Federal Transit Authority donates more than $47 million to Arkansas for public transit

Little Rock, Arkansas – Grants for public transportation totaling more than $47 million are being given to Arkansas by federal officials.

According to the Federal Transit Authority, Arkansas receives $47,313,029 per year in transit formula funds. The funds are part of a $14 billion funding package that the organization is dispersing all around the country.

$8,152,127 is included in the allocation for Little Rock. The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers region will receive an additional $4,059,104.

According to FTA representatives, the funds will be used to modernize mass transit stations and tracks, make the switch to next-generation buses, plan and construct new transportation corridors, and provide specific services for elderly and disabled passengers.

With this budget package, annual funding for transit is 28% more than it has ever been.

“This funding will open more doors to Americans than ever before,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “Transit formula funding provides a lifeline for communities, and this record level of support will help create jobs, provide mobility to more people, and address the climate crisis.”

The $14 billion at the focus of the statement on Thursday was calculated using methods for estimating state and urban area needs. According to officials, more than two-thirds of the yearly $21 billion national transit program is funded under the system.