U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Secures $5 Million Grant for Eau Claire Public Transportation Improvements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today congratulated the City of Eau Claire for being awarded $5 million in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Last July, Senator Baldwin worked to restore funding in the FY2018 Transportation Appropriations Bill for the TIGER grant program as it was slated for elimination under the President’s proposed budget.

“Wisconsin’s transportation system is in critical need of improvements. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am proud to have secured strong federal investments that will better connect our rural communities and help Wisconsinites travel from one place to the next, whether it’s commuting to work or going to the grocery store,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am pleased the City of Eau Claire was awarded $5 million in TIGER grant funding to support their public transportation efforts that will enhance the quality of life for Chippewa Valley residents and families.”

“We are very excited to receive this very competitive transportation grant. It will allow us to improve our transit in Eau Claire and help Eau Claire area businesses and commuters connect with the community,” said City Manager Dale Peters.

This TIGER grant funding will be used to construct a seven-level transit center and mixed-used building in Downtown Eau Claire, along with support the purchase of four new buses to be used by the Eau Claire Transit system. Both of these additions to the area’s public transportation system will help facilitate the expansion of routes to rural communities. The grant also funds underground parking for transit operations and will replace the existing transfer center to become Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant.

Created by Congress in 2009, the TIGER grant program directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to invest in a variety of transportation modes and selects projects through a merit-based process. The grant program also ensures that projects across the country are funded and includes several provisions to balance the needs of urban and rural areas. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has been a strong supporter of TIGER funding, advocating for increased investment in the critical grant program.