Davis, LaHood Announce $8 Million to Connect Transit for Downtown Bloomington Transfer Center

Statement

U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (IL-13) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded a $8,000,000 Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant to build a new Downtown Bloomington Transfer Center. It will replace the current on-street bus transfer area. The new center will serve 10 bus routes and 1,800 daily boardings, offering riders protection from weather and improved safety, access, amenities and transit service.

Supportive actions by Davis include meeting with local stakeholders on this project beginning in August of 2018 (pictured above), sending a letter of support in April of 2020, and continuing to advocate for the project since then. LaHood also sent a letter of support in April of 2020.

"Investing in our public transit systems means we're investing in economic and community development," said Davis. "I'm proud to see the Bloomington-Normal community receive this very competitive grant, which allows them to build a new transfer center in Downtown Bloomington. Riders will experience better safety, access, and services once this project is complete. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for projects that are critical to the communities I serve."

"Connect Transit plays an essential role in our community, providing public transportation services to get residents where they need to go in a timely manner," Rep. LaHood said. "I am pleased to announce that this funding will go towards the Downtown Transfer Center that will spur economic growth and provide Bloomington-Normal's residents a convenient and safe place to access transit. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Chao for recognizing the great work being done by Connect Transit and I look forward to continuing to work with them to improve our transportation system in central and west-central Illinois."

"I want to thank both Congressmen Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood for their support of Connect Transit. This money gets us closer to the dream of a downtown transfer station in Bloomington," said Ryan Whitehouse, Chairman of Connect Transit's Board of Trustees. "Both Rodney and Darin have always been strong supporters of transit and the people we serve. This project would not be possible without their work."

Background:

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program provides important federal resources to public transportation systems to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment to construct bus-related facilities.

Related:

Davis and LaHood recently announced a $931,939 CARES Act grant award to support Connect Transit during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about that here.

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