WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a $395.6 million grant award of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to King County Metro Transit in Seattle, Washington. 
 
“As the Puget Sound Region continues to grow, strengthening and expanding our transit network is crucial. The funds from the American Rescue Plan awarded this week will allow King County Metro to advance its mission of creating an accessible, affordable, and reliable transit system that helps the people of King County get where they need to go. Additionally, King County Metro has committed to move to a 100 percent zero-emissions fleet powered by battery-electric buses no later than 2040. This initiative puts us on a path towards a carbon free economy, and the funds announced today will help us move forward on that path.”
 
“As we all know, the transportation sector has been hit especially hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help King County Metro maintain service and retain jobs as we continue to recover. The riders and the employees of King County Metro will benefit greatly, as will our region.”
 
“The American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden in March of this year and its impacts have been felt across the country, enabling communities to come back stronger from the pandemic. I am proud to see these funds come to Washington State. As federal agencies begin to distribute funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed into law in November, and as Congress works to pass President Biden’s Build Back Better Act, we will continue to work towards our vision of an expansive, effective, and sustainable transportation system.”
 
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