Prince George's County Advances Commitment to Zero Emissions with $25.4 Million USDOT Grant
We are proud to announce a significant milestone in our journey towards enriching our County, with sustainability as a priority. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded our Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) over $25.4 million through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low or No Emission grant program. This grant is a testament to our dedication to creating a cleaner, greener, and more efficient public transit system for our residents.
The new funding will support the acquisition of new zero-emission battery electric fixed-route buses, battery-electric vans, and Level 4 electric chargers. Additionally, it will fund the construction needed to complete a new microgrid and energy management system. These advancements will create jobs for Prince Georgians, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance transit access across the County.
Watch The Transit Transformation Announcement
The Prince George's County Transit Transformation Initiative
These critical investments are part of Phase 2 of the “Proud to Charge” Zero Emissions Transportation Plan, this initiative aims to invest in public transportation and improve service operations to meet the needs of our diverse communities better.
We are focusing on four key areas:
- Zero Emissions Transport: Our government is transitioning 70% of our transit fleet to zero emissions by 2035 and nearly 100% by 2040.
- Transit Forward: We will continue to improve public transportation by analyzing transit networks, identifying gaps in service, and improving service operations.
- Prioritizing Accessibility: Ensuring reliable transportation to jobs, schools, and essential services, particularly in communities that need support.
- Transit Vision Plan (TVP): Our administration will review and implement the recommendations presented in the TVP - The comprehensive review of our current transit system.
Transit Transformation is our commitment to revamp our framework for providing safe, efficient, and reliable transit service to County residents.
A Legacy of Sustainability and Progress
Our journey towards a zero-emission future began in 2019 with an initial $2.2 million USDOT Low to No Emission grant, which catalyzed our enhanced access to transit and bolstered TheBus equipment, infrastructure, and workforce development. Over the years, we have secured over $62 million in state and federal funding for our bus electrification program, including a record-breaking $25 million in 2022.
This funding has allowed us to acquire 20 zero-emission vehicles, install a solar-powered microgrid system, retrofit existing bus garages, and implement workforce development and training programs. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation is persistent, and we are excited to continue this momentum with the latest grant award.
The Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan (CAP), introduced in 2021, aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
The County is journeying towards transforming our infrastructure to serve a more resilient future. With the continued support from our residents and partners, we will achieve our goals, providing excellent quality-of-life services for Prince Georgians.
Thank you to the USDOT for their meaningful support. Together, we are building a cleaner, greener future for Prince George’s County residents.
Yours in Service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive