Service agreement reached between AATA and Ypsilanti; stimulus money disbursed
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority unanimously approved a contract with the city of Ypsilanti Wednesday night that extends service through June 2011.
The 21-month agreement was retroactive to October and continues the same level of service for $312,330, documents show. Faced with a steep financial crisis, city officials discussed ending the annual contribution for AATA service last year.
The AATA inked a new agreement with the city of Ypsilanti.
The AATA board responded by committing federal stimulus funds to pay portions of the local cost to maintain transit service in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township.
“I’m glad we’re able to lock in transportation for this community for that period of time,” said board member David Nacht.
The board also finalized plans to spend the $2.29 million in remaining federal stimulus funds from the American Reinvestment and Recover Act of 2009.
More than $1 million will be used to expand the bus storage facility at AATA headquarters off Industrial Highway. Another $700,000 will be spent on revamping the Central Campus Transit Center on North University Avenue, the main hub of AATA activity on the University of Michigan’s Central Campus.
AATA will invest $300,000 to improve bus stop safety and accessibility around its service area. CEO Michael Ford said that will include curb cuts and wider entranceways. The final $280,000 will be used to assist Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township in maintaining the same level of service for residents.
AATA received $6.45 million in stimulus funds overall and spent $4.26 on various projects last year.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
kenUM
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:51 p.m.
Well hopefully Mr. Murdock can pull another rabbit out of his hat like this deal; and save the Fire and Police Services that are now on the chopping block!
Midtowner
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 10:56 a.m.
Councilmember Pete Murdock is the person who orchestrated this deal for the city of Ypsilanti. Mr. Murdock deserves all of our thanks for his dedication and hard work towards preserving public transportation in the city of Ypsilanti.