St. Lucie County Receives Over $5 Million in Federal “Mega Grant” Funds for Public Transportation
The combined public transportation grant for Federal Fiscal Year 2024 totals $5,105,569 in federal funds, with an additional $1,169,241 coming from local support through the county’s Municipal Service Taxing Unit for Transit. In total, the project investment reaches $6,274,810.
The FTA’s public transportation “Mega Grant” combines resources from Sections 5307 (Urbanized Area Formula) and 5339 (Buses and Bus Facilities), simplifying the process of securing funds for both operational and capital expenses. This translates into additional benefits for passengers, such as:
- Vehicle acquisition: Residents will enjoy new vehicles in operation, resulting in more reliable service with fewer disruptions. Additionally, purchasing more vehicles increases travel capacity, reducing wait times and improving customer service.
- Public transportation service: The Mega Grant investment allows St. Lucie County to continue offering existing services while also introducing new ones for its residents.
- Paratransit assistance that supports flexible transportation service in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring equitable access for all residents. This service provides door-to-door transportation, enabling people to access essential activities such as shopping, attending medical appointments, and more.
- Equipment upgrades: Tools can be acquired to optimize route efficiency and travel patterns, thereby improving the system overall.
- Automated passenger counters: This generates highly accurate data and statistics, which are essential for federal programs and help better understand travel patterns to optimize routes.
“This grant helps us maintain our day-to-day operations while making capital investments that directly benefit passengers,” said Transit Director Adolfo Covelli. “Residents will notice visible improvements in service quality and access, while the county strengthens its ability to provide effective, modern, and inclusive public transportation.”
For St. Lucie County, accepting this grant reinforces the transportation system without fully burdening local taxpayers.
By leveraging federal and state resources, the county can advance long-term mobility goals outlined in its strategic plan while preserving Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) reserves for other priorities.
To learn more about public transportation services in St. Lucie County, including routes, schedules, and fare details, visit: www.SLCART.org
