Mass Transit in Detroit: DARTA Receives Grant From the Federal Transit Administration

DETROIT, March 31 -- The Detroit Area Regional Transportation Authority (DARTA) was notified today that it has been awarded a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in the amount of $347,725. The announcement was made by Joel P. Ettinger, Regional Administrator for FTA - Region V which includes Michigan.

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  These funds can be used to support efforts by DARTA to:

  *  Build out DARTA's staffing plan, including hiring its CEO.

* Contract for work to develop the Coordinated Regional Transit Service Plan.

* Support DDOT/SMART Coordination Activities.

* Establish the process for public involvement in planning service improvements.

* Educate the public on DARTA's progress, and communicate its accomplishments via an enhanced public Website, newsletters and other marketing materials, as appropriate.

"This is a great day for DARTA," said Gerald Poisson, DARTA Co-Chair and Assistant Deputy County Executive for Oakland County. "We can finally move forward with the work DARTA was established to do in order to improve public transit services in Southeast Michigan."

"Given the current economic climate, the business community today needs access to a highly qualified workforce now more than ever," said Richard E. Blouse Jr., CCE, Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO and member of the DARTA board. "Having a seamless, coordinated regional transit system helps ensure that employers have access to a diverse pool of talented and qualified workers."

"In addition, the funding comes none to soon, as we ramp up to take the next step in helping to deliver a seamless intermodal transportation system throughout the region and be on par with the rest of the world," said DARTA Co-Chair Derrick Miller, chief administrative officer for the city of Detroit.

The DARTA board also believes the improved baseline services will better serve the community in light of the upcoming roadway construction season and planned future events in the region, including the Ryder Cup and the Super Bowl.

With the applications nearly complete, DARTA is also confident that an outstanding grant award from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for up to $500,000 will also be forthcoming within the next several weeks. DARTA has already received an award of $24,300 in start-up funding from MDOT.

For more information, contact DARTA's Senior Administrator Wendy Barrott at (313) 596-0440.

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