Now it's official - the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) can put $1 million in grant funding from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) towards its $5.5 million Blake Transit Center renovation project. AATA's bus system,
TheRide, also received $1.7 million from the FTA for the purchase of 10 hybrid buses.
"This funding will play a critical role in expanding and enhancing transportation options for Ann Arbor to help us retain, create, and attract jobs to Washtenaw County. I am very happy to help Mayor John Hieftje and AATA's CEO Michael Ford continue their outstanding work," Congressman Dingell says in a statement. "...Both of these projects will help TheRide operate more efficiently and effectively, working to better public transportation and economic security for Southeast Michigan."
The Blake Transit Center will triple in size, from 2,000 to 6,000 square feet. The new terminal will have more public restroom space and a remote dispatch center. Michigan-based DLZ will design the center to LEED-certified specifications. Spence Brothers, also based in Michigan, will serve as construction manager on the project. Work is slated to begin in spring 2012.
The purchase of 10 new hybrid buses brings to 41 the total number of hybrids in TheRide's 78-bus fleet.
Source: Ann Arbor Transportation Authority
Writer: Tanya Muzumdar
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