On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that 77 grants totaling $909.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) are being awarded for transit improvements in 27 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.

"This investment of federal funds in our nation's transit systems will promote greater mobility, a cleaner environment and more livable communities," LaHood said.

These funds are made available through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) assistance programs. More than $1.436 billion has been made available to 31 states since President Obama signed the law.

"These projects will put people back to work quickly, improve transportation options for millions, and will help rebuild the nation's economy," said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff.

The federal dollars announced Wednesday will be used to purchase new equipment, including street cars, buses, ferries, paratransit vans, clean fuel vehicles and railcars.  Funds will also pay for the construction of new transit facilities, bus shelters, repair and maintenance of transit systems and safety and security equipment.

ARRA, signed into law by President Barack Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, includes $8.4 billion for transit capital improvements. This law implements the transit formula program related provisions of the ARRA and provides program and grant application requirements for these funds, to be made available through FTA assistance programs.