MANAR ANNOUNCES $1.1 MILLION IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS IN DECATUR

Sen. Andy Manar

      The City of Decatur was named a recipient of a $1.1 million grant to improve its mass transit system, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) has announced. Manar, who chairs the Senate Appropriations II Committee and serves as a lead budget negotiator for the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, worked to prioritize mass transit systems in the landmark, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan.

     “Too often, quality public transit systems are overlooked and underfunded. The fact of the matter is not everyone is fortunate enough to have regular access to a vehicle, making quality public transportation invaluable,” Manar said. “The coming improvements are the result of working alongside local leaders to assess Decatur’s public transit needs, taking those needs to Springfield and ensuring their inclusion in the state budget.”

     Grant funds will be used for new or renovated busses, transit stations and maintenance facilities. This is the first of three grant cycles for mass transit projects through the Rebuild Illinois plan, with the next two set to occur in 2021 and 2023.

     “Our mass transit system primarily serves our more vulnerable population, and we strive to make it the most efficient, comfortable and safe service possible,” Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said. “We appreciate Senator Manar’s efforts to help us fund needed improvements, and this grant assists us tremendously.”