TARC Spends ARRA Funds on Annex

A $4.6-million dollar construction project is underway at the Transit Authority of River City – or TARC. The project is funded by federal stimulus money.Ground has already been broken on the project, which is being touted as one of the largest stimulus projects in the area. TARC Board Chairman Cedric Powell says the 14-thousand square foot annex will provide a boost for the agency.“It will expand TARC’s training and maintenance facilities," says Powell. "It will create 80 jobs and stimulate Metro Louisville and the Commonwealth’s economy. And the maintenance annex will be certified as a LEED Leadership in Energy and Environment Design building.”Stimulus money is also being spent by TARC on a new roof at Union Station, bus driver salaries, and hybrid buses.Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan says her agency has been authorized to distribute $48-billionin transportation projects – $8billion of which is to be spent on public transit.“We’re on track to obligate and commit almost all of the transit recovery funds by Sept. 1 of this year, and I thank you, among the many of our grantees, for really making that incredible accomplishment happen." says McMillan. "It’s a great example of grants hitting the ground, providing jobs, and much needed funding for your communities.”Mayor Jerry Abramson also released a report on how the city is spending more than 200-million dollars in stimulus funds.