WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that $776,418 was awarded to the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) to improve energy conservation and reduce emissions at the Bond Hill Division Transit Hub in Cincinnati. These funds, distributed by U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) II grant program, will help to modernize one of Ohio’s largest public transportation systems.

 “Ohio is moving toward a clean energy future. And Cincinnati’s public transportation system is driving the region toward energy conservation,” Brown said. “These facility improvements will help improve energy use and reduce emissions in Cincinnati.”

 TIGER II grants are awarded to projects that contribute to the long-term economic competitiveness of the nation, improve the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the safety of U.S. transportation facilities and/or enhance the quality of living and working environments of communities through increased transportation choices and connections.

SORTA is a tax-supported, independent political subdivision of the State of Ohio and is a government entity. There are 59 transit systems in Ohio - a fleet that employs more than 5,200 workers. More than 4,200 of these Ohioans work in operational positions in transit systems that serve more than 200,000 people. Ohio is 12th in the nation for public transit ridership.

Brown has been a longtime advocate of public transportation. In March 2010 he joined Ohio transit workers from across the state to outline legislation that would save transit jobs, prevent fare increases, and preserve mass transit service. His legislation would give transit agencies increased flexibility to use federal funds for operating assistance as well as capital investments helping to prevent layoffs and preserve access to affordable transit service.

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