Project: Helena Transit Facility

City: Helena

State: Montana

ARRA Award Amount: $3 Million

Program: Non-Urbanized Area Formula From

Description:

The Montana Department of Transportation will use $11.3 million in ARRA funds for the construction of seven bus administration and maintenance facilities and three intermodal terminals, and to purchase 35 buses and 24 vans. Funds will also be used for 16 bus shelters and miscellaneous support equipment. Montana DOT is distributing these funds statewide to 27 different operators.

One highlight from this statewide grant:
The City of Helena received $3 million through the State DOT for a combination administrative/maintenance/transfer facility with both local and intercity bus elements. This facility will improve operational efficiencies for the transit provider and also provide a much more comfortable and convenient riding experience for the system’s patrons. Currently, the transit provider operates out of a converted gas station. Administrative work space is cramped and uncomfortable. Conducting ongoing maintenance is more challenging than it should be and many of the transit provider’s vehicles are stored outside. The converted gas station also serves as the community’s intercity bus stop. The passenger waiting room is cramped and generally inhospitable; many customers end up waiting outside instead. This project would have been delayed several years – and may never have happened at all – without ARRA funding.