Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Announces $14.7 Million Federal Grant to Modernize MCTS Infrastructure and Reduce Operating Costs
MILWAUKEE – Today, County Executive David Crowley announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $14.7 million in federal funding to the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). The funding, secured by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and advocated for by County Executive Crowley, was awarded through USDOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) federal grant program.
The BUILD grant will fund the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) Facilities Modernization Project, which will replace aging critical infrastructure with upgraded equipment and technologies. These upgraded systems are anticipated to reduce operating costs through improved efficiency and avoid costly, unplanned equipment repairs while helping avoid disruptions to the transit system.
“Strategic capital investments are essential to building a sustainable future for our transit system. That’s why I remain committed to working with partners at every level to bring critical federal investments home to Milwaukee County,” said County Executive David Crowley. “I’m grateful to our federal partners for their support, which will strengthen our ability to maintain a safe, reliable transit system. These investments mean fewer service disruptions, which will help businesses whose employees rely on transit, reduce congestion for commuters, and ensure families and students can depend on transit to get to work, school, and medical appointments.”
“Thousands of Wisconsinites across Milwaukee County rely on public transit to get to work, school and stay connected with their community,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. “I was proud to support this investment to modernize Milwaukee County’s transit system, keep Wisconsinites safe, and save taxpayers money.”
The MCTS Facilities Modernization Project consists of three components that will:
• Replace six underground fuel and fluid tanks with modern, double-walled tanks featuring real-time fuel system monitoring technology, helping ensure that MCTS buses have reliable refueling and maintenance locations without interruption to daily transit service.
• Design, build, and install six modern bus lifts, expanding fleet-wide service capabilities, reducing maintenance time and keeping buses in a state of good repair.
• Upgrade lighting across facilities, yards, and fueling areas. Upgraded lighting will reduce energy usage by up to 50% in maintenance facilities while ensuring safe conditions for staff and the public.
“Transit is a critical part of Southeastern Wisconsin’s transportation system, not only for bus riders but for everyone who uses our transportation network,” said Joe Lamers, MCDOT Executive Director. “By investing in the critical infrastructure that keeps our transit system running, we are investing in the regional transportation network that powers our economy.”
“This funding will improve reliability for our riders and help ensure a more sustainable and resilient transit system for our entire community,” said Steve Fuentes, MCTS President and CEO. “I want to thank our federal partners for their support and the team at the County and MCTS for their collaboration to secure this award.”
Implementation of the MCTS Modernization Project is anticipated to begin in 2027.
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