Md. gets $26 million for transit upgrades

Maryland will receive an additional $26.3 million in federal stimulus money for transit improvements ranging from buses in rural areas to better speakers at MARC stations, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Friday. According to the U.S. Transportation Department, the Maryland Transit Administration will receive the following grants:

•$17.1 million toward rebuilding the bus loop at the MTA's Mondawmin Transit Center; heating and ventilation upgrades; light rail yard switch upgrades and replacement or overhaul of 24 rail substation circuit breakers.

•$4.3 million for facility renovations, preventive maintenance, shop equipment and parking lot construction.

•$2.9 million to improve MARC public address systems.

•$2 million to purchase nine buses for transit systems in rural areas of the state.

The money is part of the $48.1 billion available nationwide under last year's stimulus legislation for highway and bridge, transit, shipyard and airport construction and repairs.