FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 15, 2005


Federal Funds Will Help Purchase 151 Clean Fueled Buses, Provide New Infrastructure

Governor George E. Pataki today announced $11 million in federal aid that will enable small public transportation systems throughout New York State to purchase new buses and provide for a series of facility and infrastructure improvements. The aid is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

"Public transportation services help form the backbone of commerce across our State, keeping New Yorkers on the move and promoting a more vibrant economy," Governor Pataki said. "Not only will this important funding improve services, it will promote a cleaner and healthier environment by enabling our communities to purchase more clean-fueled buses."

Funds are provided through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 Program, designed to support the capital and operating needs of public transportation providers in rural counties and small cities with a population of less than 50,000. Distribution of funding is based on a review of capital replacement needs by NYSDOT.

Section 5311 funds will be used to finance 151 new clean fueled buses, passenger shelters, bus stop signs, computer equipment, and maintenance facility enhancement projects in 33 counties and municipalities across the State. Section 5311 funds finance 80 percent of capital costs, with the State and local governments each assuming 10 percent.

Buses purchased through this round of Section 5311 funding will utilize clean burning diesel technology that will contribute to a reduction of hydrocarbon and particulate emissions. Nearly 25 percent of New York's total rural transit fleet will be replaced with these vehicles as a result of today's announcement.

Systems receiving 5311 aid include:

Allegany County - $371,600 for six buses, computer equipment, and bus shelters;
Chautauqua Area Rural Transit System (CARTS), Chautauqua County - $725,720 for 13 buses;
Chenango County - $384,000 for six buses;
Clinton County - $388,000 for four buses, bicycle racks, and maintenance garage design;
Cortland County - $476,000 for seven buses;
Essex County - $706,000 for seven buses, bus shelters, computer and radio equipment;
Franklin County - $185,600 for four buses;
City of Gloversville, Fulton County - $412,000 for three buses and maintenance equipment;
Greene County - $68,000 for one bus and computer equipment;
City of Watertown, Jefferson County - $100,000 for two buses and clerical equipment;
Madison County - $168,800 for three buses and bus shelters;
Montgomery County - $84,000 for one bus;
City of Amsterdam, Montgomery County - $319,840 for two buses, bus shelters, and maintenance garage rehabilitation;
Niagara County - $320,000 for two buses;
Oneida County - $216,000 for three buses;
City of Rome, Oneida County - $56,560 for office equipment and bus shelters;
Ontario County - $1,046,400 for 15 buses, radio equipment, and bus shelters;
Orange County - $80,320 for two buses;
City of Oneonta, Otsego County - $52,000 for one bus;
Rensselaer County - $80,000 for one bus;
St. Lawrence County - $208,000 for four buses;
Schoharie County - $356,800 for five buses, office and garage equipment;
City of Hornell, Steuben County - $112,000 for two buses;
Steuben County - $122,000 for two buses and computer equipment;
Tioga County - $200,000 for one bus;
Tompkins County - $1,003,040 for four buses, bus shelters, signage, and radio equipment;
Ulster County - $308,000 for one bus and bus shelters;
Rochester - Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Livingston County - $886,400 for 16 buses;
Rochester - Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Genesee County
$354,400 for seven buses;
Rochester - Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Orleans County
$40,000 for one bus;
Rochester - Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Seneca County
$400,000 for 10 buses;
Rochester - Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Wayne County - $590,400 for 10 buses; and
Rochester - Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Wyoming County - $232,800 for five buses.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "Section 5311 funds enable small urban and rural public transit systems to provide transportation services to those who might otherwise be without.

With the support of Governor Pataki and our FTA partners, we will continue to provide our small communities with the resources necessary to support safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation."

Transportation providers will be able to begin ordering buses and equipment within 30 days.