Carbondale Reporter

The Rebuild Illinois Statewide Transit Capital Program has awarded RIDES Mass Transit District a $9.825 million grant.

The program was founded to appropriate funds to help public transit agencies, according to the Rebuild Illinois Statewide Transit Capital Program. 

"These funds are separated into two funding programs, the Multi-Modal Transportation Bond Fund for Downstate Public Transportation in the amount of $204 million and the Downstate Mass Transportation Capital Improvement Fund in the amount of $151,944,000, for a total of $355,944,000," the document states. "The Transit Capital Bureau intends to divide the appropriated capital funds to provide the option of at least two separate calls for projects over the next three to four years." 

Several public transit agencies have received funds that will be used for upgrades, construction and other purchases needed to upgrade equipment and vehicles. 

"Of the 19 rural applications, a total of$23,180,394 in projects was determined to be eligible. Of the 12 urban applications, a total of$151,750,207 in projects was determined to be eligible," the document states. "This amounted to a total request of$174,930,601. For the Capital Bureau to maintain its plan for multiple calls for projects, it has been determined that we need to set a funding limit of approximately $100 million for the first call for projects.This will allow for at least one more call for projects over the life of the program."

RIDES Mass Transit District will be using its grant to upgrade its information technology items by replacing old software with new remote capabilities, Edgar County Watchdogs reported. 

The district will also be using funds to construct and remodel multiuse vehicle storage maintenance and dispatch facility in Wayne County, to construct an operations and maintenance facility in Olney and to construct a storage and maintenance facility in Carbondale. The agency will also be purchasing heavy-duty bus equipment, bus shelters and route supervisor minivans with the funds, Edgar County Watchdogs reported.