Northland Transit Agencies Receive Over $6 Million in Grants

Includes the DTA, AEOA, and City of Hibbing

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith and Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle today announced $23.7 million in grants to help meet the growing need for transit services in Greater Minnesota.

Grants were awarded to 23 transit providers across the state, and will help improve reliability, frequency, and service for Minnesotans.

Three agencies in the Northland have received over $6 million. The Duluth Transit Authority received $3,995,800, Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency will see $2,369,800, and the City of Hibbing will be given $47,300.

DTA General Manager Dennis Jensen was amazed with how quickly the state awarded the grants.

“Normally when you apply for these grants it takes a little longer,” said Jensen.  “I know the state was anxious to get this service on the street, so we’re very excited to have the opportunity.”

Grant recipients included urban services in populations greater than 50,000, small urban services in populations from 2,500 to 49,000, as well as in rural systems made up of county and multi-county systems, including tribal systems.

The state of Minnesota currently has 44 transit systems serving all 80 Greater Minnesota counties.