Washington, DC—Today, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) announced that she secured over $2 million in federal funding for the Broome County Department of Public Transportation (BC Transit). This funding, administered through the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA), will be used to purchase hybrid electric buses to replace diesel buses that have exceeded useful life. The new buses will help improve transit service throughout the county.
“Through this important funding Broome County will replace outdated transportation methods with new, energy efficient buses that will increase connectivity and allow the county to grow and thrive,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Revitalizing our infrastructure and transportation is critical in bringing new opportunities by connecting employees with employers and consumers with local small businesses. I am grateful to have worked alongside Broome County and DOT to ensure that our community has the necessary resources to revitalize its outdated transportation system to ensure reliable and safe travel for all.
Gregory Kilmer, Commissioner of Public Transportation for Broome County said: “BC Transit is extremely excited to have been awarded the grant dollars, many thanks to Congresswoman Tenney and our Federal Partners who’ve supported our efforts to modernize Public Transportation in Broome County! This award will allow the replacement of aging diesel buses with three new state-of-the-art 40 foot hybrid buses. These buses will be powered by BAE’s latest Hybrid Drive Propulsion System which will be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles in our fleet. Our riders will enjoy improved reliability and a quieter and more comfortable ride.”
Jason Garnar, Broome County Executive said: “BC Transit provides nearly two million rides per year supporting many aspects in our community from education, employment, healthcare to recreation. It’s rewarding to have State and Federal representatives who understand the value of good public transportation in keeping our community strong. This investment in BC Transit will improve our ridership and boost our economy.”
Last year, Rep. Tenney strongly advocated for this funding and sent a letter to the FTA highlighting the value and importance this funding would provide to upstate New York.
Find the letter attached and copied below.
June 8, 2017
Mr. Matthew Welbes
Executive Director
Federal Transit Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003-3660
Dear Mr. Welbes,
I write to you regarding the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low or No (Low-No) Emissions Vehicle Deployment Program (FTA-2017-003-LowNo) on behalf of Broome County Transit (BC Transit) of Vestal, NY and BAE Systems of Endicott, NY.
BC Transit and BAE Systems are leveraging their strong relationship and proven track record of success to propose a first-of-its-kind proposal for the U.S. transit bus industry. Their Low-No proposal, if awarded, would create the first electric grid-independent, 100% zero-emissions transit bus fleet operation for a U.S. public university.
BC Transit, which provides bus service to Binghamton University, would use BAE Systems’ geo-fenced engine stop/start technology to provide emissions-free transit bus service while on campus.
BC Transit and BAE Systems have long been partners in deploying innovative technologies for the transit bus industry. They operate under a “living laboratory” agreement where BAE Systems fields products for testing and evaluation on actual BC Transit revenue service transit buses. In return, BAE Systems provides fleet service and support for BC Transit to ensure their fleet is always up and running for Broome County’s residents.
BC Transit, Binghamton University and BAE Systems all reside in my District. BAE Systems has a strong presence in my District, offering high-skilled job opportunities and innovative product development. I hope that the FTA will recognize the value of BAE Systems’ technology, particularly its importance to upstate New York.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. If you have any questions or would like to share with me the decision on this grant application, please do not hesitate to contact me through my New Hartford District Office.
Sincerely,
Claudia Tenney
Member of Congress
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