Funding through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Region – On April 21, U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), chair of the House Rules Committee, alongside Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Administrator Dennis Lipka announced that the WRTA has been awarded a $5 million grant in federal funding to support operations during the coronavirus crisis.
The funding, which Congress approved on March 27, was authorized through the CARES Act and provides a total of $25 billion to urban and rural transit agencies to help to prevent, prepare for, and continue to provide service during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be provided at a 100-percent federal share, with no local match required, and will be available to support capital, operating, and other expenses to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
“The WRTA is a lifeline for so many people here in Worcester County – including essential workers who we are all relying on right now,” McGovern said. “I’m glad that these funds are grants are being distributed, but there is much more work to be done, and I will continue to fight to make sure that future relief packages help my constituents here in Massachusetts.”
“The CARES ACT grant funds will make it possible for the WRTA to provide the equipment, supplies and staff necessary to keep in place the transportation options needed by many residents of Central Massachusetts during this pandemic and beyond,” said WRTA Administrator Dennis Lipka. “The funds will allow us to make sure that the array of WRTA transportation services will continue to be available to the community as an important, reliable, and safe option for travel for the people of central Massachusetts.”
