Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces Over $8 Million to HDOT Through CARES Act Funds

Press Release

Today, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $8,906,600 in CARES Act funds to the Hawai"i Department of Transportation (HDOT) through its Section 5311 Rural Area Formula fund.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our local economy and crippled many public services. These federal funds will help make sure that the public transportation that people depend on will continue to be available for those who need it most and be safe to use," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

HDOT is receiving the grant on behalf of two sub-recipients: Kaua"i County Transportation Agency and County of Hawai"i Mass Transit Agency. These agencies will use the funds for operational expenses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and will help cover salaries, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and cleaning and disinfection supplies.

Background: The Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000, where many residents often rely on public transit to reach their destinations. The program also provides funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program.

Funds from this program may be used for planning, capital, operating, job access and reverse commute projects, and the acquisition of public transportation services.

Earlier this month, the FTA awarded over $7 million through the CARES Act to the Hawai"i Department of Transportation (HDOT) on behalf of MauiBus through its Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula fund.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was the third COVID-19 emergency assistance bill passed by Congress. The bill included direct cash payments to Americans, assistance for those who are out of work due to the outbreak, funding for small businesses, hospitals, and health care workers, and state as well as local governments. The bill's funding for state and local governments included at least $1.2 billion for Hawai"i.

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