On Tuesday, the PACTS Executive Committee approved the allocation of $11.1 million in federal stimulus funds to help transit agencies replace lost revenues and improve the resilience of the region's public transportation network.
"The region's public transportation system will be integral in the post-pandemic economic recovery, and this funding will enable us to rebuild customer demand after the pandemic," said Cape Elizabeth Town Manager Matthew Sturgis, who chairs the committee.
More than $9 million will be used to replace lost transit agency revenues; $1 million is dedicated to cleaning, sanitation and communications; and $1.1 million will be spent on several projects to help recover ridership and improve transit system resiliency.
Public transportation in southern Maine has received $53 million in total through CARES, with $32.6 million allocated across three phases. More than $20 million remains to be distributed.