September 21, 2009

Delaware Transit Corporation Awarded Solar Panel Funding

Project is one of 43 chosen by Obama-Biden Administration to chart new course in Green Transportation, reduce energy consumption and cut Greenhouse Gas emissions

DOVER – Gov. Jack Markell congratulated the Delaware Transit Corporation on Monday for winning a federal grant to install solar panels at its facilities. The $1.5 million DTC is receiving is part of a grant program funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for transit agencies pursuing cutting-edge environmental technologies that reduce global warming, lessen America's dependence on oil and create green jobs.  

“Increasing our use of renewable energy helps our economy by creating jobs and helps our environment by keeping pollution out of our water, air and soil,” Markell said. “Our public policies must recognize the link between economic wealth and environmental health.”

Selection criteria included a project’s ability to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and also to provide a return on the investment. Other criteria included readiness to implement, applicant capacity and degree of innovation.

“This shows how investing in green transportation not only helps the planet, but creates jobs and strengthens our economy,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

“These grants will put Americans to work now while improving our environment in the future," said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “The transit industry continues to be at the forefront of reducing pollution and creating a cleaner, safer environment for our nation.”

The DTC operates the DART First State transit system. DART First State provides transportation services statewide with over 320 buses and over 60 bus routes including its Sussex County Resort Service and paratransit service. DART First State also serves New Castle County with commuter rail service to and from Philadelphia. DART First State, brought forth by business, community and governmental visionaries over the last 13 decades, looks to the future to provide Delawareans with the highest quality of transportation in the next century.