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Middletown nets $281K in transit funds

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By Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writer 2:04 AM Saturday, March 6, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — The city has been given nearly $281,000 in federal transit funding as part of the latest round of recovery act awards.

Middletown Transit Manager Steve Murphy said the funding will alleviate some of the cash flow problems the city has been encountering, enabling bus service to continue as usual.

“It’s hard times all over right now,” Murphy said. “Having a half-year of operating money at 100 percent when a lot of other systems are cutting Saturday service really keeps us going.”

Middletown was the only Butler County municipality to receive part of approximately $24.5 million in transit funding headed to the state. Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced more than $600 million for transit projects on Friday, March 5.

City officials said the lion’s share of the money will go toward operating costs, with a smaller portion funding two new Americans with Disabilities Act compliant buses, a new roof on the barn where buses are kept at night and several new bus shelters.

The city’s transit department operates on approximately $1.24 million annually, according to Murphy. Considering the amount of federal funding the city will receive in 2010, Murphy predicts the department will only cost Middletown itself $100,000.

“Investing in these transit upgrades not only puts construction workers on the job at project sites, but supports American manufacturing jobs all the way down the supply chain,” Biden said. “At a time when jobs are priority number one, that means twice the employment bang for the Recovery Act buck.”

Murphy said maintaining regular transit operations is crucial given the current economic climate, as more people are finding it difficult to fill up their gas tanks. Given the budget crunch many governments are facing, Murphy said the funding could not have come at a better time.

“For people who take the bus to get to dialysis and other medical services, this is literally a lifesaver,” he said. “Somebody out there knows we’re hurting and is giving us the help we need.”

The city applied for the funding in November 2009, Murphy said.

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