Assistant Leader Neguse Announces $11 Million for Transit Improvements in Eagle County, Loveland, and Fort Collins

Lafayette, CO — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse announced a total of $10,951,557 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for communities in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District to improve public transit. The funding, which was allocated to Eagle County and the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), comes from programs designed to support the developments of new transit systems and improve, maintain, and operate existing systems nationwide. 

“I’m excited to announce $11 million in federal funding to improve public transit in communities across Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District. From new hybrid-electric buses for Eagle County and the completion of a local transit center in Loveland to investments that will make Fort Collins’ bus stops and its Downtown Transit Center safer and more accessible, these projects are taking leaps to better connect Coloradans,” said Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse. “I am proud to have supported legislation to invest in our nation’s infrastructure and look forward to seeing how these projects change people’s lives for the better and get America moving again.”

“Today, 117 communities, including those in Colorado, are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies across 47 states replace old buses running on dirty, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.”

"This amazing, generous award comes as fantastic news for the Eagle Valley Transportation Authority. Our riders appreciate reducing their carbon footprint by choosing public transportation, so adding hybrid-electric buses to our fleet is an enormous win for everyone. We are deeply grateful for the support to help us embrace eco-conscious transit options in a region prized by both residents and visitors for its pristine ecological resources," said Jeanne McQueeney, Eagle County Commissioner.

“I am so thrilled to learn about this much-needed funding. Updating the EVTA fleet is our highest priority, and this assistance will help significantly in our goal to become the transportation method of choice in the Eagle River Basin,” said Avon Mayor Amy Cramer Phillips. 

“This $2.4 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive transit system and achieving our climate action goals. By improving accessibility and investing in low-emission technology, we're not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents but also demonstrating our commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. We’re thrilled to partner with Colorado State University on this grant award and to upgrade bus stops throughout the system as well as on CSU’s campuses,” said City of Fort Collins City Manager, Kelly DiMartino. 

Additional details on the funding is as follows: 

• $4,573,000 for the Eagle Valley Transportation Authority – The Colorado Department of Transportation, on behalf of Eagle Valley Transportation Authority, will receive funding through the FTA’s Low and No Emission Grant Program to buy hybrid-electric buses. The buses will replace older diesel vehicles with new, more reliable vehicles that will provide better transit service and improve regional air quality. 
• $3,967,007 for the City of Loveland – The City of Loveland will receive funding from the FTA’s Bus & Bus Facilities Grant Program to complete construction of a transit center that will connect local bus routes and a regional bus line along the heavily traveled U.S. 287 corridor. The facility will improve safety for riders, lessen congestion and attract new transit users.
• $2,411,550 for the City of Fort Collins – The City of Fort Collins will receive funding from the FTA’s Bus & Bus Facilities Grant Program to improve transit infrastructure, including bus stops and its Downtown Transit Center, to make it safer and more accessible. These enhancements will promote access, advance equity, and remove barriers to transit for people of all ages and riders with disabilities. 

Background

Assistant Leader Joe Neguse has worked tirelessly to ensure all of Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District is well-connected through safe, efficient modes of transportation. He played a key role in enacting the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has authorized billions of dollars to support federal public transportation programs for countless Americans across the country. Recently, Neguse successfully championed and secured nearly $2.5 million for transit improvements as part of the FY2024 government funding package, including $1 million for the City of Longmont to construct a regional transit system. 

Assistant Leader Neguse has also fought to secure federal funding for passenger rail projects in his district. Last year, he worked with local leaders and community members to successfully advocate for Colorado’s Front Range Passenger Rail Project to be included in the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FRA’s Corridor Identification Development (Corridor ID) Plan.

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