The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration issued a $15.2 million grant to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority on May 8 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
The local grant is part of $25 billion the administration awarded nationwide.
JTA will use the money for operating, preventive maintenance and administrative expenses necessary to maintain service during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in a news release.
“As part of the JTA’s efforts to recover lost revenue and to cover the increased costs associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency in Jacksonville, the Authority sought funding through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), as allowed under the federal CARES Act," the JTA said in a statement. "We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Sec. Elaine Chao, along with the FTA and FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams for their quick response in helping the JTA and our community during this difficult time.”
In addition to the CARES Act funding, the transit administration issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to develop and implement safety policies and procedures.
Those policies and procedures involve face coverings and personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance.