CARES Act helps local communities in Mississippi respond to COVID-19

As a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $49 million to Mississippi to support local public transit for small cities and rural communities.

The CARES Act was created to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families and small businesses while preserving jobs for American industries. The funds are designated to help local communities respond to some of the most basic personal mobility challenges caused by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will distribute grant funds to eligible applicants including local governments, nonprofit organizations and certain operators of public transportation, such as the Bolivar County Council on Aging, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the South Central Community Action Agency.

“These funds are an investment by the federal government that will go a long way toward sustaining and developing local public transit options that will allow citizens to maintain access to employment, food and healthcare essential destinations,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director.

Funding will be provided at a 100-percent federal share, with no local match required, and will be available to support capital, operating and other expenses routinely eligible under those programs to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19 for the period March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021.

The money cannot be used by MDOT to fund road and bridge projects. For more information on these grants and how to apply contact the MDOT Public Transit Division at (601) 359-7800.