This week, U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, R-Fla., announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is sending more than $4 million to Tampa Bay to help boost public transportation.

Spano, who sits on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced the DOT is sending $4.3 million to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) through a Buses and Bus Facilities Program discretionary grant.

“This is outstanding news for Hillsborough County as it is one of the top 10 fastest growing counties in the nation,” Spano said. “Unfortunately, our infrastructure has been unable to keep pace, and we welcome these funds to help improve our public transit system and accommodate further growth. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I will fight for funding to improve transportation options for my constituents, and I will work with the DOT to recognize and respond to the growing challenges across District 15.”

HART Interim Chief Financial Officer Cyndy Stiglich welcomed the funds.

“HART is very excited to be the recipient of this grant. It will allow us to replace diesel-fueled buses with compressed natural gas buses to improve our services to major employment centers in the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County,” Stiglich said.

“Hillsborough County has a population of roughly 1.5 million, and HART serves a coverage area of 1,266 square miles. This grant will be used to finance buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses and bus-related facilities,” Spano’s office noted.

Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.