NETT LAKE- Public transportation for the Bois Forte Band recently got a huge boost of over $10 million in federal funds that will transform the future of bus transportation on and off the reservation.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith helped to secure a $9.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct a new transit facility.
The new facility will feature a non-traditional design to parallel park buses and maximize the use of space. The award will also allow the Band to create a new bus wash, add a work bay equipped with a lift for mechanics to do maintenance, and a solar power generation system.
“Infrastructure throughout Tribal Nations has historically been underfunded, making this investment especially important. This is going to improve the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa’s transit system and help the community stay better connected to jobs, school, local businesses, and community gatherings for decades to come,” said Smith. “I’m also excited to see the positive impact the new solar power system will have. Tribal Nations have long been leaders at protecting our environment and I’m glad we’re able to be a partner at the federal level to ensure this gets done.”
Bois Forte will also receive an additional $739,500 from the Federal Transit Administration for low-emission propane buses and filling stations. The Band was among five Minnesota awardees that received a total of $5.9 million for transportation projects.
“Investments in public transit help reduce traffic and make it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will make a real difference in Tribal communities across our state, modernizing buses and bolstering transit efficiency so residents can safely and reliably get around their community.”
“We are very grateful to have been one of the recipients for this program that will help our environment by reducing emissions,” said Bois Forte Tribal Chair Cathy Chavers. “We can’t thank Senators Smith and Klobuchar enough for their assistance and continued support.”