WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Committee, released the following statement announcing that Washoe County has been awarded a grant totaling $4,080,000 from the Federal Transit Administration to replace and rehabilitate old buses with new, hybrid diesel-electric buses.
“As we work to address the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget the role that pollution and climate change have on our health as well,” said Senator Rosen. “Not only have these environmental factors not slowed down during the pandemic, but they are actively reducing our air quality and exasperating respiratory issues caused by COVID-19. By investing in clean and environmentally-conscious modes of transportation, we are taking steps to protect our health and Nevada’s environment. This grant funding gives our state resources to transform our transportation system to a cleaner and more reliable model. I will continue working in Congress to help build a cleaner and healthier future for Nevada and the people who call our state home.”
BACKGROUND: This grant funding was made available by The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program (49 U.S.C. 5339). This program sends federal resources to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County in Nevada will receive funding to replace older buses that have exceeded their useful life with new hybrid diesel-electric buses. This project will improve safety and reliability for residents in Reno, Sparks and other communities throughout Washoe County.
Senator Rosen is a co-sponsor of the Clean School Bus Act (S. 1750), which would accelerate the electrification of the nation’s school bus fleet through a competitive grant program.
Last year, Rosen helped introduce the Electric CARS Act of 2019 (S.993), bicameral legislation that would fully extend the Electric Vehicle (EV) tax credit for 10 years and help develop critical alternative fuel charging infrastructure.
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