CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, CRIS Rural Mass Transit District, Champaign County and City of Danville were named as recipients of a combined $9.98 million grant to improve transit service throughout the community, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday.

Bennett, a member of the Senate Appropriations II Committee, worked to prioritize mass transit systems during negotiations of the landmark, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan.

“Public transportation is an important resource for thousands of residents, allowing them vital access to work, school, health care and more,” said Bennett. “By prioritizing public transit and making the necessary improvements, we are giving residents the freedom and mobility to get wherever they need to go.”

Grant funds will be used for new or renovated buses, transit stations and maintenance facilities. This is the first of three grant cycles for mass transit projects through the Rebuild Illinois plan, with the next two set to occur in 2021 and 2023.

“Transit in our downstate communities can be a lifeline for getting to work or school, a doctor’s appointment or a trip to the grocery store,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said. “This funding through Rebuild Illinois means these providers finally will have the resources they need to improve service in communities that have not seen this type of investment for many years.”

A complete list of local providers and awards can be viewed at https://idot.click/rbi-capital-plan-transit-grants.