Senators Reverend Warnock and Ossoff announced a $5.4 million grant for Chatham Area Transit to acquire clean electric buses

Senator Warnock led the effort to direct federal funding to Chatham Area Transit for this purpose, advocating directly to the Federal Transit Administration for this project – LINK HERE

Senator Reverend Warnock: “I fought hard and was proud to secure these federal investments that will modernize Chatham Area Transit’s buses and improve our air quality. I will continue working to deliver strong federal investments like this to every corner of our state”

Washington, D.C. —Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will award a $5.4 million federal grant to Chatham Area Transit to upgrade its bus fleet with clean electric buses. Senator Warnock was instrumental in pushing for the federal funding, advocating for the investments to FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez directly in June. 

“I fought hard and was proud to secure these federal investments that will modernize Chatham Area Transit’s buses and improve our air quality,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I will continue working to deliver strong federal investments like this to every corner of our state.”

“Upgraded buses that are safer and use the newest technology remain a priority to reduce the air pollution that’s dangerous for children’s health,” Senator Ossoff said. “Senator Warnock and I will continue to champion these upgrades for Chatham Area Transit and upgrades to our overall transportation infrastructure.”

“This project builds off successful FY18 and FY20 Low-No grants through the purchase of additional battery-electric buses with fast charging infrastructure for both depot and on-route locations. CAT will make capital improvements that may benefit all in the transit service district, specifically furthering CAT’s Grow Green Initiative. This project will help CAT reduce maintenance costs, provide better service to customers, reduce our carbon footprint and further support workforce development and we are grateful for the support of our Senators in making this possible,” said CAT Board Chair Deidrick Cody.

“This funding is a huge victory for CAT, local taxpayers and the environment.  It reduces our carbon footprint and provides better transportation for our passengers.  As Chatham County prospers, we need to meet the challenge brought about by thousands of new commuters who will be working at businesses like Amazon and Hyundai.  This funding goes a long way to be sure we are ready for the growth.  We thank Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock for being great partners and recognizing this. We appreciate their leadership,” said CAT CEO Faye DiMassimo.

This investment is part of the Low-No Program, which aims to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.

Senators Warnock and Ossoff have long worked to secure more federal dollars for public transit in Georgia. Thanks to their efforts, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides Georgia with nearly $1.5 billion to invest in public transportation priorities throughout the state. Senator Warnock also successfully fought to secure key updates to the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program that would allow more Georgia priorities to compete for federal funding; this policy change spearheaded by Senator Warnock has already allowed MARTA to begin planning work on the Clayton County Bus Rapid Transit project. Sen. Ossoff is also pressing the Biden Administration to help repair the Savannah Ferry following a recent earthquake that caused damage to Chatham Area Transit’s ferry infrastructure.

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