Chatham Area Transit (CAT) has announced that it is the recipient of a 13.5 million dollar grant award. Eleven million dollars will be received from the State of Georgia while the remaining 2.5 million dollars will be the allotted local match funding.
CAT staff submitted an application for the Buses and Bus Facilities Discretionary Grant program administered by the Federal Transit Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation several months ago. The funding will replace and rehabilitate an aging bus fleet, enhance maintenance capabilities, upgrade the paratransit fleet and expand services for the downtown Savannah area. Through these upgrades, Chatham Area Transit seeks to reduce automotive congestion; enhance access to employment, education and health care opportunities; provide service for current and expected increases in tourism; and increase access to job opportunities.
In compliance with the City of Savannah’s Complete Streets ordinance and plans to make substantial parking reforms to improve quality of life, this funding will promote a more walkable, bike-friendly and transit accessible downtown corridor.
This is truly a proud moment for Chatham Area Transit and the residents of Savannah/Chatham County.
