By Morgan Reddekopp, Patch – April 4, 2022
BURNSVILLE, MN — Representative Angie Craig announced that she secured $4.9 million in federal funding to modernize the Burnsville Bus Garage.
The money was provided as part of the Department of Transportation’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which helps recipients replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment, Craig said. This also includes construction and maintenance of bus-related facilities, she said.
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority was selected for the grant and decided that Burnsville Bus Garage was in most need of the funds, according to Luther Wynder, chief executive officer of MVTA.
“I’m proud to have worked closely with local leaders to secure this critical funding for the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority to upgrade their bus garage, which is in desperate need of renovation,” Craig said. “These federal funds will strengthen and improve the region’s public transportation for years to come – providing the foundation necessary for continued economic growth.”
The funds will be used to support the building’s north apron and add repair and expansion options that previous funding hadn’t been able to support, Craig said.
“The support for this bus garage modernization essentially allows MVTA to better serve public transit riders in the south metro,” Burnsville City Councilor Dan Kealey, who serves on the MVTA Board of Commissioners, said. “Upgrading the vehicle storage, maintenance and fueling capabilities of the garage were fundamental needs for the facility.”