WASHINGTON –Today, Reps. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) released the following statement announcing $15 million in federal funds being awarded to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA).  The project replaces 40 heavy rail vehicles with 34 heavy rail vehicles and makes associated infrastructure upgrades to the rail maintenance facility, equipment, and stations to accommodate the new vehicles.  The funding will be administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) competitive grant program.

“The news of GCRTA receiving $15 million in BUILD grant funding for its Rail Car Replacement Program Project is a great day for the Cleveland metropolitan area,” said Rep. Fudge.  “This funding will help the organization replace aging rail vehicles, which will improve the safety and reliability of rail service used by millions of riders in Northeast Ohio each year.  The upgrades made possible from this grant will ensure riders can continue to depend on public transportation to go to work, attend school, and travel to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential locations throughout the region for years to come.”

“High functioning and modern rail infrastructure is critical to the people and economy of Northern Ohio, the City of Cleveland, and the surrounding metropolitan area,” said Rep. Kaptur.  “That is why I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has awarded GCRTA with $15 million in federal funds to replace many of its heavy rail vehicles and make important infrastructure upgrades.  This funding arrives at a time when communities like ours need it the most – with the dual public health and economic crises caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, local governments and organizations are facing difficult financial situations.  This funding will help ensure rail service in our region remains safe and reliable for the millions who rely on the system every year.”

“We are delighted that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) $15 million toward their rail car replacement project under the BUILD Grant program.  This announcement highlights our shared efforts to recognize and support the need to enhance our regional public transportation system,” said Grace Gallucci, Chief Executive Officer of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), local MPO for Northeast Ohio.  “NOACA has committed $24 million to help fund this project.  This additional $15 million federal funding commitment to our region will lead to safer, more efficient travel for the more than 8 million people who ride these lines annually.  The improved service will attract new ridership resulting in less congestion, cleaner air, and greater economic opportunities supported through transit-oriented development.  We are thrilled that GCRTA has been selected by the U.S. DOT to receive this much needed grant award.”

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