Ohio lawmakers say new federal funding will help the state improve public transit systems, hire more operators, and make badly needed facility and equipment upgrades.

"Over the next five years, Ohio is supposed to get $1.3 billion of guaranteed transit formula funding from the bipartisan infrastructure deal," reports Sabrina Eaton. "Ohio urban and rural transit providers will get $260 million in the 2022 fiscal year, with the $73.5 million available immediately and the rest coming later this year, according to Brown."
This will be Ohio's largest-ever investment in public transit, says Senator Sherrod Brown. "A statement from Niles-area Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan said the money would be used to strengthen public transportation systems, support transit jobs across the state and make urgently-needed investments, including new bus and railcar acquisitions, facility upgrades, and other key projects."
Cleveland will receive roughly $22 million of the initial investment, while Akron will receive around $3 million to jumpstart transit projects. Brown expressed optimism that the injection of funding will create a significant number of new jobs in Ohio.
FULL STORY: Cleveland transit gets $22 million from bipartisan infrastructure bill

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