Trump: $41M for Milwaukee County bus
Tweet about project is surprise to officials
President Donald Trump announced by tweet Thursday that Milwaukee County is in line for nearly $41 million in federal money for its East-West Bus Rapid Transit project — a late-afternoon announcement that seemed to take some county officials by surprise but also appeared to be a major step toward fulfillment of a longstanding funding request for the nine-mile project.
There are additional steps that must take place before it would receive the $40.9 million.
According to the county, the funding is from a Small Starts program under the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants Program — funding the county requested in September 2017.
That context wasn’t part of a tweet that came from President Donald Trump Thursday evening: “I’m proud to commit $40.9M in @USDOT funding to Milwaukee’s East-West Bus Rapid Transit project. Bringing modern transit to the region’s most critical corridor and spur millions in economic development. Love Wisconsin! @RideMCTS”
The tweet was one of a series in which Trump announced funding not only to Milwaukee County but also to projects in Utah, Pennsylvania, Oregon, New York, Indiana, Florida and Arizona.
Milwaukee’s $54.8 million bus rapid transit system would connect downtown Milwaukee, the near west side, Marquette University, Wauwatosa and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
The county will cover about 20% of the project cost through a local match, once a smaller federal allocation is also figured in, according to the county.
The funding will be used for new stations, platforms, dedicated lane improvements and off-board fare collection devices.