In Washington, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the Federal Transportation Administration is awarding transit districts in Oregon $17,129,662 for the purchase or lease of low- or no-emission vehicles, and related equipment or facilities.
This FTA funding is part of the Low- or No-Emission Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. These grants support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector; incorporate evidence-based climate resilience measures and features; avoid adverse environmental impacts to air or water quality, wetlands, and endangered species; and address the disproportionate negative environmental impacts of transportation on disadvantaged communities.
“We want to thank Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden for considering RVTD’s ability to provide public transportation during natural disasters such as the Almeda Fire. These six Hybrid-Electric Diesel buses will run on 100% renewable diesel fuel, replacing older traditional diesel and CNG buses. These new buses will allow RVTD to continue operations if the electrical grid is compromised,” said Julie Brown, General Manager, Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD).
