Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that $387.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds will go to improve state and local transit systems in the U.S., while supporting the creation of jobs and providing much needed transportation options for millions.

"The Recovery Act was put in place quickly to rescue the economy from the worst recession since the Great Depression and rebuild it for a stronger future," said Sec. LaHood. "Rebuilding the nation's infrastructure is a key part of that prescription for strength. It creates jobs today and builds a better, more sustainable economy moving forward."

The majority of the grants funded through ARRA will be used to purchase new vehicles; increase safety and security initiatives; and construct, rehabilitate or maintain the various transit systems.

Since President Obama signed ARRA into law on Feb. 17, 2009, 415 grants totaling $3.8 billion have been made available for transit improvements throughout the nation.

Specific grant information can be found on the ARRA Grants Digest.