FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Kildee Delivers Federal Funding to Improve Public Transportation in Saginaw
Kildee-Secured Funds Helping STARS Purchase New Buses
SAGINAW—Congressman Dan Kildee today highlighted new federal funding he secured to help Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) update its aging fleet and improve service for mid-Michigan residents.
Kildee secured federal funding for the eight buses STARS unveiled today through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bus and Bus Facilities Program. This is in addition to recently announced a $4 million grant, through his office’s community project funding initiative, to help STARS purchase 10 new buses.
The new transit buses include high-definition security systems, automatic wheelchair restraints and air cleaning systems to improve transportation safety and efficiency for mid-Michigan residents. These new buses, 18 in total, are badly needed, and will help meet STARS’ goal of replacing up to 33 buses by 2026.
“When we invest in our regional bus systems, we’re investing in the thousands of mid-Michigan residents who rely on these services every day to go to school, work, and the doctor,” said Congressman Kildee. “This new federal funding will help support STARS as they continue to improve and expand their operations. Today’s investment will make mid-Michigan’s public transit system more reliable and our community more connected. In Congress, I will continue working to bring home federal resources to mid-Michigan.”
At today’s press conference in Saginaw, Kildee was joined by Glenn Steffens, executive director of STARS and Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore. Photos from the event are available here.
“STARS has some new big buses for the first time in over a decade. This is thanks to Congressman Kildee and the support of our community, because without you that wouldn’t have happened. As these buses were delivered, Congressman Kildee delivered again and fought for funding for even more buses, which is simply amazing,” said Glenn Steffens, STARS executive director. “These buses are changing Saginaw’s future. With them, we will speed up our recovery plan by ten years. That’s a big deal.”
Congressman Kildee continues working to improve public transportation in mid-Michigan. Last year, Congressman Kildee helped secure two rounds of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support public transit in mid-Michigan. In February, Kildee highlighted $4.6 million to support public transit in Genesee, Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties. In April, Kildee announced $10 million to support the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA). Kildee also helped the Flint MTA restore transit services that were impacted by the pandemic.
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