Rep. Sykes Celebrates $17.2 Million Federal Investment For Stark Area Regional Transit Authority
CANTON, OH - Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) CEO/Executive Director Kirt Conrad, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Deputy Regional Administrator Ajay Garg, Stark County Commissioner Richard Regula, and Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II at SARTA’s headquarters in Canton for a check presentation to celebrate SARTA’s largest ever federal investment.
“A meaningful quality of life and the economic development of Northeast Ohio depends on reliable transportation, and the fact that SARTA provides energy efficient and sustainable transportation is a win-win for the community and the environment. As the only Ohioan on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am glad to help secure this valuable investment that will improve public transit in our communities,” said Rep. Sykes.
“This is the largest single grant we have ever secured and the funding it provides will fuel our ongoing drive to build upon our status as a state, national, and world leader in the development and deployment of zero-emission technology in the public transit space,” said SARTA CEO Kirt Conrad. “We’re grateful for the support we continue to receive from Congresswoman Sykes, Canton Mayor William Sherer, the Stark County Commissioners, our state legislative delegation, and everyone who understands and values the essential role SARTA and public transit play in enhancing the quality of life in our community.”
“The project we’re celebrating today will help SARTA improve its main bus facility to ensure the agency can continue its path toward providing some of the most innovative service in the region,” said FTA Deputy Regional Administrator Ajay Garg.
SARTA received over $17.2 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program. This funding will support the SARTA Equitable, Zero Emission Transit Infrastructure Upgrade. SARTA will use the funds to purchase and install hydrogen refueling infrastructure, improve clean access points, upgrade the facility for solar energy, and establish a workforce training program focused on clean transit. The efforts will improve rider safety, accessibility, and usability, while supporting Ohio's long-term plan for a transition to clean energy.
Thanks to the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to deliver meaningful results for our district, this investment will ensure SARTA can continue improving our public transportation networks to better connect our neighborhoods.
As the only Ohioan to serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure which oversees DOT’s Federal Transit Administration – Rep. Sykes is proud to help bring this vital funding back to the people of Stark County, and she’ll continue advocating for the federal support necessary to make the public transportation systems in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District the best in the country.
Pictured from left: Rep. Sykes, SARTA CEO/Executive Director Kirt Conrad, FTA Deputy Regional Administrator Ajay Garg pose with a ceremonial check for SARTA’s largest ever federal grant award.
Pictured above: Rep. Sykes (center) joins local leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of SARTA’s new office and meeting space.