Baird Secures Funding for the Pacific County Transit System

Press Release

Baird Secures Funding for the Pacific County Transit System

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) today secured critical transportation funding for the Pacific County Transit System in the SAFETEA-LU bill that passed the House today.

Included in the bill is a provision introduced by Rep. Baird that allows for the transfer of $83,600 in funding to replace vehicles used by the Pacific County Transit System. The dial-a-ride service provides transportation services for disabled riders, senior riders, and riders not located near a main bus route.

"I am pleased that Pacific County will be able to use this funding to help residents, including those with special needs, get the transportation assistance they need," said Congressman Baird. "The Pacific County Transit system is a critical resource for the many residents who rely on this system to get school, work, or to see their families. I am proud to play a role in the effort to invest funding in a project that fully fits the need of Pacific County."

Rep. Baird secured this funding in the SAFETEA-LU bill that passed in 2005 to help the City of Ilwaco purchase transit vehicles to serve as shuttles for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. However, following the bill's enactment, it became clear that the shuttle buses were no longer needed.

Since that time, at the request of Pacific County, Rep. Baird has been working to transfer funds to help fund the Pacific County Transit System. Pacific Transit serves all of Pacific County residents, including special needs, seniors, and students.

"We appreciate Congressman Baird's efforts to secure this money that will be used to buy a new bus to replace one that is three years past beyond its useful life," said Tim Russ, Director of Pacific County Transit.

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