013 and FY2014 to support transit systems across the state.
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