(Washington, D.C) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that she has included $200,000 in funding for these critical transportation projects in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Senator Murray is the Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee.
"These funds are critical for public transit in our rural communities," Murray stated. "By investing in public transit in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties, we are providing reliable transportation in areas where accessibility is a major issue."
Pacific Transit Vehicle Replacement: $50,000
This funding will be used to purchase a minibus to replace an aged vehicle. Replacement of this vehicle is critical for Pacific Transit to continue intercity services to Raymond, Aberdeen, South Bend, Naselle, Ilwaco and the Long Beach Peninsula loop. Pacific Transit provides complimentary dial-a-ride service for elderly and disabled people, and this funding helps ensure that those services are retained.
Pacific Transit provided over 117,000 passenger trips in 2005. This vehicle replacement is part of the agency’s 6 year capital improvement plan and is identified in regional plans as critical to serving regional mobility needs.
Grays Harbor Transit Vehicle Replacement: $150,000
Funding for the Grays Harbor Transit Vehicle Replacement project will enable the replacement of 2 aged minibuses. This project will help Grays Harbor Transit to continue providing general public service seven days a week with service to local small cities and rural areas. Grays Harbor Transit provides four-intercity routes, paratransit services seven days a week and intermodal connections with six neighboring county transit systems and Amtrak and Greyhound lines.
In 2005, Grays Harbor Transit provided over 1.15 million passenger trips. This funding will fully fund the purchase of two minibuses that are programmed for replacement in 2008.
The THUD Appropriations bill passed the full Appropriations Committee today and will move on to the Senate floor for consideration.
English 
Spanish