County receives $3.3M grant for COVID-19 response

Money from U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced May 15 a $3.3 million grant award to Lorain County as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to a news release. The grant will support transit service and operating expenses during the novel coronavirus public health emergency. “This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “We know that many of our nation’s public transportation systems are facing extraordinary challenges and these funds will go a long way to assisting our transit industry partners in battling COVID-19,” said Federal Tranis Administration Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. “These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all sizes providing essential travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency.” In addition to the CARES Act funding, Federal Transit Administration issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance, according to the release. CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs, the release said.